Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

The old building of the Seoul train station was designed by Tsukamoto Yasushi, a professor of Tokyo University. Construction of the station started in June, 1922 and was completed in September, 1925. Due to its unique domed roof and large size, the station attracted much attention in its early years.After Korea regained its independence from under Japanese colonial rule, the station’s name was changed from ‘Gyeongseong Station’ to ‘Seoul Station’. During the Korean War, the station was partially destroyed but later restored. After Korea began industrializing after the war, the South annex and West annex were constructed to handle the increasing transportation volume.In 2004 when the privately-funded new station was constructed, the old station closed down, but after reconstruction in 2011 opened as a multicultural space called ‘Culture Station Seoul 284’. The main section (Jungang Hall) is for performances, exhibitions, events, and cafés, while the 2nd floor houses a hall that serves as a venue for cultural performances, exhibitions, academic seminars, business meetings, and more.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Ojangdong Hamheung Naengmyeon’s feature menu item is Hamheung-naengmyeon (Pyeongyang-style chilled buckwheat noodles), a delicacy of North Korea’s Hamgyeongdo region, and has continued to receive wide popularity since 1953. Their diverse menu consists of Hamheung-naengmyeon, mul-naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth), wangmandu (large steamed dumplings), and more.Hamheung-naengmyeon is a specialty dish that was passed down from Hamgyeongdo long ago, where the cold noodles are made with starch, then mixed with red pepper paste and raw skate. If the dish is too spicy for your taste, try eating it with muchojeorim (shredded radish in vinegar) to cool your tongue. The muchojeorim is a side dish that can be refilled, free of charge.Other popular menu items include mul-naengmyeon, bibim-naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles mixed with red pepper paste), and the enormously large wangmandu stuffed with meat and vegetables.


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

The Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum opened on October 27, 1998 with the goals of preserving Korean traditional patchwork quilting techniques, which are gradually being forgotten, and of exhibiting other countries’ textile crafts. The Chojun Textile & Quilt Museum in Namsan-dong, central Seoul, is the only museum in Korea that displays local and foreign textile art.The museum brings together a number of beautiful quilts and other textiles from around the world that embody the love and spirit of the women who created them. These works include Korean traditional personal ornaments, ceremonial dresses, everyday objects, and traditional costumes of the Chinese Miao tribe. The displays of rare foreign quilts and Korean traditional patchwork quilts dating back as far as 100 years have been attracting a continuous flow of quilt aficionados and international tourists.As you may already know, the term ‘quilt’ refers to a coverlet made of two layers of fabric decoratively stitched together with a layer of cotton in between. A long time ago, Koreans wore quilted clothes and held quilting parties similar to the Western quilting bee. Koreans have long since used various cloth remnants to make quilts.Though the actual type of cloth, pattern, and stitching may vary from country to country and person to person, quilts the worldover represent the resourcefulness and care of the people who made them. At the museum, visitors can compare the styles of a variety of beautiful Asian and Western textile works, which is perhaps one of the main draws of the museum.The museum’s first exhibition presented the winning works of the Japan International Quilt Contest. It then hosted the first Korean Quilt Contest and presented the winning works of the contest at the museum. It has since held several shows featuring quilts and other textile works including “The Manhole Quilt Exhibition for a Beautiful Environment” and the World Traditional Textile Exhibition.In addition to exhibits and various programs, the museum has served as an educational center for textile artists by organizing a number of workshops and seminars. Fast emerging as a favorite destination for foreign tourists thanks to its unique items and exhibitions, the Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum plans to hold more diverse exhibitions and contests in the future while continuing to exhibit its permanent collection of Korean textile art.The programs at the museum are aimed at providing the general public with opportunities to get closer to the textile arts, which remain unfamiliar to many, and to help preserve Korea’s textile traditions and promote them worldwide. In addition, by introducing unique textile artwork from overseas, the museum seeks to offer opportunities for local textile artists to obtain new ideas and techniques and gain a wider, global perspective.


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

Located at the skirt of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa temple , as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand year old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Jinseong Queen’s reign), Master Dosun founded it at the ground of Yeonhui palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, and later in 1748 (24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.“Yeongsanjae”, one of the Buddhist rituals and also the Important Intangible Cultural Properties No. 50, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for the world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summer time, “Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival” takes place, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Gana Glasses is a popular shop among Japanese tourists and is known for having high-quality eyeglasses at reasonable prices. Precision of products and swift delivery to customers are high priorities. The shop boasts a wide variety of products: imported luxury brands, Korean products, and colorful accessories.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Amiga In Seoul is within walking distance of all five of Seoul's major palaces and Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is lovely in the daytime and even more beautiful at night. Guests can also experience Korean tradition culture (including live performances) in Insa-dong, Daehangno, and the Marronnier Park. Other attractions located nearby are Dongdaemun Market and Myeong-dong, some of the area’s most popular shopping destinations.


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(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Seven Springs delivers pleasure and well-being, as the food intends to serve an environmentally-friendly, healthy meal. The restaurant is styled with a pleasantly comfortable interior, while the open-kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs prepare the salads, for a more delightful dining experience.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Herb Medicine Festival has been held every fall since 1995 in Yangnyeongsi (약령시), the largest herbal medicine marketplace in Seoul. The festival celebrates the history and effectiveness of the nation's traditional herb medicine and raises international interest in Seoul’s Yangnyeongsi market.During the festival, a wide variety of events will be held, including activity programs such as an herb slicing contest and writing, cooking, and singing contests. Other highlights on the festival calendar include traditional performances and a taekwondo demonstration. Visitors can also enjoy free herbal tea, food, and rice cakes and will be able to buy a variety of herbs at low prices.Perhaps the most anticipated events of the festival are the free herbal medical diagnoses and treatments, which are on offer for Korean and international visitors. This is a good opportunity for you to check your body condition and experience the benefits of oriental medicine.


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

Uireung (의릉) is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (1688-1724, reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui (1705-1730).King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died only four years after becoming king, without any great political achievements. As a results, queen Seonui became the crown princess in 1718 and queen in 1720 when King Gyeongjong ascended to the throne. She is known to have had a kind heart and prudent personality.Uireung’s tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment.