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

Mt. Daemosan behind Heonilleung Royal Tomb was originally called Halmisan (meaning grandmother in Korean) because it resembles the shape of an old lady. Daemosan Mountain embraces Heonilleung Royal Tomb, guarding the royal tomb.Heonilleung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heonilleung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond. Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang, which are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep. There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.


4.0/1
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Ahwon Gongbang is a studio devoted to metal crafts. It offers various handmade crafts such as candlesticks, mirrors, and silver accessories. Operated by the same sisters, it tries to embrace both modern art and antique beauty unique in Samcheong-dong. Sophisticated, oriental items made by artists have attracted many international tourists and Japanese tourists in particular. It is a nice place for shopping or, simply, enjoying crafts.


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

Nicole Jung, Amber Liu and Jo Kwon do not venture into a grocery store to have their daily cereal fix. Instead, they head themselves to Midnight in Seoul, Korea’s very first cereal café. The decor of the café, complete with electric pink walls and neatly stacked cereal boxes, has been featured on the social media accounts of many celebs. Initially opened by actor and singer Yoon Kye-sang and his artist friends, Midnight in Seoul recently changed ownership. K-pop fans will be familiar with the new owner of Midnight in Seoul- the singer Jo Kwon from the K-pop group 2AM. As for the menu items, over 40 different types of cereals and a wide variety of toppings including nuts, fruits, marshmallows and wine gums (what are wine gums? Is that the correct term?) are available. Choosing a cereal can be tricky but the friendly wait-staff is always ready to provide menu recommendations.  


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Doota is a fashion mall full of trendy fashion items. There are 540 stores throughout the 8-story building including designer shops, select shops, luxury brand stores, cafes, and restaurants. Doota provides unique, high quality products at reasonable prices under the motto of ‘Fast & First’ and offers a one-stop shopping experience. Doota is visited a large number of foreign visitors compared to other shopping malls, with 55,000 local visitors and 10,000 foreign visitors a day. Services for foreign tourists include an information desk (1F) that provides information in three foreign languages (English, Japanese, and Chinese), money exchange (1F), Tax Refund office (5F), souvenir shop (5F), and storage lockers (B2). They also give away coupon books, which can be used at shops popular among foreign shoppers, and souvenir gift kits.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Horim Art Center is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. The Horim Museum at the art center is a branch of the Sungbo Cultural Foundation's Horim Museum. This museum has exhibition halls on the second through fourth floor, a museum shop, and a lounge. The building, themed to look like comb-patterned ceramics, is a piece of artwork in itself.


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

Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi has been loved by customers for 40 years with only Sutbulgui jjukkumi bulgogi (charcoal-grilled ocellated octopus with bulgogi). In particular, their special sauce for jjukkumi seasoning features properly spicy and sweet taste adding more flavor to the dish.    


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Lotte World ceiling Ice Rink receives all the sunlight from the glass dome which makes the atmosphere seem as if it is outdoors. Lotte World Adventure glows fantastically at night with the lights, giving the customers a feeling of being in a parade. For these reasons, Lotte World Ice Rink is known as the finest ice rink in Korea.Screams of joy from the rides can be heard at the ice rink. This is because the icernk is in the same building as the amusement park. Thus, people can enjoy skating within an exciting atmosphere and delightful background.Around the ice rink are family restaurants such as ‘TGIF’, ‘Marche,’ and ‘Sizzlers,’ where you can enjoy international cuisines. Lotte World is also famous as a dateing spot among youths.Operating hoursPeak season: Summer vacation (Jul-Aug)/Winter, Spring vacation (Dec-Feb)-Mon - Fri 11:00 ~ 22:30-Sat, Sun, national holidays 10:00 ~ 22:30Low season: Mar-Jun, Sep-Dec, before vacation periods-Mon - Fri 10:00 ~ 21:30-Sat, Sun, national holidays 10:00 ~ 22:30*Schedules are subject to change.Watching performance is free of charge. (when group rentals the entire rink spaces.)*For details, refer to the official website. 


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

Exabras are handmade under garments specialized for functional bridal wear. Exbaras’ product “Grow Night,” an industry first, is a line of sleeping bras to help the reshaping process for breast implant patients. The store located in Nonhyeon-dong provides consultations, fitting services, as well as refreshments. Reservation is advised since the store has been drawing lots of visitors after featured in the cable TV show “Get it Beauty.”


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

The Lotte Department Store Cheongnyangni Branch has been providing a shopping culture since it was first established in 1994 at the Seoul Subway Line 1 Cheongnyangni Station, and has been participating in the redevelopment of the Cheongnyangni area ever since.Store hours of operation are from 10:30am to 8:00pm. Stores are closed for one Monday of the month. The department store stays open longer on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Opened in 1979, Kukjae Embroidery specializes in embroidered crafts using Korean traditional patterns. Every product is handicrafted, delicate, and elegant. Kukjae Embroidery is known as a frequent destination of foreign dignitaries. It offers a seminar in which international tourists can learn how to make embroidered crafts.