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

Located right around Ewha Womans University, Tonymoly is a nice cosmetic shop remodelled in February 2010. Items in Tonymoly seek natural cosmetics reflecting the beauty of nature. High quality items are offered at inexpensive prices. It is a popular brand among Japanese and Chinsese tourists as well. It employes the Korean celebrity Kim Hyun-joong as its model.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Charlotte Theater is Korea’s first theater designated exclusively for musicals, imitating the elegant ambience of European architectural design. The most distinctive feature of the Charlotte Theater is that the stage is very close to the audience, creating an intimate feel. Though the theater seats 1,000, the distance from the last seat on the second floor to the stage is only 28 meters, allowing guests to feel the liveliness of the performance.Light refreshments are available at the cafes located on each of the four floors, and hotel bar services are available at the VIP rooms. There are also rooms designed for families with small children located on the first floor, so that all family members may enjoy the performances.The theater is conveniently located a 5 minute walking distance from Lotte Shopping Mall, Songpanaru Park (Seokchon Lake), and Lotte World Adventure.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

The Olympic Park Peace Plaza ice skating rink, located in the Songpa-gu district of Seoul, is open for every winter. Seoul Olympic Museum, Soma Museum of Art, and Mongchontoseong Fortress are also within the vicinity.


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

The Ilmin Art Museum stands in the former Dongah Newspaper Building. The Dongah Newspaper was established in 1926 and has been in the building for 66 years. This building has been established as the oldest building associated with the press in Korea. The building was shut down for a year due to renovations and re-opened in 1996. The museum has maintained its look of tile floors and glass walls through the years. This museum boasts the largest Ilmin collection in Korea. From the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) there are 430 pieces in the Ilmin collection, 1,200 pieces in the Dongah Newspaper's collection of art, and 100 pieces of art owned by Hyundai Corporation. The Ilmin Collection mostly consists of pieces that Kim Sang-Man collected. Most of the pieces are very simple aesthetic paintings. The Dongah Newspaper's collection has time-relevant pieces that are important in history. Hyundai's collection is mostly paintings of social critiques. In the basement of the museum there is an art shop where original paintings can be purchased.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


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

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin was erected at the front of Gwanghwamun Square on April 27, 1968, in honor of the brave spirit and leadership of the Admiral. At 17 meters tall, the bronze statue stands firmly with a sword in his right hand, representing protection and patriotism. In front of the statue is a miniature turtle ship that the Admiral built, and at each front corner are two drums that were used to increase the morale of soldiers going to the battlefield.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore is a bookstore that also sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Arko Art Gallery (formerly Marronnier Art Gallery) is located inside Marronnier park in Daehakno, where many youth flock. Daehakno is a place where many couples have their dates and is beloved by the artisans who use the area as a performance center. The Arko Art Gallery is situated in the partk. The Arko Art Gallrey was founded by the Korean Culture Promotion Department to flourish and enrich the Korean arts. Founded in 1979, when there were not many exhibition spaces for artists, it was a place of hope for many of them. With low general exhibit fees and relatively important self-planned exhibit openings, it became a place that contributed significantly to the development of Korean art.The exhibits taking place in the Arko Art Gallery can be divided into two. One is the General Exhibition and the other is the Planning Exhibition. Both of these exhibitions take place in the small gallery on the 1st floor. Since the exhibits are admitted through strict screening it is recommended that you just go and visit them. There is no admission fee. However, during August, repairs usually takes place. You should try to avoid visiting the gallery during that time or you should call and inquire about the opening times. On the 2nd floor there is a family café. There are six computers to use along with refreshments, so you might want to visit it as well. There are many other places to rest and drink along Daehakno street. While walking through Marronnier Park if there is a specific place you are interested in, just visit it. Wherever you visit, the place's unique atmosphere will be evident. During the Christmas season especially, you may not even find a vacant seat in the area. It is that crowded and popular. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Get off the subway at Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), follow the wall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace and you'll find yourself facing a street with majestic trees whose foliage changes every season. This street leads directly to Samcheong-dong. As you enter Samcheong-dong and walk towards the Samchong-dong Tunnel, you'll come across Samcheongdong Sujebi, located right next to the Prime Minister Legation.Samcheongdong Sujebi became a hit among Japanese tourists, after being featured in a popular Japanese magazine. The main dish here is, of course, sujebi (a traditional Korean soup consisting of chunks of dough and various vegetables). It comes in a pot full of sliced pumpkin, clams, and potatoes. This delicious soup is so tasty that there's almost always people lined up outside the restaurant. Other popular items include dongdongju (traditional Korean liquor) and gamjajeon (a Korean potato pancake that uses only potato starch and no other ingredients). 


5.0/2
Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Whoo Spa Palace is a luxurious spa facility using tradtional beauty care that was once used by Korean royal families. The professional spa services use high-quality hanbang (traditional Oriental medicine) herbs and the secret of royal beauty care that dates back for thousands of years. Main services include the full-body hanbang spa therapy, face therapy, body therapy, and foot massage services. Full-body treatment takes anywhere between 90-240 minutes. Visitors may want to make reservations prior to their visit to guarantee services. To make a reservation, stop by the shop, call, or visit the website (www.whoo.co.kr). Employees are capable of speaking English and Japanese.