Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Hangang Park opened six outdoor swimming pools (including one at Yeouido Hangang Park). Supported by meticulous water quality management, they are not only safe, but also an inexpensive to private facilities. Excellent amenities offer swimming equipment rentals, food, and beverages. 


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.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

You can feel that you are being served as a VIP here. Even common dishes such as steamed eggs have a luxurious flavor and taste at this place, and most of the ingredients are organic. The landlady, in Korean hanbok dress with an old abacus, tells you the history of this restaurant.  


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.


Busan(Jung-gu) , Nampo-dong(Jagalchi Market)

Busan's Bupyeong Market is also known as Kkangtong (tin can) Market. It earned that funny name when it had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States for the US forces stationed in Korea during the Korean War. It was also known as ‘Dottegi (bustling plea) Market’. All the foreign products sold across the nation at that time were supplied from this market. Since this market is so large and had almost everything including foreign products which were rare at that time, it was also referred to as ‘Gukje (International) Market’. Nowadays, the market has reduced in size as many foreign products are freely imported, but the reputation and potential still remain. Some imported goods including liquor, clothes, ornaments, accessories, fashion items and electronic goods are still sold here.A night market opens from 18:00-24:00 at the public parking lot and at Arcade 2 of the market . Along the 110m-long street market are 11 kiosks selling Korean food, 6 kiosks selling international food such as Japanese and Filipino foods, and 13 vendors selling clothes and accessories. The entrance of the market greets visitors with bright LED lights and fun performances. A magic show and a guitar performance take place twice a day by the entrance of the market and the at the four-way intersection inside the market.


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

First opened in June 2003, Pungwoldang is a cultural salon for classical music enthusiasts. It's filled with music albums and houses seminars, travel services, and a café. There are over 11,000 music albums (classical music CDs/DVDs and opera CDs) and a diversity of seminars related to classical music. Visitors can watch music-related movies free of charge and can receive a 50% discount at the café with each album purchase.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Located on the 1st floor of Home Plus Haeundae Busan, the souvenir shop sells a range of souvenirs for visitors to the second-largest city in Korea. The shop also sells the winners of a tourist souvenir contest (2012 Korea Tourist Souvenir Contest and winners of the 2012 Busan Tourist Souvenir Contest as well as the souvenirs created by companies that are certified members of the Korea Tourist Souvenir Association. The store is open from 10:00-22:00.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

In the early 1960s people would cross the Hangang River from Ttukseom Ferry Dock and arrive in Cheongdam-dong, which is now one of the more ritzy areas of Seoul. Though highly developed, there is still an area that is relatively untouched and that is the small Cheongdam Park. The park is quite crowded in the morning with people who exercise and offers a resting place to enjoy the fresh air thanks to many trees in the park. The park spans over 59,347 ㎡.


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. 


Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Bokcheon Museum, an archaeological museum in Busan, opened its doors to the public on October 5th, 1996 as a tribute to the long-honored history of Busan from the Samhan Era to the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) Era. The museum displays relics and artifacts excavated from the ancient burial ground in Bokcheon-dong. As many as 169 pieces of ancient helmets, diverse types of earthenware and iron-made weapons found in a series of seven excavations are on display throughout the museum. The array of relics and tombs discovered in the Bokcheon-dong ancient burial ground, designated as Historic Site No. 237, are essential to solving the mystery of the Gaya Kingdom, which remains an uncharted, secret land. Since opening, the museum has been conducting further research at the site of the burial grounds and remains in the local area to better understand the antiquated history and culture of Busan as well as the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum, as a reputable venue for historical education and exploration, also holds academic seminars and special exhibitions to share the research results and achievements with scholars and the community alike.