Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Locaed in Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon Museum consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, spanning over an area of 6,535㎡. The museum houses approximately 33,000 relics which are donated or purchased in Suwon Museum of History, Calligraphy Museum of Korea, planned exhibition hall and other exhibition hall. Suwon Museum of History covers an area of 489㎡ and presents the old scene of Yeongdong Market Street in around 1960’s. Hwachunok, attributed to the spread of Suwon galbi (ribs) that is famous in Suwon. Children can learn and experience our past life and adults can remind of the old times at this museum. Calligraphy Museum of Korea is the first calligraphy museum build by local governments. Important calligraphy relics like the works of Yang Taekdong who was a calligrapher in May 2003 in Suwon. The hall features a large scale of area (624㎡) and its display case were made with cutting-edge device and high class of design. Exhibitions includes Geumseokmun (metal writing), Beopseo (calligraphic specimen of renowned artists of the past), renowned calligraphers during Joseon Dynasty, Eopil (the writings of King), Seogan (letters), contemporary renowned calligraphers, Sagunja (four gracious plants), Munbangsau (four important things of study) and others. Also, an approximate 327㎡ scale of planned exhibition hall is open to be held exhibitions with specific themes every year and available for general visitors to use the hall. In addition, the museum offers educational programs for visitors as well as large scale of calligraphy festival for all of calligraphers alike. Saun Lee Jong Hak Archives is a archive room of 241㎡ and 63㎡ of a material hall to house 20,000 pieces donated from Saun Lee Jonghank (1927-2002). He devoted his life to collecting materials related Yi Sun-sin, Japanese invasion materials, and Dokdo Island. The collected materials are donated to The Independence Hall of Korea, Donghak Peasants Revolution Memorial Hall, Hyeonchungsa Shrine and others. In particular, Dokdo Museum was established in Ulleungdo Island based on the Dokdo Island-related materials. Also, he significantly attributed to the academic field by publishing materials, which are thought to be valuable but not well-known, himself with his own money.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Nobizib is a specialty restaurant featuring Galbi (marinated and grilled beef ribs). A combination of the restaurant’s own special sauce, pure bronze gridiron, and oak tree charcoal creates a unique taste beloved by visitors and locals alike. The spicy galbi jjim (braised beef ribs) is another restaurant specialty.Located at the entrance of Myeongdong, Nobizib is easily accessible via public transportation and is frequented by Japanese tourists (thanks to the restaurant’s exposure in tour guidebooks and magazines in Japan).


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located in Bukchon, surrounded by Bugaksan Mountain between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Rakkojae Seoul is one of the first hanok accommodations opened in the area, and it is a popular tourist spot for the unique beauty of its hanok buildings and delicious restaurants as well as ancient palaces and Insa-dong street. Entering the alleyway along the wall of Jaedong Elementary School, an extraordinary-looking hanok structure with the name plaque ‘Rakkojae’, meaning “a place where one can enjoy the traditions of times past and rest one’s soul”, is found. Rakkojae Seoul is a boutique hanok hotel that was built by renovating an old noble family’s house with a history of 130 years by Human Cultural Asset-Master Carpenter Chung Young-jin. With the quiet and still atmosphere, the hanok hotel has a ‘ㅁ’-shaped hanok structure with various charms including black roof tiles, a red clay wall, a tall gate, a yard with a pond, sotdae (pole), an iron pot and jars, a pavilion, and a garden planted with bamboo and pine trees along the walls. Rakkojae aims to promote the true beauty of the traditional Korean house and provide the best quality services. At the hotel, eating is a matter of the highest priority. Based on Korean style food, guests can choose between standard and high quality Korean table d’hote, which requires an advance reservation. The music performance of gayageum (Korean zither with twelve strings), pansori (epic chant), geomungo (Korean zither with six strings), or daegeum (large bamboo transverse flute) takes place on the floor of the pavilion. It also offers various hands-on programs including a tea ceremony, making Kimchi, and a royal court traditional Korean clothes experience. The room temperature of the Jjimjilbang (Korean dry sauna), the most popular experience among guests, reaches up to 60°C through a furnace. In addition, each room is equipped with a bathtub made of Hinoki cypress. There is an interesting background story about how the owner started running the hanok hotel. Mr. Ahn, who worked for an engineering company in the U.S.A. and came back to Korea after about ten years, originally ran the Korean restaurant. As he was charmed by the hanok structure of the restaurant and wanted to introduce it to his foreign friends, he led trips to ancient hanok buildings from 1994. Then, he heard about the plan to demolish the building of Jindan Academic Society in 2000, and Ahn bought it to establish Rakkojae. With the motivation of promoting the true beauty of Korea to the world, the boutique hanok hotel ‘Rakkojae’ was designed with sophisticated decorations and objects such as old furniture, paintings, elegant ceramics and tea sets.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Yonggeumok's specialized stew includes tofu, fried tofu, spring onion, onion, oyster mushroom, tree ear mushroom, and other condiments added to broth boiled with lamb and its intestines overnight. Pre-cooked loaches are added in the end, creating a spicy yet savory flavor with chewy texture (loaches can be ground upon request). The restaurant serves Gyeongsang-do style, Jeolla-do style and Seoul-style chueo tang (loach stew).    


