Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Hyoje-dong in Jongno, Jipbul-gui Hwangso Gopchang (짚불구이황소곱창) specializes in straw-fire grilled bull intestines. Oriental herb powders are used to get rid of the smell of the intestines as well as burn away the fat. The use of straw in the fire further reduces the characteristic odor of the meat. Among the specialty restaurants serving the dish, this particular restaurant is quite famous, thanks in part to its appearance on several TV programs.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Park Gyeong Jae's dedication and passion for fresh ingredients play a key role in offering an excellent sushi experience at Kojima.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongno is home to a number of famous haejangguk restaurants, and Cheongjinok (청진옥) is considered the forerunner among them. Opened in 1937, the restaurant has been run by three generations of the same family. Beef bones are simmered for more than 24 hours to make a rich broth, and soybean paste is added to neutralize the meaty odor. Ingredients added to the broth include various vegetables, clotted beef blood, beef intestines, and rice. Always crowded, Cheongjinok is open 24 hours a day.      


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Usmania is a Pakistani restaurant located in Itaewon. The restaurant imports all its ingredients from Pakistan (except for its meats and vegetables) in order to make the dishes as authentic as possible. Dishes are cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven used in just about every household in Pakistan.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Templestay Information Center is located across the street from Jogyesa Temple, and can easily be accessed from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line3) or from Insa-dong Cultural Street. The center is a five-story cultural complex that houses the main Templestay offices, an information center, education center, a traditional temple restaurant called “Balwoo Gongyang”, the Lotus Cafe, and a Buddhist bookstore on the basement floor. The Templestay Information Center on the first floor handles all general information concerning Templestay programs. Here one can pick up pamphlets and other brochures about the programs, as well as get answers to questions. The Education Center on the third floor has facilities for both seated programs and open rooms for other activities. The fifth floor houses a restaurant called “Balwoo Gongyang”, specializing in traditional temple food, where one can taste the carefully prepared dishes, handmade by Buddhist practitioners.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Also known as Pagoda Park, Tapgol Park, located on the former site of Weongaksa Temple from the Joseon Era, is the first modern park to be built in Seoul. Weongaksa Temple was known as Heungboksa Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty, but was renamed when it was enlarged during the early years of the Joseon Era. However, it was destroyed during the reign of Yeonsangun and Jungjong due to the repression policy of Buddhism. Thereafter, a western park was built due to the proposal of an Englishman, John Mcleavy Brown, but no precise information on the reason and date can be found. The park contains several national treasures, including Wongaksaji Sipcheungseoktap and Weongaksabi, and Palgakjeong, where the Independence Proclamation was read; the independence movement relief plate; and the statue of Son Byeong-hee. The park is of great historical value and national spirit as it was the starting point of the March 1, 1919 Independence Protest.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

The Dongdaemun Fashion Town was slowly developed by Cerestar, Doota, Migliore, Pyounghwa, and wholesalers settling in Dongdaemun. Not only do Koreans shop in these areas, but visitors from Japan, China, Russia, and other countries have been known to frequently shop at both wholesale and retail stores here. The Hyeyang Elysium operates a special order shop (on floor G) for its foreign customers. There are also airport shuttle buses available to further attract more customers visiting from abroad. The merchants of the Hyeyang Elysium have plenty of knowledge in the latest fashions, as they personally research the fashion markets of Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo Dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon Dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.Jeungsimsa Temple is home to a large number of valuable cultural assets: Obaekjeon (hall of 500 Arhats); Cheoljo Birojanabul Jwasang (seated metal Buddha statue, Treasure No. 131) enshrined in Birojeon (Saseongjeon) Hall; a three-story stone pagoda from the latter Silla Kingdom (Gwangju Tangible Cultural Property No. 1); Beomjonggak Pavilion; Beomja Seven-story Stone Pagoda engraved with Beomja (ancient Sanskrit); and more.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Hotel Palace has 42 Western-style and 9 Korean-style guestrooms, as well as a couple dining facilities. Moreover, it offers easy access to a variety of commodity shops in the Namdaemun Gate area.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Art Center K (formerly Wonder Space) reopened in February 2012, offers art programs in Daehangno, a neighborhood of youth, romance and culture. It also supports artists through creative activities, exchanges, and trainings, while serving as a performing art hall where people can participate in artistic and creative activities.Art Center K's three theaters feature unique stages and audience spaces: Donggeurami (Circular) Theater, Semo (Triangle) Theater, and Nemo (Square) Theater. One stage hosts fun and educational open-run performances for children, while the other two theaters offer popular plays, musicals, concerts, and other cultural events.