Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Located in Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Namdo Folk Food Museum was established to preserve and promote the folk foods of the Namdo region. The museum is housed in a building that resembles both the long, rectangular presses used to make patterned rice cakes and the Ipseokdae Rock of Mudeungsan Mountain, a symbol of Gwangju. Even the colors of the building’s walls hold special significance. The obangsaek ‘five colors’ (blue, white, red, black, and yellow) symbolize the cardinal directions, the seasons, the major organs in the body, different tastes, feelings, and philosophy.Major facilities at the museum include: a special exhibition room for invitational displays on culture and art, the permanent exhibition room on Namdo folk food, the Museum Studio with material related to the museum itself, and the Museum Shop, which sells a selection of Namdo folk food. Other facilities include the Honam Cultural Material Exhibition Room, which showcases the culture of the Honam region (literature, customs, and art), and a seminar room for art and culture-related lectures and conferences.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

           


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

First opened in June 2003, Pungwoldang is a cultural salon for classical music enthusiasts. It's filled with music albums and houses seminars, travel services, and a café. There are over 11,000 music albums (classical music CDs/DVDs and opera CDs) and a diversity of seminars related to classical music. Visitors can watch music-related movies free of charge and can receive a 50% discount at the café with each album purchase.


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

In the 1970s, an elevated road was built to connect the eastern and western sides around Seoul Station. However, the road was closed to road traffic due to safety issues. After this, rather than tearing down the existing structure, the road was transformed into Seoullo 7017, a new pedestrian walking experience. Seoullo 7017 gets its name from its years of new life, from being a traffic road in the 70s to a sky garden in 2017. The "17" also has a deeper meaning, with Seoullo 7017 being divided into 17 unique sections, and the road being located 17 meters above the ground. There are a variety of facilities along Seoullo 7017, including an information center, cafes, gardens, and stages. Seoullo 7017 itself is open all day, every day for visitors to enjoy at their leisure. If you would like a guided tour, be sure to sign up for the guided walking tour through the official Visit Seoul website.


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

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Starting in 1996, the museum has also been holding special exhibitions that focus on other themes of cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.


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

Cafe How serves a wide variety of food and beverages. It is, however, more than just an eatery; it is a cultural space filled with various natural elements. The first floor, featuring a hanok (Korean house) style yard, is designed with an Asian motif, while the second floor, with a terrace and a rooftop garden, is designed in a western style. The cafe also has furniture, paintings and accessories brought in from different countries around the world.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Arko Art Gallery (formerly Marronnier Art Gallery) is located inside Marronnier park in Daehakno, where many youth flock. Daehakno is a place where many couples have their dates and is beloved by the artisans who use the area as a performance center. The Arko Art Gallery is situated in the partk. The Arko Art Gallrey was founded by the Korean Culture Promotion Department to flourish and enrich the Korean arts. Founded in 1979, when there were not many exhibition spaces for artists, it was a place of hope for many of them. With low general exhibit fees and relatively important self-planned exhibit openings, it became a place that contributed significantly to the development of Korean art.The exhibits taking place in the Arko Art Gallery can be divided into two. One is the General Exhibition and the other is the Planning Exhibition. Both of these exhibitions take place in the small gallery on the 1st floor. Since the exhibits are admitted through strict screening it is recommended that you just go and visit them. There is no admission fee. However, during August, repairs usually takes place. You should try to avoid visiting the gallery during that time or you should call and inquire about the opening times. On the 2nd floor there is a family café. There are six computers to use along with refreshments, so you might want to visit it as well. There are many other places to rest and drink along Daehakno street. While walking through Marronnier Park if there is a specific place you are interested in, just visit it. Wherever you visit, the place's unique atmosphere will be evident. During the Christmas season especially, you may not even find a vacant seat in the area. It is that crowded and popular. 


Busan(Dongnae-gu) , Dongnae Hot Spring Zone・Busan University

Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (동래할매파전) has preserved the distinctive taste of its Dongnae Pajeon (Korean pancake) for four generations and has even been designated Busan Folk Restaurant No. 1. Dongnae Pajeon, rumored to have been presented to the king long ago, is made from a combination of glutinous and non-glutinous rice flour and contains various kinds of seafood, beef, and fresh green onions making for a tender and slightly sweet taste. In addition to Dongnae Pajeon, main menu items include Mushroom Pajeon and Nurungji Tangsu (browned rice stew with seafood). The restaurant also offers set menus (Ttugisang and Ttumisang) for customers to get a taste of a wider selection of dishes.  


Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Bokcheon Museum, an archaeological museum in Busan, opened its doors to the public on October 5th, 1996 as a tribute to the long-honored history of Busan from the Samhan Era to the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) Era. The museum displays relics and artifacts excavated from the ancient burial ground in Bokcheon-dong. As many as 169 pieces of ancient helmets, diverse types of earthenware and iron-made weapons found in a series of seven excavations are on display throughout the museum. The array of relics and tombs discovered in the Bokcheon-dong ancient burial ground, designated as Historic Site No. 237, are essential to solving the mystery of the Gaya Kingdom, which remains an uncharted, secret land. Since opening, the museum has been conducting further research at the site of the burial grounds and remains in the local area to better understand the antiquated history and culture of Busan as well as the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum, as a reputable venue for historical education and exploration, also holds academic seminars and special exhibitions to share the research results and achievements with scholars and the community alike.


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

Mapo Art Center is an innovative cultural art space near college campuses including Hongik and Seogang universities. Art Hall Mac, operated by Mapo Art Center is a fascinating performance hall for a wide range of cultural events. The art hall boasts a stunning exterior as well as finely-appointed facilities that allow the audience to enjoy a diverse genre of performances. The art hall consists of two sections of Play Mac (for smaller performances like puppet shows, solo concerts and children’s performances) and Gallery Mac (where visitors engage in interactive programs). The center also has diverse leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, fitness center, golf club as well as a training center. Other amenities available include a powder room, multi-purpose hall, training room, playpen, and Sky Park.