Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In an effort to promote the majesty and grace of Korean royal culture and present a major traditional ceremony to the public, the Seoul Metropolitan Government hosts a reenactment of the royal wedding ceremony of King Gojong and Queen Min in the spring and fall every year. The reenactment will take place at Unhyeongung Palace, the original site of the royal wedding ceremony on March 21, 1866, for emperor Gojong and his empress Myeongseong. Based on thorough historical research and consultation by the palace’s counsel panel, the event is organized to commemorate the significance of Korean history and to shed some new light on a fading traditional culture. Event Programs: Garye in Korean refers to 1) a royal wedding or enthronement of the king; 2) a wedding or formal installation of a crown prince or his eldest son, or the prince imperial or his son. Because it is a major national ceremony, it is not uncommon for thousands of people to be mobilized during several months just for this event. Also, because of the strict and complex procedures and formalities of Joseon-Dynasty royal weddings, the procedures were established according to a set of regulations. In all traditional Korean weddings, the groom customarily visited the bride’s house and brings her to his home. The same applied to the king. However, because common houses were limited in space, royal weddings were held at Byeolgung, known as detached palaces. For King Gojong and Queen Min, Unhyeongung Palace was used as the Byeolgung. The reenactment of the wedding starts with Eoga Haengnyeol, a royal procession led by a banner emblazoned with the king’s coat of arms, the yellow dragon. Following the coat-of-arms banner was the five directions banner and other traditional royal trappings. Then followed the Bisuchaeg Uisik, or the formal installation of Min as the queen, and the Chinyeong, in which King Gojong takes her as the queen. The wedding reenactment lasts for two hours. Major Highlights: This ceremony is an exact reenactment of the royal wedding ceremony of Joseon's imperial family. It offers a great opportunity to see royal costumes and the lifestyle of Joseon dynasty. The traditional royal costumes are spectacular and elegant, and the wedding displays such regal and grandeur distinction. After the ceremony, there is a photo session, so don’t forget to bring a camera. * The wedding ceremony is held in Spring (April or May) and Fall (September or October).


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Chojijin Fortress was built in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against seashore attacks from foreign enemies. Chojijin Fortress also encompasses the fortifications of Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, which were constructed in 1679. Chojijin was the scene of many hard-fought battles during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866), Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), and the confrontation with the Japanese warship Unyomaru in 1875. On April 23, 1871, the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island, and an American force of 450 soldiers attacked Chojijin Fort, Deokjin Camp, and Gwangseongjin Camp one after another. On August 21, 1875, the artillery of Chojijin engaged a fierce firefight with the Japanese warship Wunyoho. Chojijin Fortress was restored in 1973, and bullet marks still remain on the old pine trees and the fortress walls. The canons used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty are displayed in Chojijin.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

The Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance displays items that have been collected from Bukchon, a historical village that was once home to the nation’s nobility. For hundreds of years, treasured items in each household were passed down from generation to generation, but since Korea’s rapid development in the second half of the 20th century many of these became obsolete. Opened in 2003, the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance seeks to preserve artifacts and present them in a cozy, homey environment where visitors can get a sense of how each object was used in daily life. The museum is full of household articles that were absolutely essential parts of life in the past, such as ‘maetdol’ (millstones used for grinding beans or mung beans), ‘jangdok’ (crocks for soy sauce or red pepper paste), and ‘yogang’ (Korean chamber pots that were kept in rooms and used as urinals at night). Visitors are even allowed to touch items on display to better be able to imagine life in Korea before industrialization.From Samcheong-dong (near Gyeongbokgung Palace) to Wonseo-dong (near Biwon, a royal garden in Changdeokgung Palace), Bukchon is an area well-known for its hanok houses (traditional Korean houses). Thanks to the complex structure of hanok, collectors were able to unearth a wide range of articles hidden in storage rooms, under floorboards, and in attics.Visitors to the museum with 10-15 people in their party may participate in programs that allow them to make old-fashioned toys or take part in making ssukgaetteok (rice cake made using mugwort).Near the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance there are many colorful attractions worth visiting: the Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong Park, The Owl Museum, ToyKino Museum, the World Jewelry Museum, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, as well as royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Established by Olivier Baussan, Loccitane has its roots in the French Provincial style. It is a brand focusing on overall "wellbeing": the harmony of sensual pleasure and mental bliss. It is one of the first brands in Korea to use essential oils and natural ingredients in all its product lines.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

