Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In an effort to promote the majesty and grace of Korean royal culture and present a major traditional ceremony to the public, the Seoul Metropolitan Government hosts a reenactment of the royal wedding ceremony of King Gojong and Queen Min in the spring and fall every year. The reenactment will take place at Unhyeongung Palace, the original site of the royal wedding ceremony on March 21, 1866, for emperor Gojong and his empress Myeongseong. Based on thorough historical research and consultation by the palace’s counsel panel, the event is organized to commemorate the significance of Korean history and to shed some new light on a fading traditional culture. Event Programs: Garye in Korean refers to 1) a royal wedding or enthronement of the king; 2) a wedding or formal installation of a crown prince or his eldest son, or the prince imperial or his son. Because it is a major national ceremony, it is not uncommon for thousands of people to be mobilized during several months just for this event. Also, because of the strict and complex procedures and formalities of Joseon-Dynasty royal weddings, the procedures were established according to a set of regulations. In all traditional Korean weddings, the groom customarily visited the bride’s house and brings her to his home. The same applied to the king. However, because common houses were limited in space, royal weddings were held at Byeolgung, known as detached palaces. For King Gojong and Queen Min, Unhyeongung Palace was used as the Byeolgung. The reenactment of the wedding starts with Eoga Haengnyeol, a royal procession led by a banner emblazoned with the king’s coat of arms, the yellow dragon. Following the coat-of-arms banner was the five directions banner and other traditional royal trappings. Then followed the Bisuchaeg Uisik, or the formal installation of Min as the queen, and the Chinyeong, in which King Gojong takes her as the queen. The wedding reenactment lasts for two hours. Major Highlights: This ceremony is an exact reenactment of the royal wedding ceremony of Joseon's imperial family. It offers a great opportunity to see royal costumes and the lifestyle of Joseon dynasty. The traditional royal costumes are spectacular and elegant, and the wedding displays such regal and grandeur distinction. After the ceremony, there is a photo session, so don’t forget to bring a camera. * The wedding ceremony is held in Spring (April or May) and Fall (September or October).


Busan(Jung-gu)

This restaurant specializes in samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup) and has had 60 years of tradition in Nampo-dong. It has been family run for many generations.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Jungmun Resort is a multi tourism area of Jejudo Island and the largest resort in Korea. It is located on the seashore of Jungmun area in Seogwipo. Its facilities blend in beautifully with its surrounding nature, and in 1971, it was designated an International Tour Site. In the Resort, there are many interesting sites to visit, such as Pacific Land, Yeomiji Arboretum, fishing village for tourists, Seonimgyo Bridge, Cheonjeyeon waterfall, and Jungmun Beach. Also there are great hotels such as Shilla Hotel, Lotte Hotel, and the Hyatt Hotel that are internationally well known because celebrities often visit from abroad. This is the biggest Tourist complex in Korea.The seashore of the Jungmun Tourist Complex (Jungmun Resort) is especially beautiful, and it is often used as a shooting location for movies, dramas, and commercials. A bench in the garden of Shilla Hotel was used in the movie 'Swiri'and the area has become known as 'Swiri Hill.' Yeomiji Arboretum is also a must-see travel spot. This arboretum has 2,000 kinds of rare plants in the greenhouse, and 1,700 kinds of flowers and trees outside. A tour train can be used between the arboretum and the garden, and if you go up to the sky lounge in the middle of the garden, you can see the whole arboretum. On a clear day, you can even see Marado Island in the distance.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is the first national modern contemporary museum ever opened in Korea and it showcases the nation’s history in a comprehensive and structured way. The museum first opened its door to the public on December 26, 2012. Located in Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, the building where the museum is currently housed was formerly that of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Its current renovated state has 4 open-run exhibition chambers and 2 themed, rotating exhibit halls. Also inside the building is a seminar room, lecture hall, café, souvenir shop and a rooftop garden.


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

The Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance displays items that have been collected from Bukchon, a historical village that was once home to the nation’s nobility. For hundreds of years, treasured items in each household were passed down from generation to generation, but since Korea’s rapid development in the second half of the 20th century many of these became obsolete. Opened in 2003, the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance seeks to preserve artifacts and present them in a cozy, homey environment where visitors can get a sense of how each object was used in daily life. The museum is full of household articles that were absolutely essential parts of life in the past, such as ‘maetdol’ (millstones used for grinding beans or mung beans), ‘jangdok’ (crocks for soy sauce or red pepper paste), and ‘yogang’ (Korean chamber pots that were kept in rooms and used as urinals at night). Visitors are even allowed to touch items on display to better be able to imagine life in Korea before industrialization.From Samcheong-dong (near Gyeongbokgung Palace) to Wonseo-dong (near Biwon, a royal garden in Changdeokgung Palace), Bukchon is an area well-known for its hanok houses (traditional Korean houses). Thanks to the complex structure of hanok, collectors were able to unearth a wide range of articles hidden in storage rooms, under floorboards, and in attics.Visitors to the museum with 10-15 people in their party may participate in programs that allow them to make old-fashioned toys or take part in making ssukgaetteok (rice cake made using mugwort).Near the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance there are many colorful attractions worth visiting: the Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong Park, The Owl Museum, ToyKino Museum, the World Jewelry Museum, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, as well as royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. 


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(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Established by Olivier Baussan, Loccitane has its roots in the French Provincial style. It is a brand focusing on overall "wellbeing": the harmony of sensual pleasure and mental bliss. It is one of the first brands in Korea to use essential oils and natural ingredients in all its product lines.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Theater is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gungangno Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. Sogeukjans, meaning small theater, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Built to promote Korean music, the stage and seating at Changdeokgung are arranged for audience members to sit on the floor similar to in a traditional restaurant or home. The theater offers a wide array of performances including Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), traditional Korean music, and Madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience to create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine Park, and Insa-dong. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

If you are passionate about fashion and looking for something unique, head to Sonjjam in Insa-dong. Here, you’ll find a selection of stylish, handmade goods. Sonjjam specializes in clothes, corsages, fashion and interior accessories, hand weaving, fabric dyeing, and decorating mufflers and scarves. You’ll not only be able to see hand-weaving at the store; you’ll also find yourself in the heart of Insa-dong, one of the best places in Seoul to find traditional crafts and Korean cultural pieces.