Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In 2013, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea opened a new branch in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu at the former site of the Defense Security Command. The announcement for the construction of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) came out in 2009, and the architecture for the museum was selected through idea proposals and an architectural design competition in 2010. What makes the Seoul branch different from the others is that it introduced Korea’s traditional architectural concept of ‘madang’, which is a spacious courtyard where people can come in and gather together to socialize. MMCA Seoul's building is also designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature around the city.Equipped with facilities including a reference center, a project gallery theater and a multipurpose hall, MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public. The site is where Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved. Most of the old buildings are gone but a few still remains to remind people of its significant role.MMCA Seoul was inaugurated on November 12, 2013


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Astoria Hotel is in Chungmuro, mecca of Korean films. The hotel is close to Chungmuro Station Line and is within a 5-minute walk of the Myeong-dong area, allowing guests to enjoy the shopping cultures of Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, and Dongdaemun Markets.


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

Myboon is a lifestyle-focused, fashion select shop, and it is a collaboration between the fashion select shop, Boondo Shop of the Shin Se Gae shopping mall, and an internationally-famous art director, “Milan Vukmirovic.” The shop focuses on direct marketing lesser-known designer brands; so, you can check the international fashion trends at a glance. Celebrities like G-Dragon, Bae Yong Jun, Jang Dong Gun, and others have all made this shop the place to shop. The juice bar, which you can only find in Myboon, is loved by health conscious stars like Victoria from f(x).  


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

This orange-colored Mediterranean-style bakery has a great variety of pastries and cakes. You can also enjoy a relaxing brunch of Belgian waffles and pancakes. The carrot cake, with lots of cream cheese and fresh cream, is the most popular item on the menu.  


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Seoul World Cup Stadium is shaped like a traditional Korean kite, and if seen from above, it looks as if a rectangular shield is being flown like a kite. The shape of the stadium represents flight towards victory, and it combines the hopes of the World Cup games and spirit and traditional culture of the Korean people. The very first impression the stadium gives is that it is very large. It provides over 60,000 seats, and in fact, in terms of area and facility, it is the best in Asia. There are also large screens on either side of the stadium for people wanting close-up view of the games. Near the stadium there are a variety of parks, ideal for leisurely walks. There are also five theme parks around the stadium – Peace Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Noeul Park among them. Thick groves of trees, modern street lights, and magnificent fountains make the parks ideal walking areas in the morning and evening. In the evenings, many in-line skaters come and hang out as well. The stadium is open from 9 to 5 pm, and many interpreters are always on duty. After the successful completion of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the Seoul World Cup Stadium has been leading the campaign to promote soccer culture, and is also a frontrunner in hosting various cultural events. Located within the facilities are also places to shop and enjoy cultural activities- providing all visitors with much to see and do. In Seoul, it is rising as a popular tourist spot. [Nearby Attractions]CGV Sangam 10 Cineplex A 10-screen Cineplex located within the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the CGV Sangam 10 is the first movie theatre to be located inside the sports stadium. With 10 screens and over 1,800 seats, all theatres are equipped with 3-way Dolby Surround Sound. Discount Shopping Mall ‘Homever’ Of all the ‘Homever’ stores in Korea, the one inside the Seoul World Cup Stadium is the largest. The basement floor is for parking, the 1st floor is for groceries, and the 2nd floor holds a mix of necessities, electronics, and clothing as well as a food court. -Tel: +82-2-300-7000 (Korean/English) -Parking Facilities: about 900 vehicles -Hours: 10:00-24:00 -Closed: New Year, Lunar New Year, Harvest Moon Festival-Note: The information provided may differ from what's currently available. Please check the details from the official website or by calling.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Korea Craft and Design Foundation Handicraft Store located within the giftshop of Shinsegae Duty Free Shop Myeong-dong Branch sells handcrafted everyday props and cultural crafts. Dedicated to the concept of "Artisans, and Artists," the store introduces young artists as well as famous handicraft masters along with their masterpieces of diverse genre in the world of Korean arts and craft.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Opened in 1981, this diminutive restaurant has been attracting customers with its mouthwatering ramyeon noodles for more than 20 years. The restaurant’s unique ramyeon recipe includes an ultra-spicy broth with lots of red pepper seasoning, chewy noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Even Koreans, who are used to eating spicy kimchi, sometimes shed tears while eating this fare. Besides the food, the ambience is fun, with interesting messages written by customers attached to the ceiling and the walls. The restaurant has created its own jargon that is recognized only by regular customers: ramyeon is called ppal-gye-tteok (spicy red soup with egg and rice cake), and yellow pickled radish is called pineapple, to name a few of the coined terms. The menu board lists the price of ramyeon as W30,000 confusing first-time visitors. But don’t panic: an extra zero (0) was just added for fun! TIP: (1) Take some souvenir pictures using the walls and the ceiling as a background (2) Try putting some cold rice in your ramyeon for an interesting, less spicy taste.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Gyeongui Line Book Street opened along the closed down tracks of the old Gyeongui Line near Hongdae. The street aims to provide a multipurpose cultural space where citizens can enjoy the worth and knowledge that have come and continue to come from books and literature.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Most foods from the northern region are characterized by their mild taste. In particular, Pyeongyang-style cold buckwheat noodles has a milder flavor compared to Hamheung-style cold noodles. Pildongmyeonok's cold buckwheat noodles may taste bland for those who are used to stronger flavors or seasonings, but it is praised by others who prefer mild flavors. The neat after taste of broth and chewy noodles are enough to delight one's tastebuds. Pyeongyang-style dumplings is another popular dish at Pildongmyeonok.    


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Injeongjeon Hall is the main throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. The hall was used for conducting major state affairs, including the coronation of a new king, assembly of officials, and reception of foreign envoys. The current building was rebuilt in 1804 (4th year of King Sunjo’s reign) and shows the architectural style of the late Joseon Dynasty.