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

[Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More] Two folktales in the performance. Where you can meet the essence of Korean Dance. Jeongdong Theater, which is located in Jeongdong-gil; the beautiful street in flower-blooming pring, has a meaning of succession of ‘Wongaksa’, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong has presented performances which retells Korean folktales and has help the audiences to understand it with qualified stage. Especially, <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More>, which has its premier on last April. 6, is a well-made Korean traditional dance drama on which Korean folktales and traditional dance are combined.     This performance sends us a message about the true love, combining Korean folktales and newly recreating them as a Korean traditional dance drama. At the first, ‘The tale of Mrs Domi’ is a folktale of the period of three states in Korea. The king of Baekje has Mrs Domi, a humble woman, in his mind and he put her in danger to make her parting with her husband. However, with her wise courage, she overcomes from the trick of the king confirming the love with her husband. Igongbonpuri, another folktale in the performance, is a narrative shamanic myth in Jeju. The story is about a woman called Wongangam who died after her slave life in difficulties. She finally comes to life again as a flower called Wongangami thanks to her husband and son who buried her body in a flower garden. These two stories were combined and the performance <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More> came out. This story which came from the two folktales contains the theme of ‘overcoming’ and ‘reviving’ which feature frequently in Korean traditional ideology so the meanings are coming heavily to the audiences who live in modern society. The image of strong woman from Mrs Domi and Wongangami is described into Seoryeon’s character, the protagonist of the performance. In the background of imaginary Joseon Dynasty, this performance presents the image of wise and strong woman who keeps her ideals in the difficulties and the path of achieving her wishes from her revive into traditional dance drama. The lyrics from <A song of floral tribute> and <A love song> cite words from folktales which are very familiar to Korean people and it raises bond of sympathy. Also, you can see various Korean traditional dance such as parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers in ritual ceremony, Taepyeongmu, a dance praying for the peaceful reign and prosperity of the royal family, Geommu, a traditional sword dance which became powerful in the performance as man’s dance. I would love to strongly recommend this performance to whom love Korean traditional dance and look forward beautiful dance performance!       Interview with Chunghan Kim, Director and Choreographer of ‘Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More’ Q. Please talk about the title and the concept of <Lotus,>. The title <Lotus> came from the name of the protagonist, ‘Seo-ryeon’. (‘Ryeon’ literally means ‘Lotus’ in Korean language.) The story borrow its motif from ‘the tale of Mrs Domi’ of the period of three stages in Korea and ‘Igongbonpuri’ , a shamanic tale from Jeju Island. The main characters are the King and his man, general ‘Dodam’ and dancer ‘Seo-ryeon’. ‘Seo-ryeon’ is a important character of the story as she receive the loves from the King and Dodam at the same time. Dodam and Seo-ryeon confirmed their love and it is reason why relationship of the king and Dodam has problem. The tension from the triangle love is the main concept of this performance. Q. What is the symbol of the subtitle, ‘A flower Comes Out Once More’?​ The king is a character who let Seo-ryeon in for pain and difficulties using his power. However, she protects her self from the power. I would like to deliver two messages through this story. First, the King who uses his power in incorrect way is very similar with our social situation. There are many people who got hurt from it. Therefore I wish the people get more hope and comport from the reincarnation of Seo-ryeon. Second, I would like to talk about ‘Love’ and the beauty of Seo-ryeon through the character of a woman who keep the beauty her self against the power of the king.


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

Shoppers can now enjoy amazing shopping deals as well as a commending view over Seoul's downtown from 63 Square, located in Yeouido. The store had a partial-opening and is currently in the process of readying for their full-house operation. Hanwha Galleria, the operator of luxury department stores, is planning to launch its online shopping store in upcoming February 2016 (exact date TBA), adding more services for international visitors to have a pleasant and convenient shopping experience. The duty free shop also houses luxury restaurants and other food stores in addition to premium brands that were previously not introduced domestically.    


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Gomguksi is a soup consisting of handmade noodles and beef slices in a thick and rich beef broth. Gomguksi became famous through word-of-mouth by tourists from the neighboring country of Japan. These days the restaurant is always crowded with people. Also, the side dishes that accompany Gomguksi are extremely delicious.  


