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

"The Stone Guards of the Royal Tombs" Seonjeongneung is comprised of Seolleung Royal Tomb (선릉) and Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉). Located in downtown Seoul, this place offers tranquil and pleasant promenades for couples and office workers. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Upon entering the grounds, you can see a red gate (the red colour denotes holiness) with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol. The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building are noteworthy because there are two stone paths—the elevated path is for the dead King and the lower one is for living people. In the past memorial rites were performed in the sacrificial building. Small sculptures on the eaves called Japsang were carved in the shape of animals, such as monkeys, and were believed to exorcise evil spirits. Next to the sacrificial building, there is a pavilion and a tombstone which is the tomb of the King. Sculptures of sheep and tigers surround the tomb and are guardians of the deceased king. There is also a statue of a military officer bearing a sword. In front of the tomb is an outstanding sight called 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones designed to guide the spirit of the king to his tomb. Unlike the tombs of the Kings, the queen’s tomb, Wanghureung, is simple. It doesn’t have any pavilions or sacrificial buildings, and is surrounded only by stone sculptures as guardians. Seonjeongneung has a lush forest, and benches on the promenade provide an ideal place to relax. There are numerous small hills with clusters of trees that create a border between the mystery and serenity of the royal tombs and the hustle and bustle of downtown Seoul.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu)


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

Korea House was once the private residence of Park Paeng-nyeon, a Joseon Dynasty scholar, that had been renovated with architectural features of an anicent court before opening to the public in 1981. The idyllic premises play host to a variety of cultural programs designed for experiencing various Korean traditions, ranging from food and arts to tea etiquette and wedding ceremonies. Participation in up to two to three programs at a time is possible with an advanced registration. Meanwhile, visitors may enjoy shopping at the handicraft souvenir shop or try traditional dishes at the restaurant.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Opened in 1981, this diminutive restaurant has been attracting customers with its mouthwatering ramyeon noodles for more than 20 years. The restaurant’s unique ramyeon recipe includes an ultra-spicy broth with lots of red pepper seasoning, chewy noodles, egg, and bean sprouts. Even Koreans, who are used to eating spicy kimchi, sometimes shed tears while eating this fare. Besides the food, the ambience is fun, with interesting messages written by customers attached to the ceiling and the walls. The restaurant has created its own jargon that is recognized only by regular customers: ramyeon is called ppal-gye-tteok (spicy red soup with egg and rice cake), and yellow pickled radish is called pineapple, to name a few of the coined terms. The menu board lists the price of ramyeon as W30,000 confusing first-time visitors. But don’t panic: an extra zero (0) was just added for fun! TIP: (1) Take some souvenir pictures using the walls and the ceiling as a background (2) Try putting some cold rice in your ramyeon for an interesting, less spicy taste.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

               


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Osegyehyang is a vegetarian restaurant location in Insadong, a street known for its traditional culture and crafts. It serves various dishes that cater to the needs of vegetarian customers.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Held at the Garden of Morning Calm, the Lighting Festival is the biggest festival of lights in Korea, covering 100 thousand pyeong illuminated by 30,000 lights. The gleaming lights add a festive glow to the garden during the winter season. The main gardens are Hakyung Garden, Hometown House Garden, Bonsai Garden, Moonlight Garden, Sky Path and Garden of Eden, with colorful lights adorning the trees. In the event of inclement weather, lights may be turned off for safety.


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

Meat at Seocho Sariwon is dipped in a special sauce that is made from 12 different kinds of fruits and vegetables, tickling your palate with an utterly new and refreshing taste sensation. The restaurant uses high-tech roasters and offers a solid selection of red and white wines at affordable prices. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.    


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

Serving a varied menu featuring grilled beef, haejangguk (a spicy soup), and shabu shabu, Saebyeokjip is open 24 hours and is often crowded with people. The ddarogukbap (a kind of soup made with meat, coagulated ox blood, and bean sprouts) tastes great and is the recommended remedy for curing a hangover. An order of yukhoe bibimbap (white rice topped with garnished raw beef) includes a bowl of seonjitguk (soup made with coagulated ox blood). The shabu shabu is quite satisfactory for the price, so it is popular. The restaurant is packed in the morning, with people sobering up, and in the evening, with people who come for the grilled meat.  


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

Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel is the third Sheraton Hotel to be opened in Korea. The new Sheraton Hotel (operated by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.) is a top-tier accommodation in southwestern Seoul offering high-quality services and a prime location. This five-star hotel has 269 guestrooms, 12 meeting rooms, a Grand Ballroom, restaurants, a bar, a café, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. The hotel is located at the top of the D Cube building and is directly linked to the D Cube Department Store, D Cube Art Center and D Cube Park, enabling a new lifestyle of shopping and culture and leisure activities all under one roof.Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel has a variety of innovative features, but the most unique trait is that the lobby, restaurant, and bar are located on the very top of the building on the 41st floor! The 269 guestrooms are also located in the upper levels of the D Cube structure, allowing for a bird’s-eye view of the city.To reach the hotel (located in D Cube City), take the subway and get off at Sindorim Station (Exit 1). Those taking Airport Limousine Bus No. 6180 will be dropped off directly in front of the hotel entrance.