Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Gana Glasses is a popular shop among Japanese tourists and is known for having high-quality eyeglasses at reasonable prices. Precision of products and swift delivery to customers are high priorities. The shop boasts a wide variety of products: imported luxury brands, Korean products, and colorful accessories.


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

Located at the skirt of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa temple , as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand year old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Jinseong Queen’s reign), Master Dosun founded it at the ground of Yeonhui palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, and later in 1748 (24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.“Yeongsanjae”, one of the Buddhist rituals and also the Important Intangible Cultural Properties No. 50, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for the world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summer time, “Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival” takes place, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism. 


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

The Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum opened on October 27, 1998 with the goals of preserving Korean traditional patchwork quilting techniques, which are gradually being forgotten, and of exhibiting other countries’ textile crafts. The Chojun Textile & Quilt Museum in Namsan-dong, central Seoul, is the only museum in Korea that displays local and foreign textile art.The museum brings together a number of beautiful quilts and other textiles from around the world that embody the love and spirit of the women who created them. These works include Korean traditional personal ornaments, ceremonial dresses, everyday objects, and traditional costumes of the Chinese Miao tribe. The displays of rare foreign quilts and Korean traditional patchwork quilts dating back as far as 100 years have been attracting a continuous flow of quilt aficionados and international tourists.As you may already know, the term ‘quilt’ refers to a coverlet made of two layers of fabric decoratively stitched together with a layer of cotton in between. A long time ago, Koreans wore quilted clothes and held quilting parties similar to the Western quilting bee. Koreans have long since used various cloth remnants to make quilts.Though the actual type of cloth, pattern, and stitching may vary from country to country and person to person, quilts the worldover represent the resourcefulness and care of the people who made them. At the museum, visitors can compare the styles of a variety of beautiful Asian and Western textile works, which is perhaps one of the main draws of the museum.The museum’s first exhibition presented the winning works of the Japan International Quilt Contest. It then hosted the first Korean Quilt Contest and presented the winning works of the contest at the museum. It has since held several shows featuring quilts and other textile works including “The Manhole Quilt Exhibition for a Beautiful Environment” and the World Traditional Textile Exhibition.In addition to exhibits and various programs, the museum has served as an educational center for textile artists by organizing a number of workshops and seminars. Fast emerging as a favorite destination for foreign tourists thanks to its unique items and exhibitions, the Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum plans to hold more diverse exhibitions and contests in the future while continuing to exhibit its permanent collection of Korean textile art.The programs at the museum are aimed at providing the general public with opportunities to get closer to the textile arts, which remain unfamiliar to many, and to help preserve Korea’s textile traditions and promote them worldwide. In addition, by introducing unique textile artwork from overseas, the museum seeks to offer opportunities for local textile artists to obtain new ideas and techniques and gain a wider, global perspective.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Ojangdong Hamheung Naengmyeon’s feature menu item is Hamheung-naengmyeon (Pyeongyang-style chilled buckwheat noodles), a delicacy of North Korea’s Hamgyeongdo region, and has continued to receive wide popularity since 1953. Their diverse menu consists of Hamheung-naengmyeon, mul-naengmyeon (buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth), wangmandu (large steamed dumplings), and more.Hamheung-naengmyeon is a specialty dish that was passed down from Hamgyeongdo long ago, where the cold noodles are made with starch, then mixed with red pepper paste and raw skate. If the dish is too spicy for your taste, try eating it with muchojeorim (shredded radish in vinegar) to cool your tongue. The muchojeorim is a side dish that can be refilled, free of charge.Other popular menu items include mul-naengmyeon, bibim-naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles mixed with red pepper paste), and the enormously large wangmandu stuffed with meat and vegetables.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Myogaksa Temple is located on the east side of Mt. Naksan in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. First established by Monk Taeheo Hongseon in May of 1930, it has since expanded and underwent two renovations. The temple’s location was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, which dictated that a temple built in its location would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. The Myogaksa Temple complex on Mt. Naksan accommodates a Deabul (Grand Buddha) Shrine, a Wontong Buddhist shrine, a Nakga preaching hall, Seokgulam Grotto, Sanshingak (Mountain Spirit Pavilion), and the Mae Buddha Statue. Deabul and Wontong shrines are two of the finest Buddhist architectural masterpieces. The Buddha statue, located inside the Seokgulam Grotto, was built around the ninth or early tenth century and has been designated a national cultural treasure. The Mae Buddha Statue, also located in this temple, was carved out of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Naksan and has been designated a cultural asset of the City of Seoul.Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Myogaksa began operating its temple stay program, the temple has become a wonderful place where locals and tourists can escape the daily hustle-and-bustle of Seoul to experience the serenity of Buddhism. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

The old building of the Seoul train station was designed by Tsukamoto Yasushi, a professor of Tokyo University. Construction of the station started in June, 1922 and was completed in September, 1925. Due to its unique domed roof and large size, the station attracted much attention in its early years.After Korea regained its independence from under Japanese colonial rule, the station’s name was changed from ‘Gyeongseong Station’ to ‘Seoul Station’. During the Korean War, the station was partially destroyed but later restored. After Korea began industrializing after the war, the South annex and West annex were constructed to handle the increasing transportation volume.In 2004 when the privately-funded new station was constructed, the old station closed down, but after reconstruction in 2011 opened as a multicultural space called ‘Culture Station Seoul 284’. The main section (Jungang Hall) is for performances, exhibitions, events, and cafés, while the 2nd floor houses a hall that serves as a venue for cultural performances, exhibitions, academic seminars, business meetings, and more.


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

AK PLAZA is a department store owned by Aekyung Industrial Co. Ltd.AK Plaza Guro is fast becoming a major landmark in the southwestern business district of Seoul. World-famous brands such as Burberry, Coach, and Etro are located on the 1st floor along with a large plaza for various events. The 2nd floor of the department store is conveniently connected to Guro Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). A variety of facilities and amenities (food court, CGV Movie Theater, customer service room, stroller rental services, playroom, appliance repair center, etc.) are spread throughout the center.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Garden5 is a gigantic shopping center and multicultural complex. Here it is possible to shop, relax, and enjoy cultural events and entertainment. There a wide variety of shops selling including fashion items, household appliances, electronic goods and components, industrial goods, tools, and more. Producers, wholesalers, and retailers are all gathered at Garden5, making it a perfect destination for one-stop shopping. Garden5 has the potential to grow onto a futuristic cultural district attracting customers from all over the world.


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

Gangseo NC Department Store is one of the biggest ‘Multi-brand’ stores in Korea and is owned and managed mainly by E-land Group, a top clothing company that has been dedicated to providing consumers with low-priced, high-quality goods since 1980.The NC Department Store has 260 popular Korean & international brands of men’s wear, women’s wear, casual wear, and sportswear. New items as well as off-season items are both readily available and the store carries 30 unique brands found only at NC and Korea’s first SPA brands SPAO and MISSO. International brands such as Burberry, Gucci, and Tory Burch are directly imported and available at 5-20% off regular retail prices.Among the many amenities at the department store is Kiz Café (children’s playroom), the largest department store playroom in Korea.


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

Dong Seoul Hotel is a boutique hotel located close to Gangbyeon Station (Subway Line 2). It has themed guestrooms and convenient facilities including a theater, restaurant, and banquet room.The culture complex on the basement floor is unique. It includes a restaurant, a small concert hall, a karaoke room, and a book cafe. The concert hall has a small stage, making it convenient to hold a private party or gathering. There is also a seminar/meeting room with a computer, a projector, a large monitor, and audio system.