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

Dosan Park was built up in 1973 to pay tribute to Dosan An Changho’s patriotism. Dosan An Changho’s tomb was moved here from Manguri Public Cemetery as well as his wife, Lee Hyeryen, whose tomb was moved from Los Angeles.The area of the park is 29,974㎡. It has Dosan An Changho Memorial Hall, Dosan An Changho’s tomb, his wife’s tomb and the statues. The historical information about Dosan An Changho is available at the Memorial Hall and 70 photos, 20 letters, 50 documents and Dosan’s diary are displayed. Admission is free and the Park is closed every Sunday.Dosan Park is a very beautiful place and has several walking trails. A flower garden, sports facilities and benches are located around the walking trails.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

The Odusan Unification Observatory opened to the public in 1992. It is one of the national tourist spot where foreigners choose to visit and experience the stark reality of the divided Peninsula. From this observation platform, Songaksan Mountain in the city of Gyeseongi and 63 Building in Seoul are visible.This observatory has five floors above ground and one underground. Various photos and computerized screens showing the reality of North Korea are displayed on the first and second floor. Products from North Korea can also be purchased here.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Chenggyecheon StreamUntil it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. Narae Bridge, representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges that cross the stream. The Rhythmic Wall Stream, lined with fine marble and sculptures, and Palseokdam adorn Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisure stroll along the stream. Cheonggye Plaza Cheonggye Plaza roughly covers an area of 2,500 square meters, and is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The square, created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), features the elegant beauty of traditional stonework that is colorful yet refined. The plaza also includes a model of Cheonggyecheon that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the formerly restored Cheonggyecheon Stream. At the plaza, there are plaques that provide detailed commentaries on the 22 bridges that span the stream, as well as a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area. The area commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, and also symbolizes gathering, harmony, peace, and unity. After the completion of Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area as a vehicle-free zone on holidays, providing more leisure space for pedestrians. Since then, the waterfront areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the surrounding streets have become popular places for those seeking refreshment and a variety of cultural experiences. A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronicity of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces. Cheonggye Plaza never goes to sleep; visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water even at night. 


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Baekje Samgyetang has been serving delicious pots of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) for the past 40 years in Myeong-dong, where it is crowded with people. The restaurant had been introduced in various books and magazines and was also featured on television programs. Many tourists are drawn due to the widespread media coverage of the restaurant. Statistically, about 80% of the restaurant's customers are from Japan and China.    


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

Gangnam Terminal Underground Shopping Center is often called "Goto mall" in short, and is connected to one of the major subway transfer stations at which Seoul subway lines 3, 7 and 9 operates. Over 600 stores are lined up on both sides of the two long, parallel corridors featuring clothing, fashion accessories, interior products, flowers and dining.


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

Mecenatpolis Mall houses popular fashion brands, beauty shops, and a large grocery store, as well as various restaurants and coffee shops. It contains cultural areas like Lotte Card Center performance area and Lotte Cinema. There are also often performances held at Mecen Garden and the central square. As the connecting Hapjeong Station is a hub of bus routes and the airport bus, getting there is particularly easy.


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

The Seoul Animation Center (management: Seoul Business Agency) was established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in May 1999 with the aim of providing comprehensive support to Korea’s cartoon and animation industry. The center runs an information desk, offers educational programs, holds events to support new talents and productions, and hosts diverse events and exhibitions (animation film festival, etc.).A major facility of the Seoul Animation Center, AniCinema is a multicultural space that can accommodate diverse cultural events. Its primary objective is to facilitate the supply of domestic animation films to theaters and to promote animated works by holding a range of film festivals. The theater has 179 seats and state-of-the-art facilities for screening both digital and analogue animated films. High quality equipment at AniCinema, such as the 5.1 channel digital surround sound system and wide screen, allows for a pleasurable viewing experience.


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

It revives the traditional Korean Bulgogi recipe that has been passed down for three generations. Using good-quality Korean beef fillet, the dishes make you experience the true taste of Gwangyang bulgogi roasted on a charcoal burner. Scorched rice and cold noodles are also delicious, as well as other side dishes.*Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom. A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is "The Restaurant." Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Doosan Art Center, which opened on October 1st, 2007, is structured around three different spaces: The Yonkang Hall, exclusively designed for musical performances, Space 111, a “space for art incubation,” and the Doosan Gallery, built for installations.The Yonkang Hall a theatre with a 620 person seating capacity, specially designed lighting and a world-class audio-visual system, provides a second-to-none sensory experience.Space 111 can accommodate a broad range of performing arts: From theater and dance to film and music concerts. The Doosan Gallery is open to the public, and art exhibitions and performances here can be enjoyed free of charge.All three theaters include spacious lobbies with handicapped access, designated seating for parents with infants, and meeting areas. Rest rooms are also available nearby, in order to avoid long queues and long walks during intermission.Visit the Doosan Art Hall website (www.doosanartcenter.com) for more details on performance and exhibition schedules as well as reservations. (Korean language only.)