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

Arts Council Korea is to host 2016 ARKO Contemporary Orchestra Music Festival for Yangak (Western music) on January 26, 2016 at 20:00 at Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center, lead by Choi Suyeol and played by Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. ARKO Contemporary Orchestra Music Festival (a.k.a. Achangje) tries to find up-to-date art pieces reflecting Korean composer’s innovative creativity and plays a big role in creative Korean music. First performed through Achangje, the performances are again performed at other locations nationally and internationally, including European countries.These music pieces are sure to be cherished for many years by audiences. This performance will be operated based on pre-reservation policy so register for tickets at music@arko.or.kr with a name, contact information and the desired number of tickets.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Situated in Jeongseon (Gangwon-do), Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8m) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As its name indicates (bare mountain), there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of Eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng). 


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

The Cheonggye Mountain Gondrejip opened in 2004 and is located by the zelkova tree at the entrance of Cheonggyesan Mountain. Despite other gondeure (cirsium setiden) restaurants with a similar name, this It is a non-franchise restaurant.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

The Mok-A Museum, designated as intangible cultural asset No. 108, was established by Park Chan-su with the purpose of handing down traditional Buddhist art and traditional woodcraft techniques. The four-story museum contains an outdoor sculpture park.The exhibition displays that remain include Buddhist statues, paintings and sculptures, as well as the works of director Park Chan-su, including many Buddhist woodcrafts. The outdoor sculpture park displays Buddhist statues such as Mireuksamjondaebul, Birojanabul, Baeuigwaneum, and a three-story pagoda.


Busan(Nam-gu)

Busan International Magic Festival is the largest magic festival in Asia. Taking place on the famous Haeundae Beach and at Busan Citizen's Hall, this year's festival is expected to introduce 100 magicians from different countries to perform in various magic shows. What is more, fans of magic will have a chance to interact with noted magic gala shows, Busan International Magic Contest, lectures by noted magicians, global kids magic show, magic dramas, and more, making this festival a unique type of magic festival.


Busan(Gijang-gun)

The concept of Heuksiru is 'traditional culture of Korea'. At the restaurant, you can enjoy traditional foods that you can eat at countryside banquets such as Jeolpyeon (pounded rice cake), Japchae (stir-fried sweet potato noodles with shredded meat and vegetables), Jeon (Korean pancake), Sikhye (sweet rice drink), and braised dishes at the restaurant’s various traditional houses including thatched house, cave, tile-roofed house, and shingle-roofed house. 2,000 arts and crafts works including ceramics from Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties are displayed here and there of the restaurant and at an exhibition room. You can also enjoy a variety of wildflowers and garden trees.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

From the seashore of Yeosu to Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo Island and Baekdo Island out west, Dadohaehaesang National Park covers about 1,700 small and large islands and various rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.During the Silla period, the King of the Sea, Jang Bogo established the maritime world and during the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was a trading path with the Yuan and Song Dynasties. Also, it was the battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the invading Japanese navy. Likewise, historical sites remains in many places.Among those islands, Hongdo Island and Heuksando Island are famous for tourists. In particular, one of Korea’s greatest fishery grounds is located in Heuksando Island.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Clean and well-preserved, Resom Ocean Castle is an excellent membership resort located at the center of Taean Seashore National Park in the land of nature, Anmyeondo Island. This highly-modernized seashore resort offers recreational, cultural and business facilities as well as leisure sports.With excellent lodging facilities and installment of extensive communication networks, as well as a variety of recreational areas, Aqua World, the complex resort combines numerous convenience facilities.The unique water park, Aqua World has been very popular since its opening. High quality sulfur seawater is used which is pumped up from 420m below ground. Located within the resort which blends in with pine tree forests, blue sea and sandy beach, Aqua World contains the mud beauty spa center (3558 sq. ft.), sulfur sea water sauna, massage spa, Spa Therapy as well as an outdoor spa. 


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Since opening in 1999, the owner of Jasmine has been the talk of the town because of his good nature. He provided food to neighbors in need and offered scholarship money to students from poor families (Gangwondomin Ilbo July 2002, Gangwon Ilbo December 2004, etc…) with the belief that people should share even in general tough times. The owner is very enthusiastic about serving customers the right way. He even hired a Chinese cook for tourists from China and Taiwan who came to Chuncheon because of Hallyu, or the Korean wave. In addition to authentic Chinese dishes for Chinese customers, the restaurant also serves other types of Chinese dishes that suit the tastes of Koreans. With the management philosophy that fresh ingredients are a must in bringing out the best flavor, the restaurant owner uses seafood from Mokpo and vegetables from Chuncheon in preparing delicious Chinese dishes for customers. The owner even holds a meeting every morning with the staff to provide better dishes and service.