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

Opened in 1981, the Universal Arts Center is a performing art theater that has been contributing to the development of Korean performing arts for the last 30 years.The 4-story grand theater has a classical exterior and seats up to 1,200 people. Past performances include musicals such as ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘Nonsense,’ and the opera, ‘Yi Sun Shin.' The Paeksang Arts Awards, a supermodel competition, and international conferences have been held at the center as well.The Universal Arts Center is supporting ‘Art Korea’ to promote East-West cultural exchange. It is recognized as a Korean Culture and Arts Center and a Center for International Cultural Exchange.


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

The National Library of Korea is where numerous materials are collected and preserved. It currently holds approximately 4.3 million books and theses, of which roughly two-hundred thousand are collected annually. Art exhibitions are occasionally held in the exhibition room on the first floor. Surrounded by Seocho Park, the scenery outside is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing. If you would like to have fun partaking in other activities, take a ten-minute walk to the Express Bus Terminal nearby. Central City is connected to both a shopping center and theater. You can also go to different provinces from the bus terminal. But it would be nice to visit the library and spend some time reading before going on a trip out of Seoul.At the National Library of Korea, classical concerts are held exclusively for the library users on the last Friday of each month, except in January and August. Anyone who comes to the library can attend the concert for free. The Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor Geum Nan-Sae perform for the audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity.


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(Gangnam-gu)

In 1994, Daewoo E&C first introduced the environmental concept into apartments and in 2003, created Prugio, a living culture space for healthy and fulfilling life in harmony with nature. At Prugio Valley, visitors can experience a quality-living cultural space where people, nature and the environment come together. The Prugio Valley tour program begins at the lounge with image accompanied information on Prugio’s distinctive design and housing products. The lobby and the photo gallery on the first floor feature a futuristic atmosphere. The stairs with piano sounds and lights will lead to the future housing culture experience hall on the second floor. Visitors can experience firsthand the housing value brought by integration of various elements including cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly space design. The venue also allows visitors a chance to make their own customized housings through smart devices such as smart phones, and tablet PCs. [Tour Course] PR images → Prugio Forest Path → Future Hall → Prugio Premium Exhibition Hall [Recommended Visitor Ages] From students in upper grades of elementary school to high school


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The grounds of the War Memorial of Korea were once the headquarters of the Korean Infantry. Many experts from different fields were consulted numerous times and exhaustive research was done in order to complete the exhibits. This memorial is the largest of its kind in the world.There are 8 main exhibits at the War Memorial: the Hogukchumo Exhibit, War History Exhibit, June 25th War Exhibit, Overseas Dispatched Troops Exhibits, Military Development Exhibit, Large Equipment Exhibit, and the Outdoor Exhibit. The Hogukchumo Exhibit honors the spirit of those who perished fighting on the battlefield. Visitors can learn all about Korea’s war history by visiting the War History Exhibit, June 25 War Exhibit, Overseas Dispatched Troops Exhibits, and the Military Development Exhibit, as well as witness how the Korean military developed over the years. Different kinds of weapons and military equipment are exhibited as well, inside and outside the building.Exhibits inside the building display equipment used during the Korean War in such a way as to invite comparison between the items. Large weapontry and equipment used by different countries during World War II and the Vietnam War are also on display. In the Large Equipment Exhibit on the second floor, many kinds of defense industry equipment and both real and model weapons are displayed. In the Bangsan Equipment Exhibit, you can look at weapons and war equipment produced in Korea. In the War Memorial’s Storage Room, 17,800 files and artifacts of war are preserved. Modern damage control and prevention devices have been installed to keep these materials safe from harm.Besides these, you can also visit the Miniature Exhibit or the Peace Hall. There is a lecture hall at the memorial, and many presentations are held here. If you want to learn more about any specific aspect of war, you can head over to the bookstore to pick up a book or a pamphlet. The shop also sells a variety of military souvenirs that will not only help you remember your time at the memorial but will also remind you of the significant role war has played in world history. The memorial also has a fast food restaurant and stores located outside the building. 


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(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Home Plus Jamsil Branch can be easily reached via subway lines 2 or 8 and is in close proximity to Special Tourist Zones, Seokchon Lake and the Hangang River dock, thus attracting many foreign tourists. The store also has a POS self payment line where shoppers can make payments easily just by touching the screen and don’t need assistance from a staff member. However, English speaking staff members are available for a more convenient shopping experience.


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.


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(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.