Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Here is a trivia question to which all Hallyu fans would know the answer. What is the name of the K-pop group that former U.S. President Barack Obama mentioned during his speech on July 3rd, 2017? Yes, it is the dashing and stylish SHINee. Since their debut in 2008, the members have toured all over North America, South America and Europe. SHINee’s last international tour ended in June, 2017, after their concerts in Los Angeles, Dallas and Taipei were completely sold out. Magnolia Design Café located in Itaewon by Yongsan-gu Office is known to be one of Key’s favorite cafés in Seoul. He has shared pictures of himself enjoying drinks at the coffee shop via his personal social media account. Magnolia Design Café is housed in a refurbished family-home offering a cozy atmosphere in the midst of the bustling Itaewon area. The exact spot where Key took photographs can be found at the quaint backyard. The most popular menu items during warmer seasons include the blueberry smoothie and iced latte.  


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

The idea behind Jeju Eco Suites was created by a husband-and-wife team of tour guide and painter. Its wooden buildings are surrounded by grass fields, giving the Suites an exotic feel of being in a forest vacation home. Like its name, Eco Suites uses solar power extensively to provide outdoor lighting and heating, while up-cycled trash bins and flower pots made out of old paint tins demonstrate the potent mixture of artistic creativity and environmental awareness that characterizes the rest of the Suites. There are 10 rooms in total, including the Deluxe Suite, Jacuzzi Suite, and Spaville Building. The interior is decorated with the same elegant and comfortable touch. All rooms are furnished with living rooms and comfortable sofas, wide terraces, and fully-equipped kitchens, which help to make the stay just like home. The two Spaville Buildings, which come in 45-pyeong (150m2) and 75-pyeong (250m2) varieties, are highly popular among visitors who prefer privacy. All rooms accommodate travelers with dogs, while the lobby offers a suite of toys for children. Other amenities like free barbecue grill for rental, free laundry facilities, and free breakfast (for guests staying longer than 2 nights) show that the team is truly attentive to the comfort of the guests. From November to January, it also allows guests to experience the mandarin orange harvests in the nearby field. Tourist attractions like the Jungmun Tourist Complex or the Jungmun Beach are located about 7 to 10-minute drive away.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Muju Firefly Market is a traditional 5-day market, operating only on days ending in a 1 or 6. The market is the representative traditional market of Muju, with a history of over 100 years. Vendors at the market bring their fresh produce to sell in a variety of small stalls set up. Products on sale range from agricultural products to daily necessities and junk food.


Chungcheongnam-do(Nonsan-si)

Gwanchoksa Temple (관촉사) in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do is located at the foot of Mt. Banyasan (100m in elevation). This temple enshrines a Seokjomireukbosalipsang Buddha (Treasure No. 218), which was built over the course of 38 years, beginning in 967 during the Goryeo period. According to a legend, while a lady was picking fernbrake on Mt. Banyasan, she heard a baby crying. When she went to the spot from which from which the crying was coming, there was no baby but instead was a large rock sticking out from the ground. Upon hearing this story, the government ordered a Buddha statue to be made from the rock. This Buddha statue, widely known as ‘Eunjimireuk Buddha,’ is the largest stone Buddha in Korea (18.12m in x_height, 9.9m in girth, 1.8m in the length of ears, 2.43m at the x_height of crown). There are many other cultural heritages in this temple and every April, a splendid cherry blossom tunnel strecthing from Nonsan to Gwanchoksa Temple is at its peak.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Samsung Spa Hotel is located within the Bugok Spa Complex and features natural sulfuric hot springs that run at a constant temperature of 78℃. The hotel has a jjimjilbang (hot compress room) of 3,305㎡ equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, a hot spring sauna and a Korean restaurant. It also has a large banquet hall that seats 300 people and smaller banquet halls that seat 120, 50 and 30 people.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

This hanok (traditional Korean house) guesthouse is located in a quiet residential area in Sansu-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju. There are four rooms in total, all with ondol (under-the-floor heating system). Seoseokdae and Jungmeorijae rooms can accommodate up to 4, while Jangbuljae and Ipseokdae rooms have a maximum occupancy of 3. Reservations are made for one guest, and guests under age 5 can stay free of charge. Each room has an attached bathroom and is equipped with a refrigerator. A common washing machine is located in the outer restroom. Breakfast features a pumpkin porridge made by the owner. There are no separate parking spaces in the building, but visitors can use the public parking lot nearby. Traditional cultural programs offered on site include natural dye, rice cake making, hand mirror making with pressed flowers, sweet rice balls/puffs making, succulent plant pot making, candle making, and fan making.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

The municipal office of Donghae, a city located in Gangwon-do, holds its landmark summer celebration every year. The festival offers visitors the chance to experience and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Mangsang with diverse experiential programs and performances. Through this festival, the city hopes to offer an enjoyable vacation destination with sightseeing opportunities to local residents and inbound visitors alike, while supporting local businesses and taking full advantage of the geographical, cultural and tourist resources the region has to offer.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

Gimpo Sculpture Park is situated in a large forest and decorated with 30 sculptures: 14 by international artists and 16 by Korean artists. Since the site is located near the DMZ, the only divided country in the world, each sculpture expresses the overarching theme of unification. A favorite spot for weekend picnicking families and couples on dates, the park is expected to be included in a large tourist complex in the near future along with nearby Reports Park and the youth training center.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Established in 1918, Jumunjin Lighthouse is the first light house in Gangwon-do region. The lighthouse is 3m in max diameter and 10m in x_height with white mortar covered the exterior wall. The building shows the early structure of the country’s lighthouse architecture, which is a great value in terms of the nation’s architectural history. The light signal blinks at 15-second interval and can be identified from 37km away. The lighthouse was once destroyed during Korean War and restored in 1951. Jumunjinhang Harbor, where the lighthouse is located, is 210,000㎡ in size. After becoming a half-way station of Busan-Wonsan Route in 1917, both passenger and freight vessels made an entrance to the harbor.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

This Chinese restaurant is run by a family for two generations and has been in business on Jeju Island for about 50 years. It’s particularly popular among Taiwanese and Chinese tourists visiting Jeju Island.