Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Opened in 1939, Hanilkwan (한일관)'s current location is in Gangnam after moving from its original location at Cheongjindong. With over 70 years of tradition, Hanilkwan is a well-known place where famous people including former presidents such as Lee Seung-man, Park Jeong-hee, and Roh Moo-hyun have dined. With a reputation for serving authentic Korean dishes, Hanilkwan provides visitors with a variety of menus to experience Korean traditional food. One of the popular menus is Grill Special & Bulgogi, which includes Tangpyeongchae (mung bean jelly mixed with vegetables), Gujeolpan (platter of nine delicacies), Nakji Bokkeum (stir-fried baby octopus), and Bulgogi. The Lunch Menu is a special menu chosen by the chef.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.


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

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held at Seokchon Lake area, Seoul. The event normally takes place during early to mid April, when cherry blossoms are beautifully embroidering the city. In addition, a variety of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities will take place during the festival period.


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

The Korea Culture House (KOUS) opened in April 2003 to introduce Korea’s traditional culture and provide a series of experience programs to both tourists visiting Korea and foreigners already residing in Korea.The Korea Culture House comprises a traditional arts performance stage, traditional culture workshops, a traditional teahouse, and a cultural products store. The Traditional Arts Performance Stage has been designed in the shape of a Norimadang (traditional Korean performance stage).Performances are held everyday at 8:00pm except on Sundays. The Traditional Culture Workshop currently offers a variety of experience programs including handcrafts. Telephone reservations are required for large groups of 30 people or more. KOUS also provides a traditional teahouse and a cultural products store for visitors to enjoy.* Experience Programs - Make Knot Accessories 15,000 won- Needle Sewing Arts 15,000 won- Make Hanji (Korean paper) Ornaments 15,000 won- Make Ceramic Cups 20,000 won- Patterned Fan Coloring 10,000 won- Rubbed Copy Program 10,000 won- Taekgyeon (traditional military martial arts) 10,000 won- Traditional Korean Bongsan Masked Dance 10,000 won- Learn Pungmul (traditional Korean percussions) 10,000 won


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Opened in 1991, Jihwaja hopes to introduce ‘Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty’ (Intangible Cultural Property No. 38) to the public. Using fresh seasonal ingredients all year-round, it is recognized as the best royal cuisine restaurant in Korea. Here you can experience the unique food culture and the secret recipes of the family of Hwang Hye-seong using all your five senses.


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

AVENUEL is a Lotte Department Store luxury-brand branch located in Seoul’s Gangbuk area. Brilliantly dressed in a “garden & gallery” concept and connected to the Lotte Department Store’s main building, AVENUEL offers a wide selection of imported fashion apparel, jewelry and accessories. Moreover, AVENUEL has been highly acclaimed for its extravagant, interior design. Famous designer brands Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, just to name a few, reside on the first 5 floors of the department store, while floors 6 to 8 houses a large cinema. The ninth floor houses a gallery and a number of restaurants, with the tenth floor providing a skin care center and spa, proving that AVENUEL offers more than just your ordinary shopping experience.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

As part of the Creation of Living Palaces project, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty. The tour begins from the main gate, Donhwamun Gate (돈화문), and continues on for approximately two hours through Injeongjeon Hall (인정전), Nakseonjae (낙선재), and Huwon (후원, meaning "secret garden"). To make a reservation, visit the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website. Reservations are accepted from 20 days before the event.Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance compound during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO designated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Located behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, Maple Tree House (Danpungnamujip, 단풍나무집) is a meat restaurant where diners can enjoy grilled meat in an elegant, wine bar-like ambience. The restaurant's main dish is Cheongyeop, which is pork grilled over a charcoal fire and wrapped in fermented sesame leaves. There are many repeat customers (including international guests) who come back for the succulent grilled meat, unique sauce, and great service. Though the restaurant in Samcheong-dong is the main restaurant, there are also two branch restaurants in Dogok-dong and Itaewon.


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

Of the 4 Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by the Emperor of 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the Emperor of 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bukak Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bukak Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul in one breath. 


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

The Gimpo Airport branch of E-mart is located inside the Gimpo Airport complex and is the largest E-Mart branch in Korea. E-Mart was the very first supermarket to open in Korea, and the Gimpo Airport Branch was its 52nd store. Also located in the E-mart complex are a movie theater, shopping mall, wedding hall, theme park, and more.This 3-story building sells groceries, fashion apparel, accessories, and a wide selection of other merchandise. The store is open from 10:00am to 12:00am.