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

Seoul is enveloped by mountains, consisting of Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan, and Inwangsan to name a few major peaks surrounding the city. Bugaksan, the mountain located to the north of Seoul, is the highest among these and is a southern offshoot of Bukhansan Mountain. It is also referred to as Baegaksan. Seoul Fortress Wall runs along the mountain ridge and Changuimun (also called Jahamun), one of the four small gates surrounding the castle town during the Joseon Dynasty, is on the west side of the mountain near Inwangsan Mountain. Running between Changuimun and Arirang Hill in Jeongreung, Bugak Skyway is a scenic road overlooking downtown Seoul; it also passes through a variety of attractions such as Changuimun and Bugak Pavilion. Another attraction is Samcheong Park at the southern foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Inwangsan Mountain (to the west of Bugaksan) and Naksan (to the east) were considered ideal locations, according to the philosophy of Feng Shui. Known for its rugged granite, Inwangsan Mountain was the site of many tigers attacks during the founding of the Joseon Dynasty. According to legend, the king entreated the mountain deity to send the tigers across the Yalu River. Even though the tigers were banished from Inwangsan, one female tiger bearing babies was allowed to remain on the mountain. The babies, subsequently multiplied and made Inwangsan a feared place, full of tigers. Inwang Skyway connects the east of Inwangsan to Bugaksan. The eastern side of Inwangsan was turned into a posh residential area while Guksadang (literally "National Shrine") was moved from Namsan to an area west of the mountain in the 1920s. Even today, shamans perform exorcisms at the shrine, as well as rituals honoring the mountain deities.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

The Uijae Museum of Korean Art was established in memory of the famous Korean artist Heo Baekryeon. Construction of the museum ended in December, 1999, but the museum wasn’t officially opened until November 17th, 2001. Built to mimic the curve of a gently sloping road, the museum’s unique design earned architect Jo Seongryong the 10th Korean Architecture Award the same year as the museum’s opening. Measuring 6,000㎡ (B1-2F) in size, the museum is comprised of two exhibition rooms, a storage facility, a seminar room, and a tea ceremony room for visitors.Since its opening, the Uijae Museum of Korean Art has hosted notable exhibitions and seminars such as the 2002 Biennale Project 2 International Symposium. Currently, the classic works of Heo Baekryeon and a photographic exhibition of the famed artist are on display.


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

Background Information: The Chungdong Church, having being completed in 1898, is Korea’s first Protestant church. The church was 115 pyeongs when it was first built, but as they added some extra buildings to each wing in 1926, it now stands at 175 pyeongs.The Church has been declared the 256th greatest achievement, displaying a North American style Gothic architecture. Inside the church grounds stands a bust of the founder, Minister Appenzeller, and a 50th year commemoration memorial. In 1889, the church appeared in a monthly publication magazine called ‘Church’ as having Korea’s first summer Bible studies and also one of the leading churches who does missionary work. Chungdong Church is located in the center of the beautiful Chungdong Street, and is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves fall from the trees that line the street. Chungdong Theater, Deoksugung Palace, and Seoul Museum of Art are also in the vicinity, making it a great place for tourism.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Named after the French word for chestnut, Châtaigne is a french restaurant housed in a charming hanok (traditional Korean house) that was remodelled to accommodate dining tables and chairs. Châtaigne uses seasonal ingredients to create simple and unique French dishes.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Tong-In Store is the oldest traditional crafts shopping center in Korea. It is home to over 100 shops that sell ancient and contemporary traditional crafts, as well as galleries that display crafts collections by emerging artists.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Nestled in Mt. Eungbongsan in Incheon Metropolitan City, Jayu Park was first called Manguk Park and then Seo Park as the Japanese power became stronger. During the colonial rule of Japan, there was another park called Dong Park (East Park), which was created and used as a shrine by the Japanese.  Jayu Park, or park of Freedom, has held its name ever since October 3, 1957 when a statue of General McArthur, who led the Incheon Amphibious Landing Operation during the Korean War, was erected at the summit of Mt. Eungbongsan. The park offers spectacular views of downtown Incheon and its surrounding mountains, the port, and the sea. Telephone  +82-32-760-7597 Closed  N/A (Open all year round) Parking Facilities  Available (Public Parking Lot) Restrooms  Available Facilities for the Handicapped  Parking spaces, restrooms, wheelchair ramp Baby Stroller Rentals  Not available Pets  Permitted


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

Riverview 8th Avenue is the only cultural area in Korea located beneath a bridge. Not just a performance venue, the building also houses a gallery depicting the 100-year history of the Hangang River and a Hangang Renaissance Project Promotion Room, which provides a glimpse of developers’ plans to further revive the river into a prime leisure spot for citizens and tourists.Thanks to its location under the Gwangjingyo Bridge in Hangang Park (Gwangnaru area), Riverview 8th Avenue affords a scenic view of the river as seen from its glass observatory. Live performances are held on Friday or weekend nights; applications can be made online and a few winners are chosen at random to watch each performance.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Manna Bunsik is a snack shop that's been around since 1974. Having sold tteok-bokki for over 47 year on the same street, it's an old time favorite among the residents. There are many regulars who go there and the grandmother who runs the place is always happy to see new people.  


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

Bicena provides tasty Korean cuisine available only in Korea in a refined interior.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Poom Seoul is a Korean restaurant serving traditional banga cuisine (cuisine of the royal or noble class) with a modern twist. The restaurant offers a different menu every season, using only the highest quality seasonal ingredients and placing priority on food safety, quality producers, and high meat grades. Diners can feel the care taken by the chef by the exquisite beauty and flavor of each dish that is served as part of the course meal. Vegetarian course meals are also available and private rooms can be reserved for groups of 6 to 16 people. Diners must make their reservation and place their orders at least one day prior to visit.