Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Founded in 1999, the 105 square-kilometer Korea Botanical Garden grows approximately 1,300 Korean native plants. The Garden is composed of the Indoor Exhibition Hall, Herb Garden, Cultivation Area, Ecosystem Garden, Singal Mountain Path, and Theme Garden. On display are potted plants in the Indoor Exhibition Hall, fragrant herbs such as wild chrysanthemum and chamomile in the Herb Garden, gregarious plants like iris and aster koraiensis in the Cultivation Area, naturally mixed plants in the Ecosystem Garden, and plants with human or animal names, such as the pasque flower, in the Theme Garden. The two kilometer-long Singal Mountain Path, where Mongolian oak trees mingle with azaleas and rhododendron, is a very popular walking course.The Korea Botanical Garden distributes flower seeds to all visitors when they buy tickets, and all types of native flowers can be purchased at the store. Also in the Garden are convenience facilities such as Cafe Bian, serving tea and ice cream, as well as rest rooms and benches. The best season for visiting Korea Botanical Garden is from June to August.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

French & New York Sole is decorated with pinkish interior desings and unique block interiors. It specializes in flat shoes that emphasize sophisticated, romantic feel of young women seeking their own life styles. Items in the shop are not only colorful, but also comfortable to wear. The brand sponsors Brown Eyed Girls and many other celebrities.


Busan(Busanjin-gu)

Founded in 1986, Samgwangsa Temple is the second Cheontae (천태종), located in Choeup-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan. The temple nestled in the hillside of the Baekyang mountain so all Busan area is viewed at one glance with the bright morning sunshine. It opens 24 hours for praying and continues its practice Buddhism religiously everyday.


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

The Kukje Galley has been committed to presenting the work of significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public since 1982. The gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits such as Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro, Cy Twombly, Edward Ruscha, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and Bill Viola, attracting enthusiastic responses from both the public and the media.The gallery has placed emphasis on collaborations between artists, galleries, and art dealers around the world and nurturing upcoming artists by sponsoring their artwork and giving them international exposure.Since 1988, Kukje Gallery has participated in major art fairs such as Art Basel, which is one of the most influential art fairs in modern and contemporary art. And, subsequently, works of Korean artists have received great attention from non-Korean collectors who were previously unexposed to Korean art. 


Daegu(Dong-gu)

Otgol Village was named for its concave topographical features, as three sides (except for the southern side) are surrounded by a mountain. Others believe that the name derives from the groves of lacquer trees (locally called otnamu) in the nearby mountains and fields. Otgol is the clan village of the Gyeongju Choi family, who settled with the arrival of Choi Dong-jip, a scholar in the mid-Joseon era who came and established himself in the area.Otgol Village has a beautiful earthen wall and stone wall spanning about 2.5 kilometers. A tree stands along the wall path: it was not cut down, but the wall was instead built low to accommodate the tree, showing the wisdom and the respect for nature of the people at the time. In the Baekbul Residence, the document bestowed by King Jeongjo to Baekburam Choi Heung-won in appreciation of his deeds remains. Various other relics are also preserved, including old books and identity tags that have been passed down over the generations in the head family, the Seonghaksipdo (The Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning) folding screen, and dishes used in religious services. Nearby is the forest of Oriental Arbovitae in Dalseong, which is the No. 1 Natural Monument of Korea, as well as the Bullo-dong Tumuli Park and Palgongsan Provincial Park.


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

Riverview 8th Avenue is the only cultural area in Korea located beneath a bridge. Not just a performance venue, the building also houses a gallery depicting the 100-year history of the Hangang River and a Hangang Renaissance Project Promotion Room, which provides a glimpse of developers’ plans to further revive the river into a prime leisure spot for citizens and tourists.Thanks to its location under the Gwangjingyo Bridge in Hangang Park (Gwangnaru area), Riverview 8th Avenue affords a scenic view of the river as seen from its glass observatory. Live performances are held on Friday or weekend nights; applications can be made online and a few winners are chosen at random to watch each performance.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

With over 600 years of history, Yoo’s Family is situated inside Bukchon Hanok Village, between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo. The region resonates with a traditional atmosphere as the cozy venue sits nestled amongst traditional Korean houses and in the middle of Seoul's two main palaces.Yoo’s Family is a Hanok family managed by Yoos, offering traditional culture experiences for foreigners interested in Korean living cultures and traditions. Most classes are short-term courses and reservations can be made up to one day in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 2 or more. For groups of 10 or more, you may even customize a timing to hold the classes. Translation in English and Japanese are available for all courses as well.


