Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Hongneung Arboretum is a first generation arboretum in Korea. It was established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung burial mound, which is the royal tomb of Queen Myeong-Seong. On the 780 square meters area southwest of Mt. Cheonjangsang, there are 9 gardens such as a garden of conifers, a garden of broadleaf trees and an ornamental garden, 3 botanical gardens with edible & medicinal plants garden, an aquatic garden and a wetland garden. There are 6 resting places as well.Hongneung Arboretum has beautiful scenery for every season. The garden of broadleaf trees behind the main building is the one that shows the change of season most dramatically. The hundreds of broadleaf trees appear their best in autumn. The arboretum is good for nature education walk because of the many nameplates offering information on the species and characteristics of each tree. There are also many things to see at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall which provides visitors with knowledge and information of the value of forests, forestry, and the forest industry. The building itself is an exhibition because the hall is made of Korean wood. Inside, there are three general exhibition rooms, a regular exhibit hall, a planning exhibit hall, and a special exhibit hall.You may look around from Garden 1 to Garden 9 in regular order or take the course from Garden 2, pass the Forest Science Exhibition Hall to the mountain ridge ending at Garden 1. Note that it takes approximately 3 hours to see everything, whichever course you may take.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Opened by a former chef of Shilla Hotel’s Chinese fine dining restaurant Palsun, the restaurant’s name portrays a determination to offer a “difference” (chai) in “taste” (mat) with a pun “Tastes like China”(Masi China). The restaurant is overall neatly organized and designed in open kitchen style where guests can watch their meal get prepared. Operating Hours  11:30-22:00 * Break time: 16:00-17:00 (Weekdays only) Menu  Some menu items may differ slightly in price and are subject to change without notice. ㆍJjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) ㆍBaekjjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup in white broth) ㆍSogogi Jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce with beef) ㆍTangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) ㆍCream Saewoo (cream shrimp) Credit Cards  Accepted  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962. Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. Roughly 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it. The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong). It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by the observation of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.


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

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is an international restaurant chain that specializes in California-style pizza.Boasting its 20 yerars of history, the casual dining restaruant expanded from California to more than 250 locations in more than 30 states and 11 countries.The CPK - Gangnam Branch is located in the famous Gangnam district of Seoul.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Jeonju, the mecca for the traditional culture and style of Korea! The Korea Traditional Culture Center was established to preserve and develop Korean traditional culture, to promote it in and outside Korea and to create an industry. The center supports traditional cultural projects in order to preserve the cultural assets of Korea, such as hanok (traditional Korean housing), hansik (Korean food), hansori (traditional Korean music) and Hangeul (Korean alphabets), and graft modernity onto traditional culture. Visitors can participate in education and activity programs related to Korean culture. The Korea Traditional Culture Center has the Hanji Industry Support Center, the Traditional Culture Creation Center, and Jeonju Masterpiece Onn, which is why the center is called the mecca for traditional Korean culture and style.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Woonsan (Formerly, Yongsusan) is a traditional Korean restaurant located in the basement of the Seoul Finance Center. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has been serving up Gaeseong-style (Old capital of Goryeo Dynasty), which is said to be experienced using each of the five senses. Though the restaurant offers a variety of traditional course meals, the best-selling course is Haewon Jeongsik. This special set meal typically starts with porridge for soothing the stomach and then moves on to more substantial dishes like Kimchi, mung bean jelly, vegetable dishes, pork, beef, jeon (Korean-style pancakes), Gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies), Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib meat patties), rice steamed in bamboo, and desserts. Private rooms are also available in various sizes for business meetings or special family gatherings.


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

The place with the most tuna fishing boats and tuna provisions is "Sajo Tuna." "Sajo Tuna" receives considerable recognition from tuna maniacs. The greatest advantage is that guests can taste a wide variety of the freshest tuna. All tuna specials are made from only the highest-grade tuna, caught in only the best-tasting regions. The standard menu consists of an iron pot broil, hard-boiled tuna head, grilled tuna, and fried tuna. Also various hard-to-find alcoholic drinks are available at the restaurant to go along with your meals.


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

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured then later executed Korean followers of the Independence Movement. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you'll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell where Yu Gwan-sun an historic figure during the independence movement died. The 1st floor is “A Place of Reverence,” where you can learn about Seodaemun Prison via the graphic systems. A large screen shows the background of its founding and the transition periods in its history. The Material Room has displays and information on Korea's history. The museum also holds special exhibits. The 2nd floor is “A Place of History,” where you can view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” This floor shows examples of how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing to hold on to their hope and resolve for freedom. “A Place of Experience” is the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic. At the Seodamun Independence Park nearby you can visit the Independence Hall, the Patriotic Martyr Monument, the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument, relic no. 32 and no. 33.