Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Tteul Gwa Dawon (literally "yard and tea garden") is an up-scale hanok-style tea and coffee house where you can enjoy a tranquil garden in the center of Seoul.The tea and coffee shop offers traditional Korean tea made of 100% natural ingredients, as well as organic coffee. It is equipped with large private rooms which can accomodate a large number of guests, making it the best place to hold seminars or other types of social gatherings.Tea, rice cakes, and other traditional snacks served here can be a good alternative for when you're in between meals.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located on the first floor of the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gogung Tteurak consists of a museum shop and a café. It is open from 9am to 10pm everyday except Mondays. The museum shop has on sale a variety of items with a traditional Korean flavor. You will find postcards, small pocket books, umbrellas, cushions, and T-shirts. Right next door, there is a café selling coffee, ginger tea, gukwacha (tea of a chrysanthemum), mogwacha (tea of a quince), as well as wild vegetable salad, royal tteokbokki, and royal noodles. Foreign visitors can choose the royal tteokbokki and other simple meals that are not too spicy. For information, call the museum shop (+82-2-720-0381, Korean, English, Japanese) or the café (+82-2-720-0486, Korean, English, Japanese).


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baek In-je House, located in Bukchon Hanok Village, is a hanok built during the Japanese administration that showcases modern hanok features. The structure consists of a main room offering a good view of the whole village, spacious bedrooms, a large garden, and an annex building. As it withholds the beauty of a traditional hanok while embracing the modern trend of its time, Baek In-je House is considered to be highly valuable in means of both architecture and history, representing the Bukchon Hanok Village together with Yun Bo-seon House. Baek In-je House was built from black pine, which was first introduced to Seoul during Gyeongseong Expo in 1907, distinguishing itself from other upper-class houses in its time. Unlike other traditional hanok that separate the main building from the other rooms, Baek In-je House connects the two with a hallway, allowing convenient access between the two structures. The house also consists of a Japanese style hallway and floor mat rooms, reflecting the architecture trend during its period. Baek In-je House is also unique as the main room is partly built as a two-story structure, a style that was never seen in any traditional hanok built during the Joseon period.


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.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

The Ultimate Guide to Dining at Jamdubong The 9: A Korean BBQ Gem by the Han River Experience Unique Riverside Dining in Seoul Tucked away in the bustling district of Mapo, near the northern end of the Yanghwa Bridge, Jamdubong The 9 offers a culinary retreat that's unlike any other in Seoul. As part of the Jamdubong dock complex, this restaurant has been redefined from its original dock functionality to a full-scale dining destination, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Here, guests can enjoy grilling their meals while taking in the picturesque views of the Han River. Getting There Easily accessible from Hapjeong Station, a mere 10-minute stroll from Exit 8 will lead you to this riverside haven. For those driving, there's conveniently located public parking nearby at very affordable rates, ensuring a hassle-free visit. A Must-Try Dining Experience Upon arrival, diners are required to purchase a basic set, which allows the flexibility to add more dishes as desired. Payments can be made upfront using either cash or card. The restaurant spans three floors, providing ample space and ensuring a comfortable dining atmosphere, especially appreciated during busy evenings and weekends when the place becomes a hub of activity. Savor the Flavors Jamdubong The 9 is renowned for its high-quality meats, including beef sirloin and thick cuts of pork belly, priced attractively at 30,000 KRW for three servings and 15,000 KRW per serving respectively. Guests can grill their selections on stone pot grills, designed with windshields to prevent the meat from burning too quickly—a thoughtful touch that enhances the grilling experience.   Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) Diverse Menu Offerings Beyond the popular meat options, Jamdubong The 9 also serves a variety of other dishes such as whole chicken, chicken feet, pizza, and pork cutlets, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. This makes it not just a place for meat lovers but also for those who enjoy a broader palette of flavors. Evening Charm As night falls, the allure of Jamdubong The 9 is magnified by the stunning backdrop of the lit-up Yanghwa Bridge and the shimmering reflections on the Han River. This setting makes it a prime spot for evening diners who can enjoy their meal under the glow of Seoul's city lights, creating perfect moments for social media sharing. Cultural Hotspot Jamdubong The 9's popularity soared after being featured on the hit TV show 'Running Man,' attracting a vibrant crowd of both locals and tourists. Its status as a trendy hangout is further cemented by its popularity among young people and celebrities alike, making it one of the few places in Seoul where one can enjoy samgyeopsal right by the river. Why Visit? If you're planning a trip to Korea or are in Seoul and looking for a unique dining experience, Jamdubong The 9 is a compelling choice. Offering more than just a meal, it provides an experience where food, culture, and scenic beauty converge to create lasting memories. Whether it's the quality of the BBQ, the innovative features of the grills, or the stunning riverside location, Jamdubong The 9 promises an unforgettable dining experience right at the heart of Korean urban nature.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

New Chonji Hotel, reopened in 2004 after a series of upgrades and renovations, is a facility with 50 guestrooms and a modern and simple decor. The hotel is located 5 minutes from the famous Dongdaemun shopping town and nearby Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong. Since the hotel is only a 3-minute walk from the subway station, it is a convenient option for those traveling around Seoul via public transportation.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Marronnier Park has at its center a symbolic marronnier (horse chestnut) tree, and all kinds of outdoor cultural event centers, sculpture exhibitions, and art centers are congregated in the area. The area began to develop in 1975 when Seoul National University was relocated away from here, and some 50 small theaters and 500 cafes concentrated in the area making this place a greatly beloved meeting and relaxation place for young and old alike. The park gets especially busy on the weekends when crowds gather to share cultural events. Bands and singers, as well as dance groups and comedians gather here and give on-the-spot performances. Fortunetellers and street artists also sit here and tell your fortunes or draw portraits of you. The park has many trees and benches to sit and relax on, making it an ideal place for relaxation and leisurely walks.Marronnier Park is a part of Daehangno, the famous street known as the ‘mecca of plays’. Beside plays, there are many cultural performances here, and interesting restaurants and cafes that make this place a favorite hangout destination for many young people.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Daehangno Street, known as the street for young people, is the former location of Seoul National University. In the 1980s, many theater groups started moving to Daehangno, and it soon developed into a cultural center. In a short period of time, movie theaters, live-cafes, regular cafes and pubs sprung up, and it grew into an entertainment district. Its popularity is still maintained by famous small theaters such as Parangsae (Blue Bird) Theater and Hakjeong Theater, and some 30 additional theaters have concentrated here to contribute in keeping Daehangno as the root of performance art in Korea. The center of Daehangno, Marronnier Park, has frequent live acts and dance performances by young people. This is why Daehangno is called the “Play Mecca” and “Young Street” as well. Another reason Daehangno became so popular with young people is the various interesting sights and food to be found here. Many restaurants, fast food joints, cafes, and bars are concentrated here, making it convenient for people to find something to do after plays and live-performances. Its unique atmosphere and space continues to be loved by many young people.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Youngbin Hotel is located in the center of Seoul, allowing guests easy access to Seoul's popular attractions, including its many famous palaces. For guests who want to shop, the Dongdaemun Shopping District is 10 minutes away on foot, and Namdaemun and Itaewon markets are only 10 minutes away by taxi. The hotel is close to Korea's foreign embassies and the headquarters of many major companies, making it a popular place for business guests. The hotel has a number of convenient facilities and services including a jjimjilbang (sauna), complimentary laundry services, and free pickup services.