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

Located at the corner of Seoul's busiest downtown intersection, Deoksugung Palace is famous for its elegant stone-wall road. It is also the only palace that sits alongside a series of western style buildings that add to the uniqueness of the surrounding scenery. Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongungung in 1611. Afterwards, the name was then changed back to its orginal title of Deoksugung. Upon entering Deoksugung Palace and Daehanmun, visitors will cross the wide bridge of Geumcheon. The king's carriage would pass over this bridge during ancient times. The Beopjeon Building Junghwajeon is very stately, revealing its long history. The Jeukjodang Building received its name from Gwanghaegun and In-Jo, who both ascended to the throne here. The front sign on Jeukjodang was written personally by Go Jong in 1905 after he became king. Hamnyeongjeon was where Go Jong slept, and Hamnyeong was named so to wish Go Jong lasting peace. The East Wing served as the king’s room, and the west wing was for the queen. Jeonggwanheon was the first western style building built in the palace, completed in 1900. Go Jong enjoyed drinking coffee and spending his free time here. The back of the building had secret passageways to the Russian Emissary, which still exist today. Seokjojeon is the other western-style building that still remains in Deoksugung, and it was in the process of being built by a British man for his company, when in 1905 the property rights were transferred to Japan. It was finally completed in 1910. After Gojong’s death, Seokjojeon became a Japanese art gallery open to the public. After the Korean Declaration of Independence, the American-Russian joint commission was held here as well in May 1946. The east wing of Seokjogwan building now serves as a palace treasure exhibition, and the west wing is used as part of the National Modern Art Center. The Junghwajeon (Junghwa Hall) was the center of politics during the period of Daehanjeguk (the Great Korean Empire) and served as the backdrop to critical discussions on national affairs among the country’s leaders. The elaborateness of the hall’s interior is said to reflect the confidence of King Gojong (26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, r. 1863-1907) in his ability to effectively lead the country into the 20th century. One of the most striking parts of the building is the pair of dragons that decorates the canopy above the throne of the king. These dragons can also be seen on the ceiling of Junghwajeon and were representative designs of Deoksugung Palace, the imperial palace at that time. Though the Junghwajeon was originally built in 1902 as a multi-roofed building, it was redesigned as a single-roofed building in 1906 after it caught on fire in 1904. In 1592, the Japanese army landed in Busan and marched to the capital of Seoul. Prior to their arrival, King Seonjo fled to Uiju, where he stayed for one and a half years. When he returned to Seoul, he had no place to stay because all of the places had been burned down during the war. So, he used this place, which was originally the residence of one of his relative’s families, as a temporary palace. Prince Gwanghaegun succeeded King Seonjo and then renamed this palace Gyeongungung. After King Gojong returned from the refuge with a Russian delegation, he chose to reside in this place. He remained at the palace even after he had been forced to hand over the throne to his son, Emperor Sunjong. The name of the palace was changed at this time to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity.” The Junghwa Hall is one of the historical centers of Deoksugung Palace, which stands proudly alongside other notable buildings at the palace, such as Seokeodang, Junmyeongdang, Jeukjodang, Jeonggwanheon, Deokhongjeon, Borugak, and Jagyeokru.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Chateau Chocolat in the exotic town Itaewon is managed directly by the Chocolate Museum. Other Chateau Chocolat stores can be found in Apgujeong and around Gyeongbok Royal Palace and Changdeok Royal Palace. Using advanced chocolate making in Belgium and other European countries, Chateau Chocolat boasts outstanding chocolate and cocoa items and drinks. Chic interior designs, delicious products, and a cozy atmosphere have attracted young women to Chateau Chocolat.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

LG Electronics is a top-notch electronics brand around the world. This shop is the only store directly run by the company in Yongsan where every electornics known can be found. It boasts virtually every item produced by LG Electronics. Located nicely in I'Park Mall, it is a wildly popular spot among international visitors.