Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The only knife specialty shop in Korea, this Insadong gallery is home to over 6,000 knives from all over the world. They include traditional Korean and Japanese knives, Chinese knives, decorative knives, knives by some famous artists, and knives shown in movies. There are a variety of knives for both daily and decorative uses. Customers who order custom knives may observe the entire manufacturing process. 


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

Aritaum is a large cosmetic store compared to other cosmetic stores. Located in the middle of the shopping area around Ewha Womans University, it was opened just a few months ago. Customers will be exposed to see diverse items in the clean, spacious store. Song Hye-kyo and Hyun Bin are the main models of the shop. It has become a popular store among international visitors.


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

Located on the outskirts of Mt. Bugak, this park was the first officially-designated park in Korea (1940). The name Samcheong (literally "three blue") refers to the three highest ideals in Taoism that men can attain. Surrounded by cherry blossoms planted long ago, the park becomes crowded with tourists every April when the trees are in full bloom. The park offers many amenities: badminton and tennis courts, a playground, a snack bar, and a multi-purpose rest area.Major hiking trails winding through Samcheong Park connect the park to the Mt Bugak Seoul Fortress Wall Hiking Trail, a mineral spring spot in Seongbuk-dong, and Waryong. While hiking, visitors can encounter Malbawi, an excellent spot chosen by City of Seoul where they can overlook Seoul at a glance. Malbawi Historic Site Visit Program, run by Jongno-go Office (Seoul), provides children and adults with the opportunity to learn about natural ecology in Samcheong Park and the history of Seoul Fortress Wall from designated guides. Through well-developed roads around Samcheong-dong, visitors can easily move from Samcheong-dong to Seongbuk-dong. Currently, Samcheong Tunnel near the park connects the two localities.


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

Maxtyle is an exclusive fashion mall and multi-purpose cultural space located at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), at the Dongdaemun Gate. Maxtyle is an exclusive fashion mall comprised of seven underground and eight aboveground levels. The mall was made from a renovation of the old “Heungin” and “Deokun” markets and has become a leader in both fashion and culture, providing customers with high-quality merchandise at a great price. The name, “Maxtyle,” is a shortened form of the phrase “maximum style.” 


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

Opened in 2002, Gahoe Museum has on exhibit, folk paintings and amulets reflecting the lifestyle and wishes of the Korean people from ancient times. Inside the Hanok gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Korea. You will find old paintings of the common people, paintings of religious beliefs, and roof tiles in the shape of human beings or goblins. You will also find folding screens made of amulets and see the wisdom of people in the old days to overcome difficult times through a variety of amulets. Guided tours of exhibits are available from Tuesday through Friday in English and Japanese.After viewing, you can participate in regular hands-on programs inside the gallery. For a small fee, you can choose a program of your liking that runs from 10am to 5pm. The programs can accommodate up to 20 to 25 people. There are many participants on weekends so before visiting, call in advance for availability (+82-2-741-0466, Korean and Japanese). Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide.


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

Cheonggyesan Mountain surrounds Seoul Grand Park, SeoulLand and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon. The mountain boarders the area of Yangjae-dong, Seoul and Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, and Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. The mountain is nestled at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain, south of downtown Gwacheon. Dense forests, neat valleys, parks, and temples are available in the mountain, making it a suitable climbing course for families. Also, varied walking courses are set up. The top of the mountain, Manggyeongdae, is not open to public access as a government facility is situated on the peak. Guksabong Peak (alt. 538m) and another peak (alt. 545m) are connected through a mountain path.It is said that a faithful person, Joyun in the late Goryeo period entered Cheonggyesan Mountain from Songdo after the demolition of Goryeo by Yi Seong-gye who was the first King of the Joseon Dynasty. Also, it was referred to as “Cheongryongsan” because the area is regarded as the place where a blue dragon (Cheongryong; 청룡) ascended to heaven. Based on the principles of geomancy, Gwaksan Mountain and Cheonggyesan Mountain are called “Baekho” (White Tiger) and “Cheongryong,” respectively.


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

Along with the other great mountains near Seoul, Suraksan Mountain has its own unique beauty throughout the year. Its cluster of small peaks is reminiscent of Seorak or Wolchul mountains and among its valleys and peaks, a number of treasures unfold. As you explore the mountain and the surrounding area, you’ll discover Geunnyu, Eunnyu, and Ongnyu waterfalls, Heungguksa Temple (Silla Kingdom), Seongnimsa Temples (Joseon Dynasty), and Gwesanjeong Pavillion.One of the most popular hiking courses on Suraksan Mt. is the one that starts from Danggogae Station (Subway Line 4) and passes Hangnimsa Temple and Yongguram. In the springtime, the ridge between Suraksan Mt. and Buramsan Mt. is covered with gorgeous royal azalea blossoms.Suraksan Mountain is located on the border of Seoul, Eujeongbu-si and Byeolnae-myeon, Namyangju-si. Buramsan Mountain is located to the south of Suraksan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain rises up to the west. Suraksan Mountain is easily accessible via public transportation and is a popular daytrip for residents of Seoul.


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

Din Tai Fung Korea was named one the World’s Top 10 Restaurants by the New York Times. This restaurant chain has branches in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and other Asian cities as well as in Los Angeles, USA. The Korea branch features handmade xiao long bao made of fresh ingredients from Korea and top quality dumpling stuffing. The dough only weighs 5g while the juicy stuffing weighs 16g. There are exactly 18 creases on the skin to add to the taste. It’s particularly popular among tourists from Taiwan, Japan, and other Asian countries.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Stew cooked with fermented soybean paste is this restaurant's signature dish. Rice with beef soup contains pyogo mushrooms and seaweed. The ugeoji soup is also a highlight. Made from the four legs of a cow and mixed with soybean paste, it is very unique. Variations of daily side dishes are also available.* Doore (두레) is the Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government


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

Mt. Daemosan behind Heonilleung Royal Tomb was originally called Halmisan (meaning grandmother in Korean) because it resembles the shape of an old lady. Daemosan Mountain embraces Heonilleung Royal Tomb, guarding the royal tomb.Heonilleung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heonilleung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond. Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang, which are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep. There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.