Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

BENIKEA Hotel Sea Star is located within the Wolmido Island Tourist Zone. Popular tourist spots in Incheon are also nearby, including Wolmisan Mountain, Culture Road, Wolmi Park (Traditional Garden Zone), the Immigration History Museum, a music fountain, and many more. All the guestrooms are sea-facing, offering spectacular views of the Yellow Sea.


5.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

CJ E&M invests $21 million into their upcoming K-pop project 'Boys24'   The company CJ E&M has just announced the launch of their jumbo-sized K-pop project 'Boys24'. They have invested 25 billion won (nearly $21 million U.S.) into this project, so it really is jumbo-sized to say the least. This will be a new K-pop performance project where 24 specially selected male trainees, after passing an audition and receiving training, will hold live performances for 365 days straight at their permanently established concert venue. 'Liveworks Company', which Shinhwa's Hyesung and Minwoo are in, will take part in management. 'Boys24' will begin their K-pop performances in August at the Popcorn Hall in the Mesa Building in Myeongdong, Seoul. There will be a variety of performances as the showcase performances are said to be joined with 'Cirque de Soleil'. There will be K-pop, musicals, acrobatics and more joined together for all kinds of content, which is predicted to attract foreign tourists. And before the performances begin in August, there will be a broadcast revealing the audition program, featuring the selection process, training and performance preparations. The company explains that this isn't a debut of a new idol group, but a new kind of Hallyu performance.       ​


Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si) , Seoul Grand Park

The Rose Garden offers a magnificent sight created by some 30,000 roses (400 species) surrounding the Seoul Grand Park Lake. In June, when the roses are in full bloom, the garden is a popular date spot for couples.


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

Gassra (est. 2000) is a Japanese restaurant in Myeongdong that turns into a Japanese Izakaya at night, giving customers a chance to enjoy fresh sashimi, meat dishes, and sake. Though the lunch menu consists only of Hiraekatsu (tenderloin cutlet), Donkatsu (pork cutlet), and Koroke, there is usually a long line that reaches all the way out the door.One of Gassra’s claims to fame is that it is one of the only places in Korea that serves Wolgyegwan refined rice wine. Gassra is also praised as one of the best places to get a little taste of Japan in Korea. Some even say that the udon and noodles served here are better than many found in Japan, which also helps explain the extreme popularity of the restaurant.A main specialty of the restaurant (particularly at lunch) is its fried pork cutlet. Though fried pork cutlets are typically considered to be fairly greasy, the Japanese Hiraekatsu and Koroke served at the restaurant have a clean aftertaste and are paired with a mouth-watering soup and salad.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju National Museum is steeped in tradition. Representing Gyeongju, which was the capital city of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935), the museum is where you can view the cultural history of Gyeongju district. Exhibitions are divided into 4 large areas: the Main hall, Annex I, Annex II, and the Outdoor Exhibit Area (Museum Grounds).In the Main Hall you can see earthenware, with various artworks and craftworks in the Arts and Crafts room. Gukeun Memorial Hall exhibits over 600 artifacts, which were the personal collection of Dr. Lee Yang-Seon, donated to the museum for preservation. Artifacts from the great tombs of the city of Gyeongju are displayed in the Gobun Gallery in Annex I. There are many glittering accessories, such as golden crowns and ornaments, belts, earrings, etc. You will be introduced to the superb artistry of the Silla Period through these artifacts.Approximately 30,000 artifacts have been excavated from Wolji Pond, the most significant of which are exhibited in the Wonji Gallery in Annex 2. Other galleries in Annex 2 exhibit household goods. These various types of items show many aspects of life in the Royal Court during the Silla Period. After the galleries, you can move on to the Outdoor Exhibit Area, in the Museum Grounds. King Seongdeok’s Bell, located here, is the most renowned of all Buddhist temple bells. You cannot help but feel solemn as you gaze upon the relic. There is also a variety of artifacts from royal palaces and temples exhibited throughout the grounds. Buddhist sculptures make up the majority of the stone artifacts. If you are a traveler interested in Buddhism or the magnificent culture of royal palaces, this is a place you do not want to miss.


Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

Chunhyang Theme Park in the Namwon Tourist Complex in Namwon City, Jeollabuk-do Province celebrates the story of Chunhyang, a love story similar to that of Romeo and Juliette. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the story tells of the secret love between Chun-hyang (the daughter of a former courtesan) and Mong-ryong (the son of a local governor). Chunhyang Theme Park consists of five different sections illustrating the famous story: “Scene of First Encounter," "Scene of Pledge," "Scene of Love and Separation," "Scene of Suffering," and "Scene of Celebration.” “Scene of First Encounter" houses an information center, a lighted fountain, and a souvenir shop. In "Scene of Pledge," visitors are met with Okjihwan (a jade ring), a stone pagoda, and promise plaques. At the "Scene of Love and Separation," visitors can see a replica of Wolmae’s house, Buyongdang (where Chunhyang and Mong-ryong spent their wedding night together) and other filming locations of the movie version of “Chunhyang.” In the section "Scene of Suffering," patrons can visit Dongheon and Oksajeong (where Chunhyang's life in jail is reenacted). The final section (“Scene of Celebration”) not only houses performance centers, but also offers visitors a scenic open-air rest plaza.  


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

Founded in June, 1982, Seoul Palace Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in Banpo, the heart of business and finance in Seoul. With its spacious guestrooms, homey yet high-tech executive lounge, and numerous convenience facilities, Seoul Palace Hotel provides guests with the ultimate experience in luxury and comfort.The hotel offers a Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and a fine dining buffet, each providing an excellent selection of dishes made with fresh ingredients. Other convenience facilities include a fitness club, a sauna, and a golf range.In accordance with its motto, ‘The most personalized hotel in Seoul,’ Seoul Palace Hotel strives to provide each individual guest with attentive and sophisticated customer services.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

The May 18th National Cemetery, located in front of Mt. Mudeungsan, is the symbol of freedom and democracy and is the grave of victims during the contention for democracy in May 1980. Victims were carried and buried by handcarts and garbage trucks in 1980. In 1997 the cemetery was exhumed and reburied at this memorial. May 18th became a national holiday of commemorating our desire for democracy.To enter The May 18th National Cemetery, pass the Democracy Gate, built in a traditional Korean style. Passing the widely spread Plaza of Democracy, you will reach the Commemoration Passage. Keep walking and you will reach a round figure (4m high) of an enclosing hand. This is the Memorial Tower, which symbolizes the resurrection of new life. Under the tower there is a worship platform with burning incense to show respect. Through the Memorial Tower you will find carvings on both sides. On the right there is an enshrinement where pictures and monetary tablets are placed, and across from it stands the Door of History showing the images in those days. You can understand Korean history by viewing these works.After viewing this part of Korean history, it will be pleasant to take a walk and enjoy the surroundings of The May 18th National Cemetery. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongju Gyochon Village is a hanok village that allows visitors a look inside life of famous the Choi Clan. Visitors can see the House of the Gyeongju Choi Clan (Important Folklore Material No. 27) and try some Gyeongju Gyodong Beopju Liquor (Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 86-3) inside the village.