Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

                 


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

Homers Hotel sits along the beach at the end of beautiful Gwangandaegyo Bridge, offering not only a cool coastal breeze, but also a picturesque view of the city skyline. As a new rising boutique hotel, Homers is the picture of comfort and luxury. Most rooms in the 20-story building have an ocean view and room service is available 24/7. Facilities include restaurants, a sky lounge, a wedding hall, a banquet room, a fitness club, and a large parking lot that stretches from B1 to B4. Nearby tourist attractions include Gwangalli Beach and Haeundae Beach, aquarium, and dried fish market.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The Kim Koo Museum & Library was built to show and express the life and thoughts of Kim Koo (1876-1949), also known by his pen name Baekbeom, who was a great teacher to the people of Korea. He dedicated his life to establishing an independent, democratic, and unified homeland with an developed culture.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

The Hyundai Department Store Mia Branch, located in Seongbuk-gu Gireum-dong, boasts a structure that stands with five basement floors and ten stories above ground. Living up to its motto, "An added value of living", the Mia branch offers a great selection of products and top quality customer service.The department store is closed one Monday a month, so be sure to check the official homepage for exact closing dates. Store hours are from 10:30am to 8:00pm daily.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Situated to the north of Jeju City, Yongduam was created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years. However, there are plenty of other stories of how it came to be. One legend has it that a dragon stealing precious jade from Mt. Halla was shot down by an arrow from the mountain deity. When he fell down on Yongduam, his body immediately sank into the ocean and his head rapidly froze looking at the sky. Another legend has it that a white horse, who dreamed of being a dragon and ascending to the sky, came to be caught by a soldier and froze into the rock.From Yongduam, visitors can see Haeneo women divers working on catching seafood. Near the rock are various cafes, bars, and restaurants. The coastal road between Aewol-eup and Yongduam is a popular spot for couples. Cafes and seafood restaurants began to appear there five years ago and now form a pleasant café village.Drinking a cup of coffee at the village café and driving along the scenic coastal lines, visitors can encounter Iho Beach where black rocks contrast with the emerald-blue ocean, Hagwi Coast, and Aewol Port. Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal drive. Further from the port is one of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae Beach, showcasing the deep royal-blue sea year-round with splendid white sand. 


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Stretching from the (former) Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office to the Geumnam-ro area, this famous plaza is where the landmark May 18th Democratic Uprising took place. In May 1980, the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government office building was the headquarters of the civil resistance movement and the scene of a number of rallies. The plaza has been officially known as the May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장, Minju Gwangjang) since 1996.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Yi Sang-hwa is a nationalist poet, who resisted the Japanese colonialism. This house had been his residence from 1939 until he died in 1943. Unfortunately, the house had been neglected since. However, the citizens' movement in 1999 to preserve the house urged the Military Mutual Aid Association to purchase it, and donate it to the City of Daegu on October 27, 2005. It has been restored and opened to the public, serving as the center for education of the poet's brave spirit and work.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

There are many islands named Dongbaekseom Island (동백섬) in the South Sea where dongbaek trees thrive. Among them, the Dongbaekseom Island in Busan used to be an island, but is now part of the mainland. Dongbaekseom Island is a very small, and many dongbaek trees and evergreens thrive there. At the top of the island, there is a statue and a monument of Choe Chi-Won, a scholar and writer during the Silla Kingdom.The Busan Tourism Organization has declared Dongbaekseom Island Tourist Site No.46. The island also has Dongbaek Park (동백공원) and a 2.5 m high statue of a mermaid near the beach which many tourists can easily visit on their way to the beach.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Woonsan (Formerly, Yongsusan) is a traditional Korean restaurant located in the basement of the Seoul Finance Center. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has been serving up Gaeseong-style (Old capital of Goryeo Dynasty), which is said to be experienced using each of the five senses. Though the restaurant offers a variety of traditional course meals, the best-selling course is Haewon Jeongsik. This special set meal typically starts with porridge for soothing the stomach and then moves on to more substantial dishes like Kimchi, mung bean jelly, vegetable dishes, pork, beef, jeon (Korean-style pancakes), Gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies), Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib meat patties), rice steamed in bamboo, and desserts. Private rooms are also available in various sizes for business meetings or special family gatherings.