Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongmyodaeje (종묘대제), Korea’s Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite, is a traditional ritual that has been recognized with many important designations. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 56 (Jongmyo Jerye), and Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1 (Jongmyo Jeryeak). The ritual is held yearly on the first Sunday of May. It begins with eogahaengnyeol (어가행렬), the fabulous royal parade dating from the Joseon Dynasy, which is truly a sight to behold as it moves through the modern city. Over 1,200 people proceed from Gyeongbokgung Palace, pass through downtown Seoul via Sejongro, Jongro 1, 2, and 3-ga, and finally arrive at Jongmyo.Jongmyo Daeje originated as a royal ancestral ritual to honor the past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Joseon era, the ritual was held five times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter, and December) until it was abolished by Japanese colonial rule. In 1969, Jongmyo Daeje was reinstated and has been held every year since in May.Jongmyo Shrine, the destination of the procession, was the setting of ceremonial rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, Jongmyo only referred to Jeongjeon (Main Hall) where the memorial tablets of Joseon’s reigning kings and queens are enshrined. Today, however, Jongmyo also encompasses Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Peace) where the tablets of posthumous kings and queens are enshrined and Gongsindang (Hall of Meritorious Subjects) where the tablets of esteemed ministers of the state are kept.To participate in the ceremonial rite, the kings of Joseon traveled to Jongmyo Shrine with princes and subjects in the eogahaengnyeol royal procession. Today, its reenactment features a king mounted on a royal palanquin and accompanied by civil and military officials and guards that stretch to the front and rear of the procession.The Jeongjeon Jehyang rituals are held according to Confucian tenets, largely consisting of the greeting, serving, and bidding farewell to the spirits. Each procedure is accompanied with Jongmyo Jeryeak, a ritual music performance played with pyeongyeong, bokgo and other traditional instruments, and parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers.Jongmyo Jeryeak, Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, was created under King Sejong the Great and adopted by King Sejo. The name refers to the entire series of music and dance performed during the Jongmyo rituals. Distinct music is played for each procedure of the Jongmyo Jerye rituals with accompanying songs called Jongmyoakjang and Ilmu dances called botaepyeongjimu and jeongdaeeopjimu.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using Korean traditional processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; hanji crafts, accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji crafts. Of course, visitors are free to take home their hanji creations at the conclusion of the seminar.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Sungkok Art Museum is an art gallery built by the Korean corporation Ssangyong to promote Korean art. To help talented writers there is an individual exhibit. For the development of art culture in Korea, there is a planning exhibit, and finally there is an international exhibit that enables the public to keep in touch with the flow of foreign art as well. They hold more than 15 exhibits a year. The art gallery building can be roughly divided into two. The main building that holds the exhibition, and the annex building that harbors many diverse facilities. In the sculpture park there are about 100 kinds of trees that are decades old, which form a forest. Together with the sculptures the forest itself also plays a role as an art piece. Inside the forest a wood path exists. If you slowly follow this path you can soak in all of the sculpture park. Here you can the view the sculptures of famous artists from Korea and abroad in harmony with nature. If you want to buy practical craftwork for a mid-low price, there is an art shop inside the main building. You may encounter the Seonggok Museum’s own products, as well as high quality artwork by famous artists. These are the kind of products that make you happy even though they are small. After viewing the museum, if you want to rest for a while, try visiting the teahouse. At Seonggok Museum’s teahouse you will be able to enjoy the sculpture park’s four seasons with a delightful cup of tea. In the spring time the fresh and green scent of nature, in the summer, the vivid life of the forest, in fall, the forest’s brilliant change of color, and in the winter, you will be able to see the world covered in white. Outside the building there are terraces and outdoor tables awaiting you. Perhaps you might want to relax there inhaling the fresh air, and contemplate your trip and your life. The teahouse offers green tea, tea, citron tea, coffee and cookies. The citron tea and the sweet cookies with walnuts inside are made personally by the director herself, and they are the house specialty; so you may want to try them.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Landrover is the casual shoe brand of Kumkang Shoes, Korea's leading fashion retailer specializing in athletic and casual footwear, as well as trendy clothing and accessories. Landrover products are well-known for their all-natural latex soles that absorb shock better than other materials. Located in a metropolitan town of Yongsan-gu in Seoul, Landrover Namyeong carries a wide selection of casual footwear for both men and women.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu)

Dream Digital Camera Systems offers a comprehensive array of Canon items from film cameras to SLR cameras, lenses, camcorders, and various accessories. Run directly by Canon, it boasts high-quality items in addition to professional repair and maintenance services.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

* We provide great service to all of our guests, as we believe that customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance.* You will find consistently great-tasting food at all T.G.I. Friday's throughout the world.


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

Hotel Riviera Seoul is a top-class hotel chain that was first opened on December 12, 1987, with the philosophy of creating a whole new hotel culture. The hotel is located to the south of Yeongdong Bridge in Cheongdam-dong, offering the convenience of the Olympic Expressway for transportation. In February of 1992, a state-of-the-art 150-car parking structure was completed, along with a 300-car parking lot. In 1992 and 1993, the hotel was selected as the best hotel for 2 straight years.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

New Oriental Hotel is located only 5 minutes from Myeongdong Station (subway line 4), giving guests easy access to famous attractions such as Namdaemun and Dongdaemun via public transportation. In addition to its prime location in the popular Myeongdong shopping district (a major tourist destination), the hotel provides clean and cozy guestrooms at affordable prices.


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

Eunnamu specializes in accessories, focusing on the beauty of simple nature and natural lines. It applies Korean traditional patterns to its accessories. The main materials used are sterling silver and quality gemstones. Because every product goes through the delicate hands of our artists, it boasts unique designs and touches not easily seen in other products.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.