Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Located in Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Namdo Folk Food Museum was established to preserve and promote the folk foods of the Namdo region. The museum is housed in a building that resembles both the long, rectangular presses used to make patterned rice cakes and the Ipseokdae Rock of Mudeungsan Mountain, a symbol of Gwangju. Even the colors of the building’s walls hold special significance. The obangsaek ‘five colors’ (blue, white, red, black, and yellow) symbolize the cardinal directions, the seasons, the major organs in the body, different tastes, feelings, and philosophy.Major facilities at the museum include: a special exhibition room for invitational displays on culture and art, the permanent exhibition room on Namdo folk food, the Museum Studio with material related to the museum itself, and the Museum Shop, which sells a selection of Namdo folk food. Other facilities include the Honam Cultural Material Exhibition Room, which showcases the culture of the Honam region (literature, customs, and art), and a seminar room for art and culture-related lectures and conferences.


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(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in one of Korea's most representative cultural attractions, Cheongwadae Sarangchae, this souvenir shop sells various cultural and special products that are articulately designed and handcrafted. Products and souvenirs with Cheongwadae logos are also available for sale.      


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located around the Insa-dong Street Intersection, Bonwon Calligraphy has provided customers with top-notch calligraphic supplies for over 30 years. Products are especially well priced because the shop is involved in both manufacuring and selling supplies. Being one of the largest of its kind in Insa-dong, the shop is frequented by calligraphic experts. Customized products are available upon request. 


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.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Woljeongsa Temple is located in the forest of the valley east of Mt. Odaesan, and it is composed of 60 temples and 8 monasteries made into one large temple. Woljeongsa Temple was established by Monk Ja Jang (590~658). At Woljeongsa Temple there is the Seongbo Museum where you can view the Buddhist culture of the Goryeo Dynasty (918∼1392), the nine-story octagonal pagoda, also called as the Sari-Pagoda (relic pagoda), and the Stone Seated Buddha figure. Also there is the Jeokmyeolbogung where Buddha's bones are said to be preserved, and the large sermon hall Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion. Usually in a Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion the Vairocana figure is enshrined, but it is interesting that the Sakyamuni figure is enshrined at Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion at Woljeong temple. Woljeongsa Temple of today was restored after the Korean war in 1950 when the Chilbulbojeon, Yeongsanjeon, Gwaneungjeon, Jinyeonggak and 17 other buildings were burned. Many cultural assets and historic data were lost at this time. The Silla Dongjong, which was excavated from the Seonrimwon site in Yangyang-gun, was also lost. The Budo site (relic site) and sagoji (historic document storage) is nearby Woljeongsa Temple. The Budo site is a 15-minute walk from the Woljeongsa Temple to its location at the Sangwonsa Temple, just before crossing the Banya Bridge. Here there are 22 pagodas that hold the remains of the monks who had lived here. Sagoji is an hour’s walk from Woljeongsa Temple towards Sangwonsa near Yeonggamsa Temple.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Hadongkwan is a 70-year-old restaurant in Myeong-dong, Jongno-gu. This restaurant first opened in the 1930s, and serves only two items: Gomtang and Suyuk. And there are only two side dishes: kkakdugi (radish kimchi) and kimchi. Unlike other restaurants, Hadongkwan serves its soup in a brass pot. The broth of the soup seems thin but the taste is delicious and thick. The soup is made of 100% natural ingredients and free of artificial additives.


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

Times Square is a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various leisure, entertainment, accommodation, and dining establishments. The complex houses Shinsegae Department Store, which features a number of luxury brands and high-end local products, CGV Starium, which houses 12 movie theaters, including the world's largest screen, a multi-purpose performance center, Kyobo Book Center, E-Mart Discount Supermarket, Courtyard by Marriott, which features 273 rooms, Kolon Sporex Luxury Fitness Center, Amoris Banquet and Convention Center, I Like Dalgi Children's Theme Park, various dining establishments, and many more. In addition, several large outdoor spaces, which collectively span over near 14,850 ㎡, provide perfect spots for relaxation and enjoying the nature inside the metropolitan complex.


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

Express Bus Terminal Wholesale Flower Market is located on the third floor of the Gyeongbuseon area in Express Bus Terminal, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul-si. This flower market handles 30-40% of all shipping of flower supplies throughout the nation like the name sugguests. 40% of all flowers sold are delivered to retail dealers and florists in the Seoul area and the other 50-60% is sold to middlemen living in other big cities such as Gangneung, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, etc. Only 5% of the whole supply amount is purchased by general customers. In addition, the market houses flower-related stores including shops selling items for flower arrangement, and other specialty stores for gardening. The prices of the market vary by the conditions and types of the flowers available so it differs every day. General buyers can get flowers at about a 30-50% cheaper price than at a retail flower shop.