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

The year 2013 marks the 18th anniversary of the Seoul Friendship Fair. This year’s festival will be attended by 300 performance teams from sister cities from over 14 different countries as well as teams from foreign embassies, tour agencies, and cultural centers from over 60 countries. A wide spectrum of unique culture events will be taking place, including traditional performances and sampling of cuisine from around the world. Other events include traditional costume shows and a traditional folk art exhibition.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Samhwasa Temple is located near the entrance of the Mureung Valley of Mt. Dutasan in the City of Donghae, Gangwon Province. The one-thousand year old, small but historical temple falls under the supervision of Woljeongsa Temple. It was originally named “Geukryeondae” when built by monk Jijangyulsa in the eleventh year of Queen Seonseok of the Silla Kingdom (AD 642). In 864 it was renamed Samgongam by the chief monk, and during the reign of King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty, it assumed the current name, Samhwasa Temple. The temple houses the main shrine (also called Yaksajeon), Jeokkwangjeon, Beomjonggak pavilion, Geukrakjeon shrine, Birojeon shrine, Chilseongdan shrine, and Muhyanggak pavilion. The temple is also home to national treasures No. 1277 (three story stone pagoda) and No. 1292 (steel sitting Buddha statue). Samhwasa Temple operates a school teaching Buddhism and offers temple stay programs providing a beautiful, serene experience of temple life.  


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Chi-ong Art Hall is a cultural complex center, established to support local artists and also citizens’ various artworks who lives in north-east of Gyeonggi-do, with Gapyeong as the central region. They operate schools that offer a variety of cultural programs such as making of earthenware, pottery, natural soap, natural dye, tea ceremony, traditional songs and samulnori. Also, they hosts exhibitions, outdoor performances, and a regular Youth Art Festival. Moreover, visitors can learn the process of how a hanok is built through the outstanding skills and knowledge acquired through over 20 years of research, as well as a whole representation of traditional hanok structure.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Suncheon Bus Terminal provides both intercity and express bus services connecting multiple cities in the country.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

The Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum (한산모시관) in Seocheon was founded to publicize Hansan ramie fabric, pass down the craft and develop its long tradition. One can view the entire ramie fabric manufacturing process, and watch as women weave ramie products on looms. Every spring, the Hansan Ramie Fabric Festival is held at the Hansan Mosi(Ramie Fabric) Museum. During the festival, visitors can weave a ramie product themselves. Also, because nearly 250 local cultural resources are on display, guests can take a look at and gain an understanding of the lifestyle and culture of Koreans of old.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu)

Shinyoung Motel is located near the food alley of Yeongdeungpo Station, Seoul, from where people can easily reach almost any area of Seoul and Korea. Yeongdeungpo, which is used by many companies for meetings and get-togethers, also offers a convenient, interesting shopping experience thanks to the presence of several large shopping malls. Having recently been refurbished, Shinyoung Motel provides a more pleasant, refreshed environment. Free coffee and snacks are also available now in the lobby for guests. Free breakfast is served in the attached building.


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

Located in Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, Miraii Optical was opened in 2006. Long-term preparation had been necessary to secure its position as a store specializing in optical consulting, which included an introduction of comprehensive optometric systems. To ensure comfort and accurate correction for all customers’ eyes, opticians always take a plenty of time for eye examination. The three eye examination rooms at Miraii are equipped with the latest equipment, and all employees are experts majoring in eyeglasses engineering. Miraii Optical deals with high-quality, select brands and products from Korea and abroad and which are suitable for not only the domestic market but also the latest trends. The store displays well-classified eyeglass frames, sunglasses, and contact lenses in addition to an area reserved for customers to enjoy light beverage and snack and try on luxury frames. In the space adjacent to the information desk at the entrance are products that are youthful and fashionable. Miraii regularly offers exclusive special events including referral discounts.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Seonamsa is a beautiful temple located at the west end of Mt. Jogyesan. You have to walk about 1 km from the entrance to reach the temple. If you go along the valley, two rainbow shaped bridges appear; the large one at the back is Seungseon Bridge. Seungseon Bridge is designated as National Treasure No. 400, and it is Korea’s most beautiful arched stone bridge. Because it blends in so well with the valley below, it is often used as shooting location for movies and TV shows. Just beyond Seungseon Bridge is Gangseonru Tower, a fitting pair to the bridge before it. Walk by the tower and you will come across a small oval-shape pond called Samindang. There is a small isle inside the pond, and an evergreen on the isle makes for beautiful scenery. Go further and Ilju Gate appears. Then various temple buildings come out. The big timber blocks of the temple buildings are impressive, and they blend in elegantly with the surrounding mountains. Anywhere you look, the structures harmonize with the nature surrounding them. The hiking course on the left of Seonamsa Temple takes you to Ma-aebuli, the 7m high sculpture engraved on a rock.Seonamsa Temple is beautiful throughout the year, but it is especially inviting during the spring when all the bluish and brilliant flowers start to bloom, as well as in the fall with the autumn colors.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

This festival takes place at Busan’s beautiful Haeundae Beach, an extremely popular summer vacation spot. The festival’s program is full of events inspired by the beach’s beautiful white sand. One of the highlights of the festival is the hot sand bath (beneficial for health and beauty), where visitors are buried in the sand from head to toe. Other events include a beach volleyball competition, an exhibition of different types of sand from around the world, and a marathon race.The festival continues into the night with spectacular fireworks displays, concerts, and other entertainment events. Popular tourist destinations such as the Jagalchi Market, Gwangalli, and Taejongdae are all located nearby. Visitors can also stop by one of the many restaurants along the coast to sample the sushi for which Busan is famous. 


Chungcheongbuk-do(Eumseong-gun)

Gamgok Cathedral was founded in 1896 by Father Camillus Bouillon, who came to Korea from France directly after gaining his priesthood. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary due to the priest's prayers to the Blessed Mother to provide the land for the church. The church has a long history spanning over 100 years. It was reportedly used as a shelter for local citizens from North Korean soldiers returning north during the end of the Korean War. The current structure was built in 1930, designed after the Myeong-dong Cathedral in Seoul. Also on the church grounds is Maegoe Museum, originally the house of Father Bouillon, and now converted into a museum showing the history of this small, yet important Cathedral.