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(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Olympic Park is an impressive leisure facility in which historic remains from the Baekje Era share space with modern, state-of-the-art sports stadiums, an eco-friendly forest, and spacious grassy fields. The legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the park not only houses the country’s largest sports arena, but has also become a place where Seoul residents come to relax and unwind. Spread across 430,000 pyeong (approximately 1.45 million ㎡), Olympic Park encompasses the land that was once Mongchontoseong Fortress and Mongchonhaeja (manmade lake) from the early Baekje period. The park is divided into several zones, including a leisure sports park, a cultural art park, an eco-park, and the History Experience Park dedicated to the area’s rich historic heritage. Because Olympic Park is so large and takes over three hours to explore, visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with entrances and exits and travel routes before they start. To further save time, visitors can ride the Road Train (“Hodori Train”) located next to Peace Square. * Cultural Art Park The Cultural Art Park is a place where visitors can enjoy diverse cultural experiences and performances. The park also features Olympic Museum, Seoul Olympics Museum of Art (SOMA)—one of the world’s top five sculpture museums—and Music Fountain. * Leisure Sports Park This area is comprised of Sports Square (walking/jogging paths, an acupressure path, inline skating area, etc.) and Peace Square (a pleasant area with a wide variety of activities and sports lessons). * Environmental Eco-Park Persistent efforts have succeeded in restoring natural splendor to this place where a equally splendid civilization once blossomed. People and nature co-exist comfortably within Environmental Eco-Park, which has become home to families of spot-billed ducks, white herons, cuckoos, pheasants, Korean squirrels, chipmunks, and frogs. More recent efforts to rejuvenate the local ecosystem have resulted in the appearance of woodpeckers and raccoons, both of which are rarely spotted in cities. The croaking of small round frogs can now be heard within the park as well. * History Experience Park Visitors to the park can experience Korean history firsthand at Mongchontoseong Fortress and Baekje Museum, while hearkening back to the more recent, grand spirit of the Olympics in the "Holy Land of Peace."


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

The Supia Ttukseom year-round family theme park holds the ‘Snow Flower Village’ program every winter. The three major themed activities include: Fun Play Park, Ice Hill, and the Fun Snow Hill. Some amusement facilities in the village are the 90m long and 15m wide sleigh field, the Fun Snow Hill, a 4-D movie theater, mini train, space ship, mini Viking ship, and folk game zone. Other amenities include convenience stores, a café and a shaded area for visitors.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Following extensive years in researching about kimchi and its scientific benefits, Samkim has succeeded in producing its own unique brand of kimchi that is unique in flavor and quality.Many dishes at the Samkim restaurant combine kimchi and pork belly ('samgyeopsal' in Korean) since kimchi researchers found that the two foods seem to complement each other perfectly (hence, the name was made combining the two words' first syllable). According to researchers’ findings, kimchi raises your metabolism rate slightly as you eat, reducing the amount of fat that the body takes in while eating the pork belly.To apply its kimchi findings, Samkim opened restaurants all across the country, starting with its flagship restaurant in Myeong-dong. Some of the most popular dishes among both foreign and local diners are the kimchi stew, kimchi pancake and rolled kimchi.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located in Samcheong-dong and established in 1981, Seongsim Yeogongwon is an art studio by Sim Yong-sik (Intangible Cultural Property designated by City of Seoul). He works on various traditional windows and doors with his students, promoting them in Korea and other countries. In hanok terminology, daemokjang means a basic frame of a house while somokjang refers to doors, windows, and so on that add something to the frame. Doors and windows with beautiful patterns are all over the place in Seongsim Arts & Crafts: doors that can hang against a wall, windows decorated with cherry blossoms, comb-patterned windows and so on.Visitors can also enjoy beautiful crafts in various exhibition events held in Seongsim Yegongwon. The place is open to the public free of charge. 


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

Kumkang is a representative shoe brand of Korea (sneakers, casual shoes, etc.) that is gradually expanding its product line to include accessories and clothing.The Kumkang branch in Yeongdeungpo carries an especially wide selection of dress shoes and bags. In addition to larger sized shoes (plus size section on B1), the store also carries x_height-increasing dress shoes for men and women, women’s sandals, and golf shoes.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Incheon Art Platform: A Hub of Ever-Evolving Art and Culture Introduction to Incheon Art Platform When planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, a must-visit destination is the Incheon Art Platform. Opened in September 2009, this vibrant cultural and artistic space was created as part of Incheon’s old downtown regeneration project. It offers a unique blend of history and modern creativity, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. A Historical and Modern Fusion Incheon Art Platform is situated in Haean-dong, an area known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. The complex comprises 13 buildings that were originally constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. These buildings have been thoughtfully remodeled to retain their historical charm while being repurposed into studios, galleries, performance halls, and other cultural facilities. This transformation has created a space where the past and present coexist harmoniously, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Facilities and Attractions The Incheon Art Platform is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a comprehensive cultural ecosystem designed to support and promote the arts. The facilities include: - Building A (Training Center): Home to the Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture Life Culture Center. - Building B (Exhibition Hall): Features an exhibition hall and storage rooms. - Building C (Performance Hall): Equipped with a performance hall, practice rooms, and waiting areas. - Building D (Archive): Contains material rooms, a media lab, and spaces for facility management and policy research. - Buildings E1-E3 (Studios): Provide 22 studios, resting rooms, media labs, and workspaces for artists. - Building F (Guesthouse): Offers guestrooms, a laundry room, and rest areas. - Building G1 (Small Gallery): Used for exhibitions. - Building G2 (Platform Lounge): A research and meeting area for registered workers and a participation area for citizens. - Building G3 (IAP Promotional Hall) - Building H (Community Hall): Includes a café, community hall, and life culture center. Cultural Activities The platform hosts a variety of activities that cater to both artists and the public. It operates artist residency programs, and organizes exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that encourage community participation. This makes the Incheon Art Platform not only a place for artistic creation but also a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Nearby Attractions In addition to the art platform, the surrounding area offers several other attractions: - Incheon Chinatown: A vibrant area where you can explore unique architecture and enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village: A whimsical village decorated with fairy tale-themed murals and sculptures, perfect for families and children. - Wolmido Island: Known for its amusement park, scenic views, and seafood restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and have fun.  Visitor Information - Address: 11-5 Haean-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon - Hours: 09:00 - 21:30 - Admission: Free (Some special programs and performances may have fees) - Parking: Not available - Directions: From Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take Bus 15 or 28 and get off at Jung-gu Office. The Incheon Art Platform is a dynamic space where historical architecture meets contemporary art, offering a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking to explore Incheon’s cultural heritage, this platform is an essential stop on your itinerary.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Yongsusan (용수산) is famous for traditional Gaesung-style dishes such as meat soup with sliced rice cake, kimchi mixed with pears, chestnuts, Chinese dates, pine nuts and small octopus, boiled pork wrapped in vegetable leaves and kimchi, and abalone dishes. Savory cuisine coupled with a unique dining atmosphere make this restaurant a visitor favorite. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government        


Incheon(Jung-gu)

Located in front of Yeonan Pier, Jung-gu, J Motel has many spacious rooms and can accommodate a large number of guests. In front of the pier are numerous sushi bars where you can pick out your own fish to enjoy for a fillet, and you can have short trip to the sea by taking a cruise boat. There are regular passenger vessels the run from Incheon Pasenger Terminal to Baengnyeongdo, Yeonpyeong and Jakyakdo, and the International Passenger Terminal is located just 5 minutes away.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

The Bay 101 is located in a culture and art complex in Haeundae area, attracting many visitors to the area thanks to the beautiful nightscape that it offers.