Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Opened in 1973, Hamilton Hotel is a landmark in Seoul's international town of Itaewon. In addition to 166 guestrooms, the hotel has many dining and convenience facilities including a shopping center. Its rooftop swimming pool is particularly popular on weekends during summer, as it provides relaxation under the sun and offers a great panoramic view of the city.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Founded in 1926, Seoul City Hall is a Renaissance-style stone building. Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall is a historic site where the March 1, 1919 (Samil) Independence Movement and the pro-democracy movement in June 1987 were held. It is also a well-known place where tens of thousands of Korean soccer fans came to cheer at during the 2002 World Cup Games. This oval grass square in front of Seoul City Hall, re-established in 2004, is used as a place to hold various events and cultural festivals like “Hi! Seoul Festival,” and is enjoyed by many Seoulites as a place to rest. One of the attractions of Seoul Plaza is the Floor Water Fountain, which looks like a normal sidewalk but shoots water up very high from the floor when you walk across it. The 48 floor lights along the grass square and Fala- a round type outer wall clock- are other attractive features of the Square. The Fala, in particular, is designed to ring the Boshingak Belfry sound at high noon everyday. The Floor Water Fountain presents a grand sight with 35 underwater lights.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Seoul Library provides access to a wide range of documents and materials about Seoul Metropolitan City. Visitors will find diverse resources related to the city including, history, culture, urban planning, transportation, environmental issues, administration, reports on outbound visitors, research documents, video clips, and e-data.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Gangneung-si in Gangwon-do is the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival and support coffee artisans as well has promote development of coffee-related contents such as coffee museum, coffee street, coffee factory, barista academy, etc. With almost all coffee shops in the area roasting their own coffee beans, Gangneung-si is well-recognized as the "city of coffee."  


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Explore Incheon's Historic Open Port Area Discover Incheon's Rich Heritage: A Must-Visit Destination If you're planning a trip to Korea, Incheon should be at the top of your list, especially its historic Open Port Area. This area preserves over 130 years of history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Korea's past. Gaehangjang Historic and Cultural Street Incheon's Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Historic and Cultural Street is a place where time seems to stand still. This area has been carefully preserved to retain the essence of its rich history since the port opened in 1883. Walking through these streets, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a black-and-white photograph, with historical buildings and cultural landmarks around every corner. Incheon Station Your journey can begin at Incheon Station, the terminus of Korea's first railway, the Gyeongin Line. This station remains a significant historical landmark and serves as the gateway to Incheon's Jung-gu district. It's a bustling hub where countless travelers begin their exploration of the city's storied past. Historic Landmarks As you stroll through the streets, you'll encounter many well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable sites include the former Japanese Consulate, which now houses the Jung-gu Office, and the old branches of Japan's 1st, 18th, and 58th Banks. These structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural styles and cultural exchanges of that era. Cultural and Historical Experiences In addition to its architectural wonders, the Gaehangjang area is home to several other historical and cultural attractions. You can visit the former Japan Mail and Shipping Inc., the Incheon Art Platform, and the Jemulpo Club, all of which tell the story of Incheon's evolution as an international city. For those who prefer a guided experience, expert cultural tourism guides are available by reservation, providing in-depth insights into the area's history. Tour Routes To fully appreciate the area's charm, consider following one of the recommended tour routes: *1-Hour Course: Start at Incheon Station (World Community Center), then visit Chinatown, the Jajangmyeon Museum, Haegang Cathedral, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, and the Incheon Art Platform. *2-Hour Course: Begin at the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center, followed by the Overseas Chinese History Museum, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, Jung-gu Office, Qing-Japanese Concession Boundary Stairs, Three Kingdoms Mural Street, Jajangmyeon Museum, and Incheon Station. *3-Hour Course: This extended tour includes all the sites from the 2-hour course plus the Incheon Metropolitan City Historical Archives, Jemulpo Club, Jayu Park, General MacArthur's Statue, Fairy Tale Village, and Chinatown (Uiseondang). Conclusion Incheon's Open Port Area is a treasure trove of cultural and historical experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this area has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit today and step back in time to discover the fascinating history of Incheon.


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

Songhakgim is a brand of seaweed harvested from some of the cleanest waters of the Western Sea, where the fresh waters of the rivers and the salty waters of the ocean mix. Rich in minerals and other nutrients, it is said to be healthier than other brands because of the abundant sunlight it receives as it grows.On the 1st floor of the Songhakgim store, visitors can see the manufacturing process of Songhakgim. On the 2nd floor, guests can make their seaweed (gim) purchases. Also on the 2nd floor is the Traditional Culture Experience Hall where international tourists can try on hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and make spicy rice cakes and rice balls.


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

Alla Prima is a fusion restaurant operated by chef Kim Jinhyeok, famous for his creative dishes. The restaurant offers dishes combining Asian and Italian cusine.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a Korean modern art museum conveniently located in the Deoksugung Palace area near Jeongdong Theater (traditional performances) and Nanta Theater. SeMA is a 3-story building with 6 exhibition halls, a lecture hall for educational programs, and a library where art-related books, magazines, and visual reference materials are available to the public. In one of the exhibition halls is a permanent collection titled "The Soul of Chun Kyung Ja," an exhibition of the works of the famous Korean artist Chun Kyung Ja. An art museum popular among both locals and visitors, SeMA holds internationally renowned exhibitions twice a year and has hosted Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Pompidou, and many other famous collections.


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

Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden opened its doors on February 18th, 1997 in Hannam-dong, where the residential complex for foreigners once stood before it was demolished in 1994. Covering an area of around 59m2, it is divided into 13 themed gardens with a total 117,132 plants from 269 species. Among this diversity, 60,912 plants from 129 species are tree types and 56,220 plants from 140 species are grass types. The 13 themed gardens include a garden of herbal medicine, apricot trees, wildflowers, royal azaleas, shrubs, commercial plants and a garden for the blind.


5.0/2
Seoul(Jung-gu)

Though the restaurant Nolbumandu’s specialty used to be son-mandu (handmade dumplings), the restaurant is now even more famous for its tasty “jokbal” (glazed pig’s feet), which is by far the most popular item on its menu. The menu also includes tteok-manduguk (dumpling soup with rice cake slices) and several Chinese dishes. This relaxed restaurant is so popular with Seoul’s citizens that during dinnertime customers normally have to wait 30 minutes to be seated, but it’s definitely worth the wait.