Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years. Taking place in 2014, the event marks 10th anniversay and will celebrate the importance of being together though the theme of “Burning Down the House (터전을 불태우라).” It will bring together many different people, different times, various roles in arts production, and numerous different positions toward power such as exist  in various social, political, and cultural situations. The biennale consists of an exhibition, several workshops, e-journals, books, and various programs such as residency programs and new commissions. [About the 2014's theme] Burning Down the Houseexplores the process of burning and transformation, a cycle of obliteration and renewal witnessed throughout history. Evident in aesthetics, historical events, and an increasingly rapid course of redundancy and renewal in commercial culture, the Biennale reflects on this process of, often violent, events of destruction or self-destruction―burning the home one occupies―followed by the promise of the new and the hope for change. In the 1930s the critic Walter Benjamin coined the term ‘Tigersprung’ (the tiger’s leap) for a new model of history where the past is activated in and through the present within a culture industry that demands constant renewal. What can the ‘Tigerspung’ mean for today’s ‘tiger economies’ like South Korea in a context where economic and political powers deliver the eternally new of fashionable commodities and industrial progress at the apparent expense of a cultural past? Burning Down the House looks at the spiral of rejection and revitalization that this process implies. The theme highlights the capacity of art to critique the establishment through an exploration that includes the visual, sound, movement and dramatic performance. At the same time, it recognises the possibility and impossibility within art to deal directly and concretely with politics. The energy, the materiality and processes of burning ― the manner in which material is changed and destroyed by flames into the residue of dramatic interventions or remnants of celebrations ― have long informed artistic practice. The transformative powers of fire are central to the way in which this exhibition has been imagined. -Courtesy of Gwangju Biennale Foundation  


Busan(Jung-gu)

Sutgarakjeotgarak serves traditional home-made dishes for visitors.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Spa World in The K Hotel Gyeongju opened in June 2001 aims to guarantee guest satisfaction with excellent amenities, such as their sauna facilities, hot springs, sports center, and swimming pool. The hot springs were developed by Spa World by using all-natural hot spring water from 630 meters underground. Spa World's hot spring water is famous for having a high concentration of alkaline (9.12 pH). Impurities in the water are filtered out, boosting the beneficial effects of hot spring water on the skin, muscle fatigue, and back pains.


Busan(Haeundae-gu)

Chowon Bokguk has been in operation for 50 years through two generations, and serves its puffer fish dish by a cook licensed in puffer cuisine. They have two other branches in Busan's Yeongdo and Daeyeon-dong.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

At Daegu National Science Museum, children can explore the world of science while they play and participate in diverse hands-on activities. Various science programs provide opportunities for children to use their imagination and creativity as they engage in learning.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

This hanok (traditional Korean house) hotel was opened in 2018. Its location near Jeonju Hanok Village, the central point of Jeonju tourism, gives it excellent access to destinations in Jeonju. As evident from its name, the hotel promises a comfortable stay in a hanok. The hotel complex stands on a plot of land spanning 19,840 m2, containing 11 residential buildings and other facilities. Each residential building is named after the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Gojonggwan, named after King Gojong, contains six rooms. The rooms are divided into Gold and Silver Rooms, and are classified into Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 5 rooms, all including bathrooms and restrooms in addition to bedrooms. The rooms are furnished to offer the unique aesthetics of hanok in modern comforts. The view of the wooden exposed beams (Gold Room), wooden furniture, and the sunlight from the window wall offer an insight into the beauty of Korea’s traditional residence. All rooms are also equipped with modern comforts such as wireless Internet, TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. The hotel also boasts a wide array of facilities, including a spacious parking lot with a capacity of about 150 cars, a hanok cafe serving coffee and traditional tea, and the Convention Center with spaces, such as Daejanggeum Hall and Chungmugong Hall, which offers ideal venues for seminars and other large events. The two hanok restaurants on the premise, Samtaegeuk and Samjogo Restaurant, are designated as COVID-19 Safe Restaurants by the city of Jeonju. It takes only 10 min by car to reach most tourist sites in Jeonju Hanok Village.


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

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Guchiso (Detention Camp). It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in 1960. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was turned into a memorial park to honor sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno. One of the main sights the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated Historic Site No. 32. The Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan that was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon Dynasty, was reconstructed in 1996. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, which has been designated Historic Site No. 33. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The highlight of Seodaemun Independence Park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former museum that has been renovated into a museum. * Total Area: 109.193.8㎡


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Bibimbap Guesthouse is located in Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, which is known for old stores, bars, and rustic hanok buildings with charms different from other hanok villages such as Seochon and Bukchon. It is run by young brothers based on their know-how accumulated from working at other guesthouses for several years. This hanok-style guesthouse was named “Bibimbap” in the hope that it will be a house for everyone that retains various aspects of Korea. In keeping with its name, the guesthouse serves Bibimbap for breakfast. It is popular among foreign guests because the guesthouse is adjacent to Korea’s major cultural heritages including Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine as well as other interesting attractions such as Nagwon Arcade. Bibimbap Guesthouse was established by modernizing a hanok building over 100 years old and opened in April 2015. Every room has two windows for ventilation as well as air conditioner and toilets. The laundry room is also designed for communal use. It has a total of seven rooms – 1 single room, 1 triple room, 1 family room, and 4 twin rooms. Every room has a mattress for those who are not familiar with the Korean-style (floor-heated) room and a subtle lighting system under the maroon-colored rafters. It also offers a Korean traditional clothes experience free of charge for guests. Guests are recommended to walk around the area of Ikseon-dong -- nicknamed “a village where time stood still” -- and which provides its unique charms. Its surrounding tourist destinations include Insa-dong, Samcheong-dong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)