Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Yeonmijeong Pavilion, located in Wolgot-ri in the county of Ganghwa-gun, is the designated Incheon Tangible Cultural Asset No. 24 (designated on March 1, 1995). While the exact date of construction is unknown, the pavilion was greatly damaged and then rebuilt afterwards due to the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, the Byeongja Chinese Invasion in 1636, and the Korean War on June 25, 1950. The name Yeonmi comes from the swallow tail-shape of Imjingang River and Yeomhagang River ('yeon' means swallow and ‘mi’ means a tail). As the pavilion stands on top of Wolgotdondae, visitors can see Paju-si, Gimpo-si, Gaepung-gun in Hwanghae-do (North Korea) at a glance.  


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Jindo Island is the third largest island in Korea, next to Jejudo and Geojedo Island. It is made up of 250 smaller islands, and it is famous for the appearance of a dry road in the middle of the sea, near the end of February and mid June of the lunar calendar. As it resembles a passage in the Old Testament in the Book of Exodus, the event is called “The Miracle of Moses”. When the water recedes, a road about 30-40 meter wide and 2.8 km long appears, which stays for about an hour before being submerged again.Jindo Island has some legends which are still popular today, especially that of “Old Woman Bbyong of Hoedongri”. A long time ago, there were many tigers on Jindo Island. When tigers began appearing frequently in the village, the people fled to Modo Island. In the process, only the old woman Bbyong ended up remaining on the island, so the lady prayed everyday to Yongwang, the god of the ocean, to let her see her family again. Around February, Yongwang appeared to her in her dream and said, “I will send a rainbow to the sea tomorrow; ride it and cross the ocean”. The next day old woman Bbyong went out to the sea and prayed again, and the seawater parted as the rainbow road appeared. Through this road, her family and the other villagers came back to the island. Therefore when the sea parts, the people celebrate this phenomenon by holding the Yeongdeung Festival to remember the Old Woman Bbyong. During the Festival, original folk plays of Jindo Island are performed and draws many tourists into Jindo Island. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located on Yukhoe Street in Jongno, Buchon Yukhoe has a 60 year-tradition, offering inexpensive Yukhoe (beef tartare) and various other menus.  


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Mecenatpolis Mall houses popular fashion brands, beauty shops, and a large grocery store, as well as various restaurants and coffee shops. It contains cultural areas like Lotte Card Center performance area and Lotte Cinema. There are also often performances held at Mecen Garden and the central square. As the connecting Hapjeong Station is a hub of bus routes and the airport bus, getting there is particularly easy.


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

E-mart is a discount supermarket operated by Shinsegae, a department store franchise. Located in central Yeoido, E-mart is frequented by many international residents who live in the area. This single-level branch does not carry home appliances or sports goods, but instead sells groceries and prepackaged foods.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

The Hyundai Department Store Sinchon Branch stands at the center of the young and vibrant Sinchon area. Several universities are clustered around this area so the products displayed cater to a younger crowd. For added convenience, the Sinchon Subway Station, Line 2 is also directly connected to the department store.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Seungri is the youngest member of Big Bang but that doesn't mean that his ambitions are small. On top of his impressive musical career, Seungri has recently started taking his step to become a prominent restaurateur. Aori Ramen located in Cheongdam-dong is the singer-songwriter’s first restaurant opened in December, 2016. For many international fans of the idol group, dining at Aori Ramen is often included in their Seoul itinerary. Inside, a fairly modest layout of the interior feels warm and welcoming. With the exception of only a few tables, the seating is conveniently divided up for lone diners. The broth made at Aori Ramen is clear and just savory enough. Sliced scallions are added for a refreshing kick. The menu allows visitors to customize the toppings to their liking. A few extra slices of pork chashu lend a creamy texture to the broth.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (formerly 'Bukchon Kalguksu’) is one of the most popular restaurants on Samcheongdong-gil. The street in front of the restaurant is always crowded with cars and there are almost always people lined up outside the restaurant. The main dish is Kalguksu (noodle soup) with rich, mild broth made from ox bone. Homemade ‘wang mando’ (king-sized dumpling) is another specialty and you can even see workers making them at the entrance of the restaurant. Other dishes such as Modeumjeon (assorted pan-fried delicacies) and Bossam (napa wraps with pork) are also available.      


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Discover Retro Charm at JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Unique Incheon Experience JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Blend of History and Modern Art When planning your trip to Incheon, South Korea, one must-visit destination is JOYANGBANGJIK Café, located on Ganghwa Island. This extraordinary café was originally established in 1933 as the first rayon factory in Ganghwa. Over time, as the textile industry in the region declined, the factory fell into disrepair. However, it has since been brilliantly transformed into a spacious and stylish café, preserving the historical essence while integrating modern aesthetics. Historical Transformation The original building of JOYANGBANGJIK, which once lay abandoned, has been revitalized into a grand café. The dilapidated walls have been converted into an impressive art museum and movie theater. The long workbenches that once served the factory workers have been repurposed as coffee tables. The space, once bustling with machines and workers, is now adorned with antiques from China and Europe. Unique Décor and Atmosphere The décor of JOYANGBANGJIK Café is one of its most striking features. British-made doors with broken windows, round mirrors from old Czech trains, and Taiyaki machines that were used every winter are strategically placed as if they were always part of the building. This thoughtful arrangement allows the café to retain the essence of its historical past. The expansive factory site and the building's framework, spanning over 990 square meters (approximately 300 pyeong), have been preserved, adding to the café’s unique ambiance. Menu and Offerings JOYANGBANGJIK Café offers a wide range of beverages and cakes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Some of the standout menu items include: - Americano - Coconut Latte - Blueberry Hibiscus Tea - Mugwort Latte - Lemonade - Honey Ginger Tea Operating Hours - Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:20 PM) - Weekends and Holidays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:20 PM) Location and Additional Information JOYANGBANGJIK Café is located at 12, Hangnam Mokdo 5-gil, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. If you are using public transportation, you can take a bus from Ganghwa Terminal Station and get off at the "Girls' High School Entrance" stop, followed by a short walk of 195 meters. Final Thoughts JOYANGBANGJIK Café is a perfect blend of history and modernity, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The café not only provides a place to relax and enjoy delicious beverages but also allows you to immerse yourself in a piece of Korea’s industrial heritage. When visiting Incheon, make sure to include this one-of-a-kind café in your itinerary to enjoy its retro charm and artistic ambiance.


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

Located adjacent to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center and a casino in the Korea World Trade Center complex, COEX InterContinental Seoul is a one-stop business and entertainment destination in southern Seoul. Guests can conveniently access Bongeunsa Temple right across the street, as well as Grand InterContinental Hotel connected through Asia's largest underground mall, COEX Mall, which houses trendy shops, restaurants and 16 theaters. Also, guests can travel to and from the international airports conveniently through the city airport terminal.