Incheon(Seo-gu) , Incheon Center

Opened in October 2007, National Institute of Biological Resources has the largest collection preservation facilities in Asia. The institute collects, preserves, manages, and conducts research on biological resources with the aim of growing into a biological resource hub of North East Asia.The institute is comprised of the spine-shaped collections and research centers and the leaf-shaped exhibition and education centers. The exhibition hall has 3,905 specimens of 1,287 native species on display. Korea's diverse ecosystems are recreated as highly detailed dioramas at the exhibition hall. A small restaurant is located inside the research center, and the extensive grass field in front of the institute provides an ideal picnic spot.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Mt. Juwangsan (721m), designated as National Park No.12 in 1976, is the smallest of the national parks in Korea. Mt. Juwangsan is not so steep, making it a great place to walk and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Mt. Juwangsan is also called Mt. Seokbyeongsan, Mt. Jubangsan and Mt. Daedunsan. There is a legend that King Juwon of Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) lived on this mountain after turning Silla over to Goryeo. This is where it got its name 'Juwang'. There is another legend that General Mailseong of Goryeo assassinated King Wuju, who was living here, with arrows and iron hammer.At Juwangsan, there are temples such as Daejeonsa, Gwangamsa, Yeonhwasa Temples, and hermitages such as Juwangam and Baengnyeonam. Daejeonsa Temple preserves national treasures such as the portrait of the Great Buddhist Monk Sa-Myeong, and the engraved wooden board personally made by General Lee Yeo-Song sent to the monk Sa-Myeong. In addition, You can find many interesting rocks such as Giam, Seokbyeokam, Geupsudae, Jeongsam & Adeulbawi, and also caves such as Juwanggul where Juwang hid before he was captured, Mujanggul where weapons were kept and Yeonhwagul, which used to be training grounds.There are many waterfalls that represent the beauty of Juwangsan. The representative waterfalls are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd waterfalls and the Dalgi Pokpo Waterfall. Also there are many beautiful valleys such as the Outer-Juwang Valley, Inner-Juwang Valley, Woroe Valley and Naewon Valley. On the mountainside there is a 6 meter high Jahaseong Fortress that spreads out 15km, and there is the Dalgimul Mineral Spring in the Goenae mid-stream.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Globally-recognized Korean performance, ‘DrumCat Concert' whips people into a frenzy of rhythm and fun! DrumCat Concert, created in 2003, is an all-female percussion group that has moved into its own exclusive theater just 7 years after its first performance. 2008 was landmark year for DrumCat Concert, as the group received both the ‘2008 Edinburgh Festival Herald Angel’ award and the ‘2008 Scotland Cavalcade Best Unit’ award, the first awards even won by a Korean team at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. At the festival, competing teams were ranked based on their accumulative skill points throughout a number of concerts and other performances. Reporters and audiences members alike were simply stunned by the performance of DrumCat Concert. The group not only continued to play sold-out concerts, but also consistently received high, 5-star ratings from festival judges and critics.DrumCat Concert has also been a sensational hit at home, receiving the Grand Prize in the ‘2009 Korea Entertainment Awards.’ The DrumCat Concert performance is bursting with unique rhythmical styling and emotional involvement that so often seems to categorize Korea’s most stunning musical performances. The group’s superb skills in high-speed drumming and unique combination of recorded and live sound is a treat for both the eyes and ears.DrumCat Concert, a world renowned performance, is sure to continue beating its way into the hearts of audiences for ages to come.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

H&M, established in Sweden in 1947, is a global fashion brand with more than 2,000 stores in over 35 countries throughout the world. There are currently three H&M stores in Korea.The H&M Myeongdong branch no.1 occupies four floors, each with a unique interior, inside Noon Square (shopping mall). It sells a wide variety of clothes and other fashion items for women, men and children. It also introduces new designs and items by over 100 designers every day.


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

BENIKEA Hotel Press has earned recognition as a boutique hotel that accentuates the natural beauty of Gwangalli Beach. The hotel offers visitors comfortable, clean facilities with a classy, romantic atmosphere. Nearby the hotel, you’ll be able to see a glimpse of the beautiful Gwangandaygyo Bridge towards the end of a dazzling shoreline. There are many places to enjoy marine sports as well. As an advocate of a new concept of hotel culture, BENIKEA Hotel Press thinks from its guests' point of view in order to provide superior customer service and ensure guests a comfortable stay.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

The Oriental Hotel is situated by the seashore of Tapdong Beach, just 10 minutes from the airport, and boasts great views of the ocean. The beach theater, famous for summer evening trail walks, the Jeju Bulwark, and seafood village are all near the hotel. The foreigners only casino is located in the basement of the hotel, and offers games such as Black Jack, Roulette, Tai sai, Baccarat along with several others.


Busan(Sasang-gu)

Located in the center of western Busan, a rapidly developing area, Hotel Paragon offers easy access to not only downtown Busan, but also various economic and industrial venues such as the Free Economic Zone (FEZ), Busan New Port and Shinho Industrial Complex. In addition to 124 Western-style and 8 Korean-style rooms, Hotel Paragon offers a wide variety of facilities including a special Korean restaurant that serves Korean barbecue, Western and Japanese restaurants, a lobby lounge, a banquet hall, a wedding hall, etc.


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

The Boryeong Mud Skincare Center in Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do houses a men’s center on the 1st floor and a women’s center and advertisement booth on the 2nd floor. As Korea’s only mud center, it offers a variety of fun and exciting, hands-on mud programs. Since it is located in front of Daecheon Beach, a dip in the sea can be enjoyed any time. Boryeong Mud Skincare Center also features various hands-on activities and facilities. The Boryeong Mud Festival is held every July.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Tongin Market, Sonmat Gimbap first opened its store back in 1980. Gimbap has become one of the main specialties to try out in Tongin Market. This particular store is extremely well known amongst Japanese tourists and attracts over 1,000 customers every day.