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do is the largest historical drama set in Korea and a hallyu themed park run by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC). Located at 25, Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, the theme park was built on a 2,500,000㎡ site. Facilities in the themed park are semi-permanent facilities reflected the architectural style, lifestyle and culture of the past, based on historical records. The facilities are in great harmony with the surrounding natural landscapes, which makes tourists feel as if they have traveled to the past in a time machine. Popular dramas of MBC, such as "The Moon that Embraces the Sun (2012)," which made actor Kim Soo-hyun a super star, and "Gu Family Book (2013)" that starred Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy, were filmed at the Dae Jang Geum Park. "Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace; 2004)," a mega-hit drama that was exported to around 100 countries, was first shot in Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, but later filmed at the Dae Jang Geum Park. In the park, you will be able to see buildings like Muryangsujeon Hall, Gyujanggak (Royal Library), Donggungjeon Palace (Crown Prince’s Palace), and Hyeminseo (Medical Institution) that appeared in the drama. You can also enjoy various things in 23 tour zones like Jeojatgeori (downtown), Pocheong (Police Bureau) & Oksa (a prison), Injeongjeon Hall, Bopyeongjeon Hall, Yeonmujang (practice ground), and more. Among them, Donggungjeon Palace was the main filming spot for the drama "Dong-Yi (2010)," and Yeonmujang is often used as a filming spot for various battle scenes. Injeongjeon Hall was used for shooting large-scale banquet scenes. For example, the coronation ceremony scene in the drama "Queen Seondeok (2009)" and the final battle scene in "The Moon that Embraces the Sun(2012)" where Hweon (Kim Su-hyun) and Yangmyeong (Jeong Il-woo) fought against traitors were all shot here. Injeongjeon Hall is a popular set for major scenes of many dramas. Dae Jang Geum Park is a well-known filming site for movies and commercials as well as MBC dramas. It also is used by foreign broadcasting networks including NHK to shoot historical scenes about Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Sungkok Art Museum is an art gallery built by the Korean corporation Ssangyong to promote Korean art. To help talented writers there is an individual exhibit. For the development of art culture in Korea, there is a planning exhibit, and finally there is an international exhibit that enables the public to keep in touch with the flow of foreign art as well. They hold more than 15 exhibits a year. The art gallery building can be roughly divided into two. The main building that holds the exhibition, and the annex building that harbors many diverse facilities. In the sculpture park there are about 100 kinds of trees that are decades old, which form a forest. Together with the sculptures the forest itself also plays a role as an art piece. Inside the forest a wood path exists. If you slowly follow this path you can soak in all of the sculpture park. Here you can the view the sculptures of famous artists from Korea and abroad in harmony with nature. If you want to buy practical craftwork for a mid-low price, there is an art shop inside the main building. You may encounter the Seonggok Museum’s own products, as well as high quality artwork by famous artists. These are the kind of products that make you happy even though they are small. After viewing the museum, if you want to rest for a while, try visiting the teahouse. At Seonggok Museum’s teahouse you will be able to enjoy the sculpture park’s four seasons with a delightful cup of tea. In the spring time the fresh and green scent of nature, in the summer, the vivid life of the forest, in fall, the forest’s brilliant change of color, and in the winter, you will be able to see the world covered in white. Outside the building there are terraces and outdoor tables awaiting you. Perhaps you might want to relax there inhaling the fresh air, and contemplate your trip and your life. The teahouse offers green tea, tea, citron tea, coffee and cookies. The citron tea and the sweet cookies with walnuts inside are made personally by the director herself, and they are the house specialty; so you may want to try them.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Busan Trick Eye Museum is the only 3D art experience hall in Busan where visitors can directly experience famous paintings through not only sight but also by touching and taking photos inside the paintings. Opened in 2013, the museum has rised into a must-visit place of Busan, welcoming over 200,000 tourists. Since its opening, the museum has make efforts to continually increase their attractive appeal by installing new artworks.


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

Handicraft-Nuri, located within Cuture Station Seoul 284 (Former Seoul Station), offers Korea Craft and Design Foundation's top quality designed and handcrafted products including, but not limted to, ceramics, cups, and postcards.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju Station is the representative train station of Gwangju, a cultural and industrial city located in the southwest region of the Korean peninsula. The station opened its doors in 1922 and moved to its current location in July 1969. In 2004, it was included as a stop along the KTX (Korea Train Express) high-speed rail services. From the station, trains run to and from Yongsan Station (Seoul), Mokpo Station, Daejeon Station, and Suncheon Station.Gwangju is the only metropolitan city in the southwest region of Korea and is an important node in the nation’s transportation network. The city hosts a variety of international festivals and events such as the Gwangju Biennale (an international art exhibition) and the World Kimchi Culture Festival. As a result, Gwangju Station is bustling with tourists all year round.Points of interest nearby Gwangju Station include Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple, and Wonhyosa Temple.


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

Sogang University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit university located in central Seoul. In the spring of 2010, a total of 15,567 students were enrolled at Sogang's 11 graduate and 7 undergraduate departments. Every year, around 400 Sogang students study abroad, and around 2,500 international students study at Sogang.Moreover, campus life at Sogang University is enhanced by 75 student clubs as well as technological advancement. Furthermore, the proximity to other leading universities (Yonsei University and Ewha Woman's University) contributes to the intellectual and social vitality of student life at Sogang University.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

The Gam Wine Tunnel opened its doors in 2006 in Songgeum-ri, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do and is the world’s FIRST persimmon wine cellar! The Wine Tunnel is the perfect place for aging persimmon wine, which is made by the process of fermenting seedless persimmons, a local specialty of Cheongdo. The tunnel has become increasingly popular due to its scenic location, elegant inside atmosphere, and its beautiful surrounding orchards. At the tunnel, group tourists can participate in a number of programs such as making their own wine or picking persimmons. For the individual traveler, there are exhibitions, wine sampling, a café, and a wine market. The tunnel, located in the middle of a mountain, stays at a temperature of 15 Celsius with 60~70% humidity all year round, making it a naturally refreshing place to visit during the summer. The tunnel was originally called “Namseonghyeon Tunnel” and was built back in 1898 during the Joseon Dynasty. The wine cellar as we know it today was created a hundred years ago when persimmon growers put red bricks on the ceiling of the tunnel and reinforced the tunnel walls with natural stone, turning the railroad tunnel into a great wine cellar and unique tourist attraction!