Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The 2013 Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 12 to 14 at Gyeongju City's three most beautiful sites for viewing cherry blossoms: Bomun Lake Resort (경주 보문관광단지), Dongbu Historic Complex (동부사적지), and Heungmu Park & Geumjangdae (흥무공원, 금성대). Each area will have a variety of events and programs, including musical performances, traditional wedding ceremonies, and photo contests.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962. Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. Roughly 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it. The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong). It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by the observation of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is an international restaurant chain that specializes in California-style pizza.Boasting its 20 yerars of history, the casual dining restaruant expanded from California to more than 250 locations in more than 30 states and 11 countries.The CPK - Gangnam Branch is located in the famous Gangnam district of Seoul.


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

Hyundai Residence is located in Chungmuro, mecca of Korean culture, art and movie industry, and provides homely rooms and outstanding view. Various kinds of room provide the best environment for business and family tourists and all rooms are equipped with washing machine, refrigerator and high speed Internet. Located in the middle of Myeong-dong, Euljiro, and Namdaemun Market, Hyundai Residence is in the center of all kinds of tourisms including what to see and what to eat.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the former president Lee Seungman and his wife lived in their house called Ihwajang. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed here for a while before coming to America as an exile.Ihwajang house consisted of the bonchae, or the main building, which was where Lee Seungman and his wife’s living quarters were, jogakdang(president’s office area) and other buildings. Jogakdang, the president’s office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry. Ihwajang house shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control. 


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Novotel is located in the center of Daegu’s finance, shopping, and culture district, and is connected to the new shopping mall of Doran Plaza along with the subway station. Access to the KTX train station and the airport are extremely convenient, making it the perfect place for travelers to enjoy their leisure time. The Novotel boasts 25 suites, 203 luxurious guest rooms, a business center, upscale restaurants and bars, seven meeting rooms, and a fitness center and sauna located on the 23rd floor of the building.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured then later executed Korean followers of the Independence Movement. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you'll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell where Yu Gwan-sun an historic figure during the independence movement died. The 1st floor is “A Place of Reverence,” where you can learn about Seodaemun Prison via the graphic systems. A large screen shows the background of its founding and the transition periods in its history. The Material Room has displays and information on Korea's history. The museum also holds special exhibits. The 2nd floor is “A Place of History,” where you can view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” This floor shows examples of how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing to hold on to their hope and resolve for freedom. “A Place of Experience” is the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic. At the Seodamun Independence Park nearby you can visit the Independence Hall, the Patriotic Martyr Monument, the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument, relic no. 32 and no. 33.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

 


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.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)