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

The National Library of Korea is where numerous materials are collected and preserved. It currently holds approximately 4.3 million books and theses, of which roughly two-hundred thousand are collected annually. Art exhibitions are occasionally held in the exhibition room on the first floor. Surrounded by Seocho Park, the scenery outside is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing. If you would like to have fun partaking in other activities, take a ten-minute walk to the Express Bus Terminal nearby. Central City is connected to both a shopping center and theater. You can also go to different provinces from the bus terminal. But it would be nice to visit the library and spend some time reading before going on a trip out of Seoul.At the National Library of Korea, classical concerts are held exclusively for the library users on the last Friday of each month, except in January and August. Anyone who comes to the library can attend the concert for free. The Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor Geum Nan-Sae perform for the audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity.


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

The beloved outdoor swimming pools at Yeouido was reborn as Supia, a year-round theme park in Hangang. Unlike the previous pools, Supia at Ttukseom and Yeouido is a water park that added Flow Pool to the existing Adult Pool, Youth Pool, and Children’s Pool.* What is Supia?- Combining Arisu (the former name of Hangang) and Utopia, Supia is a fun theme park in the middle of the city that can be enjoyed all year long. 


Busan(Jung-gu)

When Dolgorae Sundubu first opened in 1982, it sold sundubu (soft tofu stew) at a mere 600won, which was cheaper than the average price of jajangmyeon (considered one of the most inexpensive meals available at that time). The low price and great taste soon attracted a large number of customers and the restaurant has enjoyed great popularity ever since. The restaurant's success lies in its fresh, soft tofu and its Jeolla-style pickled seafood and soybean paste (hand-made fresh each morning). The soft tofu stew seems to perfectly complement kimchi (Korea’s most popular side dish) and has become a restaurant specialty.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Mibo Jewelry carries a wide selection of necklaces, rings and earrings made with gold, silver and other precious gemstones like diamond, ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc. The most popular items include diamond rings, luxury watches, gold rings and necklaces. Moreover, at Mibo Jewelry, customers may design their own jewelry for purchase.


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

With 24 granite pillars, a splendid blue dome, and white exterior, the National Assembly Building is a beautiful piece of architecture. The historic building came to life in 1975 after six years of construction. The pillars and the dome symbolize the various opinions of the public emerging as one. The building is a favorite among tourists as it is located next to the Hangang River. The Hangang River sits behind the building as a beautiful backdrop.The National Assembly Building contains the Visitor Center, a walking area, and benches alongside the Hangang River. The easiest way to visit the National Assembly Building is by applying at the Visitor Center. One can tour various parts of the National Assembly Building as well as the main conferencing area. The application process lasts roughly twenty minutes. The drawback is that it does not offer a foreign language service. Those who are interested in seeing Korean politics in action may also see sessions as they proceed. However, those not particularly interested in Korean politics will be more than satisfied with the regular tour.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider view of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the late afternoon and coming back down in the early evening (to beat the nighttime rush). To get to the cable cars without having to walk too much, take the Namsan Oreumi, (Namsan outdoor elevator). The Namsan Oreumi is the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. It runs a distance of 140m (from the entrance of Namsan 3rd Tunnel to the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car) and takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in about two minutes, as opposed to the usual 20-min. walk. Maximum capacity is 20 people and operating hours are the same as the Namsan Cable Car (09:00 to 23:30). The other way to get to the Namsan Cable Car station is by going out of exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, subway line 4 (see ‘directions’ section for details).


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Dawon is a tea house that operates in a hanok (traditional Korean house). Located in the busy tourist area of Insa-dong, this place offers the visitors a moment to relax and find peace in the city. When seated, greenery and flowers in the private garden make for a nice view while sipping tea and snacking on Korean desserts like assorted ttoek (rice cakes). There are many teas available, with more than 15 varieties, all of which originate from Korea. Dawon's peaceful atmosphere and authentic experience make it a must visit for anyone in the Insa-dong area.


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

The interior of the restaurant is dressed in Japanese style, offering a foreign environment for customers. Fresh, natural ingredients are used instead of MSG to give the udon soup base a refreshingly clean flavor. There are 5~6 different types of udon offered on the menu that are adapted to the taste of Koreans, such as Kimchi Udon and Oden Udon. Recommended set menus include the Okonomi-Teishoku (with tuna sashimi), Tokumi-Teishoku, and Tonkatsu-Teishoku (pork cutlet, rice, udon).


Busan(Seo-gu)

Songdo Cloud Trails is located eastern side of Songdo Beach. The trail include a skywalk which has clear glass bottom view that let you feel like you are walking in the middle of a ocean. Amazing panoramic view of the surrounding made the trail a popular destination.


Daegu(Dong-gu)

Palgongsan Natural Park (Gatbawi District) is centered around Palgongsan Mountain, one of the larger mountains in the Taebaek mountain range. Palgongsan Mountain is located 20km northeast from downtown Daegu, where Nakdonggang River and Geumhogang River meet. The mountain has three peaks in a row: Birobong Peak in the center and Dongbong (aka ‘Mitabong,’ 1,155m) and Seobong (aka ‘Samseongbong,’ 1,150m) on either side.In terms of administrational district, the park (30.593㎢ in size) is within Dong-gu, Daegu and has four towns along its border including Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsan-si, and Chilgok-gun. A number of Buddhist temples including Donghwasa, a headquarters of the 9th Buddhist Parish, are located in the area.The park has numerous rocks and valleys and is carpeted with azaleas in the spring. In the autumn many visitors flock to the park to admire the falls leaves on the trees lining the 16.3km-long road through the park. With vibrant green leaves and a delicate snowscape in the winter, Palgongsan Mt is an attractive destination for visitors throughout the year.[About Gatbawi]‘Gatbawi’ is a statue of Buddha that sits against a rocky cliff of Gwanbong Peak that rises 850m above the sea level. The name ‘Gatbawi’ comes from the fact that the Buddha has a flat rock (‘bawi’) on its head that looks like a Korean traditional hat (called a ‘gat’). The statue, designated Treasure No. 431, is one of the most sophisticated Buddha statues of the 9th Century. Legend has it that the statue grants honest prayers, so every year at sunrise on New Year’s Day people flock to the Buddha statue to make a wish for the new year and see the rising sun.