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.


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.