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

The National Palace Museum of Korea opened in 1992 displaying relics from the Joseon Dynasty [1392~1910]. Over 20,000 royal relics from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are on display. 1. Royal Symbols and Records The Joseon Dynasty attained Confucian ideals, and therefore, the king and his queen were worshipped as parents of all citizens. To elevate their authority, the Joseon royal households crafted various royal symbols. 2. Ancestral Rites The royal ancestral rite was held at a royal shrine encompassing the ancestral tablets of the late kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. This was not merely a royal ancestral worshipping ceremony, but also a festival with music and dance, in the hope for the nation's eternal prosperity. 3. Palace Architecture The palace was the living quarters of the king and his family as well as the center of administration where the king ruled the nation. The center of the palace in the Joseon Dynasty, according to traditional Oriental architectural planning, was featured at Jeongjeon. The main hall was the center of state events and political discussions, and the Pyeonjeon, the government office. 4. Joseon SciencesThe Joseon Dynasty strove to establish the legitimacy of its foundation to enrich the nation's economy. To attain these ideals, the dynasty unprecedentedly promoted such areas as the sciences and medicine while developing various weapons for national defence. 5. Royal LifeThe king and queen were symbolic figures of the Joseon Dynasty, but they were also ordinary people who lived private lives within the palace. The palace was divided into various sections of living space such as the king's office, the queen's quarters, and the prince's study room. Each section contained appropriate pieces of furniture, which were made of the finest quality materials according to well-established criteria for the royal family.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

A popular attraction since the early 1970’s, this rather shabby and hard-to-spot restaurant has attracted many customers with its representative menu item, haemul kalguksu (seafood noodle soup). The soup is delicious and plenty enough for a hearty meal compared to its relatively low price. The noodles are chewy as they are freshly prepared every day and the clam-broth soup is full of flavor. The appearnce of this restaurant may seem old, but it's a recommended spot for a simple and delicous meal.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Boon the Shop boasts an impressive array of fresh, attractive international brands with unique designs. It is a perfect place for visitors looking for luxurious brands that differ from better known brands. It houses clothing items created by both famous and young designers. Focusing on people from their twenties to forties, Boon the Shop has become a popular shopping spot among fashion leaders.


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

Samcheongdong-gil Road stretches from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Samcheong Tunnel. Just past Samcheong Tunnel, at the end of the walkway, you’ll find Samcheong Park—a park famous for its thick forest and scenic views. Samcheongdong-gil goes through the middle of the city, but is a peaceful, quaint area. The street is lined with cafes, museums, antique shops and a number of famous art galleries. Since each art gallery building along Samcheongdong-gil has its own unique architectural design, taking a walk and appreciating the buildings is a journey in itself. Many galleries have their own cafes, restaurants, or craft shops, allowing visitors to enjoy art, shopping, and lunch all under one roof.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo Dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon Dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.Jeungsimsa Temple is home to a large number of valuable cultural assets: Obaekjeon (hall of 500 Arhats); Cheoljo Birojanabul Jwasang (seated metal Buddha statue, Treasure No. 131) enshrined in Birojeon (Saseongjeon) Hall; a three-story stone pagoda from the latter Silla Kingdom (Gwangju Tangible Cultural Property No. 1); Beomjonggak Pavilion; Beomja Seven-story Stone Pagoda engraved with Beomja (ancient Sanskrit); and more.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Hyoje-dong in Jongno, Jipbul-gui Hwangso Gopchang (짚불구이황소곱창) specializes in straw-fire grilled bull intestines. Oriental herb powders are used to get rid of the smell of the intestines as well as burn away the fat. The use of straw in the fire further reduces the characteristic odor of the meat. Among the specialty restaurants serving the dish, this particular restaurant is quite famous, thanks in part to its appearance on several TV programs.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu)

Chris & Christy focuses on both practical and fashionable clothing with classical styles. Targeting young adults in their twenties and thirties, the brand boasts diverse items from suits to t-shirts. Most products are within a reasonable price range.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Hanseam Leather Industrial Arts offers handmade leather accessories. At the shop, visitors can participate in seminars and learn to make various accessories. Seminars are free; visitors need to pay only for the materials they use. Both students and adults are welcome to participate in all seminars.


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) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Seokparang is a restaurant built from the sarangchae, or meeting room, of Heungseon Daewongun’s byeoljang (villa) who was the father of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the main gate, gardens created with the method used in the late Joseon period and three traditional houses (hanok) can be seen. The royal cuisine served is comprised of strictly selected ingredient and traditional hand-made paste to show the chefs' passion for their dishes. Also, traditional liquors made by craftsmen throughout the nation are available to enjoy.