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

Owned by the parents of Lee Hi, Lamese Cadeau specializes in Korean seafood dishes. The K-pop star’s favorite food on the menu is the ganjang-gejang (soy sauce-marinated crabs) made with fresh crabs sourced from the Incheon sea shore. The ganjang-gejang meal is served with several side dishes (banchan), featuring locally-sourced conch, abalone, and seaweed. Upon request, the dishes can be delivered directly from the restaurant. As for the interior, a large poster of Lee Hi hangs by the entrance while autographs of Lee’s fellow artists from YG Entertainment―such as Bobby and Lee Soo-hyun―decorate the walls.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Theater is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gungangno Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. Sogeukjans, meaning small theater, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Built to promote Korean music, the stage and seating at Changdeokgung are arranged for audience members to sit on the floor similar to in a traditional restaurant or home. The theater offers a wide array of performances including Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), traditional Korean music, and Madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience to create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine Park, and Insa-dong. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Injeongjeon Hall is the main throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. The hall was used for conducting major state affairs, including the coronation of a new king, assembly of officials, and reception of foreign envoys. The current building was rebuilt in 1804 (4th year of King Sunjo’s reign) and shows the architectural style of the late Joseon Dynasty.


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

Bulgogi is a Korean word referring to all types of grilled meat. During the 1950s, grilled meat used to be called ‘Seolyameok’ or ‘neobiani’. When introduced to Japan, Bulgogi became known as Yakiniku. Depending on the recipe, both salted or seasoned meat are considered Bulgogi. Bulgogi Brothers is a new Korean food concept restaurant where high quality Bulgogi is served amongst a stylish interior with chic jazz music and sophisticated lighting without the annoyance of smoke. The restaurant offers a wide selection from their menu including different types of local bulgogi dishes (e.g. Gwangyang-style and Eonyang-style), grilled Hanu (Korean-bred beef), cold noodles, bibimbap, and stews. Recently, the restaurant has introduced 13 different kinds of traditional liquor leading the efforts to promote quality Korean traditional liquors to a wider audience.


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

Internationally renowned as a Michelin three-star chef, Pierre Gagnaire opened his Seoul restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul, on October 1, 2008. This is his fourth restaurant following those restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. In fact, he was once ranked first among the 100 top chefs in the world. It offers French cuisine featuring innovative and diverse preparation methods with an added artistic touch.        


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Art Sonje Center is an art complex which was built in 1998. It has a short history but is famous for exhibiting high-quality artwork. As an art complex, in addition to regular art exhibitions, movies, dance & music performances and plays are also shown here. On the B1 floor there is an art hall with a capacity for 250 people. Exquisite lightning and audiovisual system equipment are used for showing movies, performances and symposiums. At the art hall, many reviews on movies of the dramatic lives of artists are shown. Other events range from international concerts to project exhibitions of German filmmakers. If you want to relax, head to the traditional Korean house hall, Hanokgwan on the 1st floor. It boasts the unique architecture of modernized traditional Korean style. It is surrounded by bamboo, making it just the place for visitors to rest. It is also used as an exhibition space from time to time. Near Art Sonje Center are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong. 


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Located in Pojeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, the Daegu Modern History Museum was officially opened on January 24, 2011. The museum is housed in a building that is rich in history. First built by Japan in 1932 as a bank, the building was once a symbol of repression and exploitation during the Japanese colonial rule. Today, the building stands proudly as an educational site and bears the title of ‘Cultural Property No. 49’ in recognition of its historical and cultural significance.The two-story museum (1,971 square meters) houses a permanent exhibition (1F), featured exhibition (2F), and a hands-on exhibition room and classroom for diverse cultural activities and lectures. The history exhibition features the lifestyle of Daegu citizens, local customs, and education of the late 19th century and the early 20th century.Opening hours are between 9:00am and 7:00pm; the museum is closed on Mondays.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Chojijin Fortress was built in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against seashore attacks from foreign enemies. Chojijin Fortress also encompasses the fortifications of Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, which were constructed in 1679. Chojijin was the scene of many hard-fought battles during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866), Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), and the confrontation with the Japanese warship Unyomaru in 1875. On April 23, 1871, the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island, and an American force of 450 soldiers attacked Chojijin Fort, Deokjin Camp, and Gwangseongjin Camp one after another. On August 21, 1875, the artillery of Chojijin engaged a fierce firefight with the Japanese warship Wunyoho. Chojijin Fortress was restored in 1973, and bullet marks still remain on the old pine trees and the fortress walls. The canons used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty are displayed in Chojijin.


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

Situated in Myeong-dong, the Namsan Arts Center is a cultural facility that offers art performances and promotes them for the public. Remodeling the Namsam Drama Center, it was opened in June 2009. Befitting its image, the center boasts artistic designs.The Namsan Arts Center consists of a Drama Center (a performance hall) and an Art Education Center. The Drama Center offers art performances (centered on modern plays) by Korean and international artists. Housing up to 480 visitors, the hall hosts art festivals (including Festival Jang), modern plays, scholarly events, and auditions. The Art Education Center, on the other hand, offers art education to the public who want to appreciate art and culture. The center is a beloved place by both artists and the public. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Opened in 1981, this diminutive restaurant has been attracting customers with its mouthwatering ramyeon noodles for more than 20 years. The restaurant’s unique ramyeon recipe includes an ultra-spicy broth with lots of red pepper seasoning, chewy noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Even Koreans, who are used to eating spicy kimchi, sometimes shed tears while eating this fare. Besides the food, the ambience is fun, with interesting messages written by customers attached to the ceiling and the walls. The restaurant has created its own jargon that is recognized only by regular customers: ramyeon is called ppal-gye-tteok (spicy red soup with egg and rice cake), and yellow pickled radish is called pineapple, to name a few of the coined terms. The menu board lists the price of ramyeon as W30,000 confusing first-time visitors. But don’t panic: an extra zero (0) was just added for fun! TIP: (1) Take some souvenir pictures using the walls and the ceiling as a background (2) Try putting some cold rice in your ramyeon for an interesting, less spicy taste.