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Lotte City Hotel Mapo is a premium business hotel that opened on March 10, 2009. Conveniently located near Myeongdong, Seoul Station, Hongdae, and Yeouido, it has easy access to public transportation including the airport railroad to Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport. The hotel provides 5-star hotel facilities at reasonable prices. The 284 guestrooms include 100 twin rooms, 182 double rooms, and 2 ondol rooms, while the subsidiary facilities include a swimming pool, a gym, and a business center equipped with free internet service, a fax machine, a copy machine, a printer, and stationary. The double rooms feature a spacious workplace for business travelers, while twin rooms have a luxurious and comfortable interior. The family twin rooms are for family travelers, and ondol rooms provide a chance for visitors to experience the traditional Korean lifestyle. The buffet-style hotel restaurant ‘Naru’ features an elegant ambience and fresh dishes cooked at its open kitchen.


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

Saigon features Vietnamese cuisine, such as wollam ssam (Vietnamese spring roll) and ssal-guksu (pho rice noodle soup).


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

Saji Park is well landscaped with various trees and flower beds. Around April 15th every year, cherry blossoms are in full bloom creating a splendid scene. During this time, the municipality of Gwangju installs lighting in the trees for citizens to enjoy the blossoms late into the night. The park has become established as a favorite rest area for Gwangju citizens.The park houses several attractions including a memorial for national heroes, the Gwangju Broadcast Station (KBS), the Memorial Tower for Policemen, Yeonpajeong Pavilion, the Gwandeokjeong shooting range, and the Palgakjeong Pavilion overlooking downtown Gwangju. The various trees, shrubs, and flowers offer an inviting atmosphere for an outing.


Seoul(Seongdong-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

From Eungbongsan Mountain (94m) one can easily see the Hangang River, Seoul Forest, Jamsil Sports Complex and more in the eastern part of Seoul. With such a great view of the Hangang River, the mountain are packed with visitors including many photographers. There is a sunrise event on the first day of the year and forsythia festival around April as the mountain is well-known for its forsythia.


Daejeon(Jung-gu)

Flying Pan in Eunhang-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon is a restaurant famous for its delicious pizza and pasta. Its sophisticated exterior and cozy Italian interior projects warmth and class, giving diners a strong impression even before they taste their first bite.The restaurant offers a variety of hand-made pastas and thin crust pizza baked fresh in a brick oven. Some of the most popular dishes are the spaghetti, carbonara pasta, and the ‘Flying Pizza,’ which offers a medley of different tastes. Craving something rich? Then try out the ‘Pizza Carbonara’: creamy cheeses and bacon served with hints of olives and black pepper. With its wide selection of scrumptious dishes and extensive wine list, it’s no wonder that Flying Pan has become one of the area’s must-visit places for true food connoisseurs.