Ilsan Lake Park spans over 300,000 pyeong (991,800 square meters), making it one of the largest man-made parks in Asia. Around 90,000 pyeong of fresh water lakes are kept consistently clean. The park offers visitors a lot to see and do including the Riverside Square, artificial islands, a 4.7km bike path, children’s play ground, natural experience site, musical fountain, 100 species of wild flowers and a dense forest with 200,000 trees. Also, the park is known for its Goyang International Flower Foundation.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Theater is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gungangno Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. Sogeukjans, meaning small theater, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Built to promote Korean music, the stage and seating at Changdeokgung are arranged for audience members to sit on the floor similar to in a traditional restaurant or home. The theater offers a wide array of performances including Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), traditional Korean music, and Madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience to create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine Park, and Insa-dong. 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Lotte Duty Free Jeju is located on the sixth floor of Lotte Hotel Jeju in Jungmun Resort Complex, which is located right next to the sea and a number of popular tourist attractions. Lotte Hotel Jeju itself is a giant resort complex with over 500 rooms, an international convention center, swimming pools, golf facilities, and a casino. Main luxury brands at Lotte Duty Free Jeju include Chanel, Prada, Cartier, Bvlgari, Chaumet, and Tod's.    


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

The Shilla Duty Free Shop – Gimpo International Airport Branch is conveniently located at the departure lounge of the airport. The duty free shop offers many luxury items including cosmetics, perfumes, bags and sunglasses. There are also many gifts, souvenirs, Korean brands and traditional goods for business travelers and foreigners. The shop offers promotional events every month. Check the event page of the website to find out about the promotion of the month. Click here to see the event page.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Caribbean Bay is part of Everland theme park. Here, not only can you enjoy swimming and water amusement rides, but you can also relax in hot spring waters all year round. The water park has various facilities, such as the indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a sauna, a wave pool, and slides like the Water Bobsleigh and Mega Storm. The water park is a favorite family destination. Caribbean Bay Water Park has been designed with a Caribbean theme, and it is the largest water park in the world. One of the most popular attractions in the water park is the Wave Pool where you can experience strong waves similar to those of the Caribbean Sea. The park’s cutting-edge computer system creates waves of up to 2.4m. * Caribbean Bay Spa Caribbean Bay Spa contains various hot spring pools and sauna facilities. The Jasmine Tea Spa is believed to make women more beautiful, the Lemon Spa relieves fatigue, and the Jade-crusted sauna is also beneficial for your health. With the Caribbean Bay pass, you can use all these facilities. - The health benefits of the Jasmine tea spa The Jasmine Tea Spa relieves nervous tension, stress, and depression. Jasmine tea balances hormones, so the spa can alleviate menstrual pain, create a regular menstrual cycle, and improve fertility. It also reduces aches and coughs, and is great for dry, irritated skin. - The health benefits of the mineral-rich hot spring water It is beneficial for women’s beauty, dry skin, reducing fatigue, aching muscles, and insomnia. - The health benefits of the Jade-crusted sauna It relieves fatigue and improves blood circulation. - The health benefits of the Lemon spa It is great for anti-aging and helps to release toxins from the body * Miracle Spa: contains a salt sauna and a couple’s footbath - The footbath in the Miracle Spa has been specially designed for a couple. The bubble footbath is very relaxing, and it makes for a romantic date. - In the salt-laden sauna, you can rub salt on your body and then sweat in the high temperatures. This expels toxins from the body. The salt-laden sauna is good for dry skin and is also beneficial for insomnia, neuralgia, lumbago, and stomach-related problems. * Kid’s Pool & Running Water Pool The Kid’s Pool is shallow and has been specially designed to ensure child safety. Its design is pastel-colored and inspired by children’s books. There are various water toys available so children can have fun in the water. The infants’ pool is even shallower, so parents can introduce their babies to water in a comfortable environment. Although the pool is very shallow for adults, it is a perfect place for parents and kids to have fun together. You can float lazily along the running water pool, which has the ambience of the Caribbean during the 17th century. You can have a relaxing time floating past waterfalls and stone bridges. *Relax Room and Sleeping Room: Take a nap here if you’re tired out after all that fun in the water. - Relax Room has massage machines and “relax capsules” for adults. Visitors can also receive an aromatherapy massage. - In the sleeping room, there are about 50 beach chairs and 10 jade beds. Temperatures in the room remain warm and air purifiers provide clean oxygen, so this is the perfect place for a good sleep. Visitors can rent a large-sized towel here.