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Cultural Heritage Administration, Royal Culture Festival Organizing Committee / Dae Han Imperial House Korea's beautiful palaces and the royal culture they present have great value as precious tangible and intangible heritages. The Royal Culture festival is held at the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, allowing visitors to get first-hand knowledge of their value. Each of the five venues will have unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs set within the individual traits of the palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, which have kept their place forhundreds of years, will be hosting the Royal Culture Festival for ten daysfrom April 28 to May 7. Marking its third anniversary, the Royal PalaceFestival is a cultural heritage festival that reinterprets the court cultureand historical background of each palace. Different performances,exhibitions, programs and ceremonies will be taking place inGyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, ChanggyeonggungPalace, Deoksugung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine. It will be an opportunityfor people to get more involved in the festival. Programs [Gyeongbokgung, Encounter with Kings] - Opening ceremony - Photo Exhibition on Hanbok - Nighttime Concerts at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - Royal Music Performance - Royal Kitchen Experience ‘A Taste of Royal Cuisine’ - Promenade of the King - Royal Library of the King - Media Facade Show at Heungnyemun Gate - Dae Han Imperial Culture Exhibition  - Intangible Heritage Performances - Royal Culture Experience             [Changdeokgung, Encounter with Nature]   - Nighttime Promenade at Changdeokgung Palace - Exhibition of Royal Poets and Palace Photos - Experience of Royal Pharmacy     [Changgyeonggung, Encounter with Everyday Royal Life] - King Yeongjo and Changgyeonggung Palace - One-Day Time Travel to 1750 - Nighttime Royal Music Performance - Outdoor Royal Theatre Performance       [Deoksugung, Encounter with Modernity]   - Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance - The Daehan Empire and Coffee - The Korean Empire Concert - Diplomatic Reception for Envoys to the Korean Empire   [Jongmyo, Encounter with Ritual] - Royal Ancestral Ritual at Jongmyo Shrine - Myohyeollye Ritual at Jongmyo Shrine - Nighttime Royal Ancestral Ritual Music at Jongmyo Shrine - Experience Hall       Today we meet the palace of yesterday The opening ceremony of ‘The 3rd ROYAL CULTURE FESTIVAL 2017’ "TODAY, WE MEET THE PALACE" is the start of the festival. A Festival that will infuse new life to the palace which has contained the time of the past and the present and a historical and cultural presence.   The 3rd ROYAL CULTURE FESTIVAL 2017 Special Event We meet the Korean Empire! In 1897, King Gojong became an emperor and proclaimed the establishment of the Korean Empire in order to widely express the independence of Joseon. In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of the Korean Empire, in 2017 we made an opportunity to experience its time   ​   ​   Today we meet the palace of yesterday At the Gyeongbokgung Palace, starting with the opening ceremony, ‘Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Nighttime Concert’ will be held in the spring evening, ‘A Taste of Royal Cuisine’ will let you taste royal cuisine culture and ‘Hanbok Photo Exhibition’ will show the beauty of Hanbok. At the Changdeokgung Palace, ‘Botanical Tour with Donggwoldo’ will help explore nature and ‘The Royal Medicine’ will give you a glimpse of Korean traditional medicine. At the Changgyeonggung Palace, ‘Time Travel to 1750’ will take you back to 1750 and show the royal daily life and ‘Outdoor Historical Drama’ will perform a realistic depiction of the era. At the Jongmyo Shrine, ‘Royal Ancestral Ritual’ will be held with other related music performances. On the 120th anniversary of the declaration of the Korean Empire, at the Deoksugung Palace, ‘Declaration of the Korean Empire’ will contain the dream Emperor Gojong had in mind along with ‘Diplomatic Reception for Envoys’ and coffee Emperor Gojong enjoyed.     • Further information will be posted on the Cultural Heritage Administration, Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation and Royal Culture Festival. Visit our website for more information Royal Culture Festival website : www.royalculturefestival.org Royal Culture Festival Facebook : www.facebook.com/royalculturefestival Cultural Heritage Administration website : www.cha.go.kr Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website : www.chf.or.kr •For more info : http://www.royalculturefestival.org/info/guide