Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Located in the special tourism district of Haeundae in Busan, the Haeundae Grand Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel with sports and leisure facilities that are some of the largest of their kind worldwide. The 22-story building (102,479 meters squared) is one of the largest hotels in Korea and boasts a 7-lane (50m each) swimming pool with a capacity of 1,000 guests and a gym with all the latest equipment decorated with marble imported from Italy. Other facilities include a children’s pool, tanning zone, natural hot spring sauna, indoor golf range, indoor jogging track, bowling alley, movie theater, and various bars and elegant restaurants. Guestrooms (320 in all) also offer their own luxuries and come complete with high-speed internet. Known as the best and largest hotel in Busan to provide professional banquet services, the Haeundae Grand Hotel has been officially designated as one of the area’s hotel venues for representative international events.


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

Situated in Nanji Hangang Park, the MTB Course Site is perfect for MTB lovers as well as beginners who wish to enter the world of extreme biking with safety. Spanning over a 4m-x_width and 450m-length, the MTB Course Site is the nation's first MTB course site, established on a flatland, reproducing perfectly realistic mountain ridges and slopes.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The tumuli in Daeseong-dong, located to the east of the royal tomb of Kim Su-ro, reflect the formation and development of the Gaya Era. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli are located in the center of the shell mounds of Hoehyeon-ri, setting of the founding of the Gaya Kingdom (according to local legend). The tumuli relics were excavated by researchers from the Kyungsung University Museum from 1990 to 1992 and were found to be the common burial ground of the dominant class of the Gaya Kingdom. On the hilltops, which were viewed as prime burial places, are the tombs of kings and rulers; on the slopes are the tombs of the lower classes. Historical Significance of Daeseong-dong Tumuli A total of 136 tumuli were found in the Daesong-dong area. Further investigation of the tumuli revealed several important and interesting facts. First, from the end of the third century, men and horses were buried alive along with the dead. Also, weapons were bent and buried as well, with many of these artifacts being unearthed among the tumuli. Other materials found in the tumuli such as cylindrical bronze items, pinwheel-shaped bronze items, and jasper items showed that Gaya was involved in trade with Japan. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli is significant in that it gives a glimpse into the political and social structure of the Gaya Kingdom, and the cultural exchange between Korea, China, and Japan.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Goransa Temple is located at the foot of Baengmagang River, surrounded by the cliffs of Nakhwaam. The temple is assumed to have been built toward the end of the Baekje Kingdom. Although there is no historical record of the temple, it has been said it was used as a resting spot for kings of the Baekje Kingdom.There is a well-named Goranjeong behind the temple, with Gorancho (Crypsinus hastatus) growing between the rocks above the well. The kings of Baekje used to drink water from Goranjeong at least once a day, and the servants who brought the water floated the leaves of Gorancho plant as sign that it came from that well.Visitors to the temple should also take some time to enjoy the beautiful views of Baengmagang River. A ferry ride along the river also offers splendid views.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Hyundai Yanghaeng offers colorful traditional crafts such as tradtional dolls, masks, and folding fans. Because of its diverse items, it is popular among international tourists. Unlike some crafts prepared by artists, items in the store are mass-produced and, consequently, inexpensive. They are ideal for both souvenirs and gifts.


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

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard-changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day. Special Programs: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day (11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time is most convenient. The ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders. Major Highlights: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. Be sure to bring a camera. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. While you cannot take pictures with the guards during the changing of guards, you can take a background picture of the guards and palace. You can also take photographs with the gatekeepers after the ceremony is over. Visit the palace and enjoy the beauty of Korean palaces following the ceremony.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Legend has it that the region of Hakhadong was where the gods lived when they periodically came down from the heavens. When the Jagwangsa Temple was built in the district, Song Siyeol saw it as a sign and created a village school near the temple to train his pupils. It was his hope that the sacred land would aide in the raising of gifted students who would grow to serve their community and country. When building the school, Song Siyeol also planted a juniper tree that, 300 years later, still proudly stands by Jagwangsa Temple.Upon entering the temple area, visitors will find to their left the Seongjeonnyeongdangji Memorial Stone, which serves to commemorate Song Siyeol and his school. Next to the memorial stone is a pond in which carp swim lazily around lotus flowers. To the left is a large bell which is rung every day, 28 times in the morning and 33 times in the evening. To the right is the main Dharma Hall.Not just a serene and beautiful building, the 3-story temple also houses artifacts such as the Beopgo, Mogeo, and Unpan, Buddhist instruments used during rituals to cleanse the mind of pain and doubt. Also inside the grand, 3-story temple are numerous signs and wall hangings engraved with Buddhist inscriptions.


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

The Lotte Department Store Daejeon Branch, located in Daejeon-si Seo-gu, is a high-class department store with quality customer service and a wide selection of quality goods. The Daejeon branch has a state-of-the-art movie theater, cultural center, and various other convenience facilities designed to create a cultural space for its customers. Store hours are from 10:30am to 8:00pm with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The store is closed one Monday each month.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyerim Forest is located between the Cheomseongdae Observatory and Wolseong Fortress. The forest is thickly populated by ancient zelkova and willow trees rooted on gently sloping hills and along the small stream in the northwest part of the woods. According to legend, the forest is closely associated with myths surrounding the birth of Alji, the founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan. As such, it is designated national Historic Site No. 19.Legend has it that King Talhae heard a rooster crying from deep inside the Sirim Woods. Chancellor Hogong was sent to investigate. Upon arriving, he found a rooster crying underneath a tree on which hung a golden box. Hogong immediately reported his find to the king, who instructed him to bring the golden box into the palace. The king opened the box and found a small child inside, Kim Alji. The forest, which had previously been called ‘Sirim’ or ‘Gurim’, became known as ‘Gyerim’, ('gye’ meaning rooster). The name Gyerim was also used to refer to the Silla kingdom.Alji was adopted as the king’s son, but because the crown was passed on to King Pasa of the Park family, he never ascended the throne. The Kim clan later became the royal bloodline with the coronation of King Naemul some years later.The memorial stone recording the birth of Kim Alji was erected in the third year of King Sunjo's rule in the Joseon Dynasty. Located close to the royal fortress of Silla, the forest is still deeply revered as the mystical birthplace of the first ancestor of the royal Kim clan of Silla. Yellow canola blossoms along the path connecting Daereungwon with Gyerim and Banwolseong only add to the magical ambiance of the forest. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

As part of the Creation of Living Palaces project, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty. The tour begins from the main gate, Donhwamun Gate (돈화문), and continues on for approximately two hours through Injeongjeon Hall (인정전), Nakseonjae (낙선재), and Huwon (후원, meaning "secret garden"). To make a reservation, visit the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website. Reservations are accepted from 20 days before the event.Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance compound during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO designated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site.