Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si)

Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

The Yangdong Market started in the 1910s as a traditional market held on the 2nd and 7th of every month on the white sand beach under Gwangjugyo Bridge. In the 1940s, the market moved to its current location, and was renovated to become the marketplace we know and love today.Covering an area of approximately 1,253㎡, the Yangdong Market is the largest traditional market in the Honam Region (the Southwestern region of Korea). There are four buildings in total and 340 stores selling a variety of items including fruit and vegetables, seafood, manufactured goods, and more. Yangdong Market is especially famous for its Jesa products (those related to Korean ancestral memorial service) and quality items for newly-weds. The market closes on every first and third Sunday from April to September but is open every day from October to March.During the May 18th Democratization Movement, both Yangdong and Daein markets were a grand venue where the citizens of Gwangju gathered together to rally for democratization of the nation. Merchants of the markets provided food, beverages, and medicine to the protestors and participated in the movement alongside their fellow citizens. One of the most well-known places in Yangdong market is Hana Bunsik (Noh Moo-hyun Gukbab) restaurant. It started to become famous after the late President Noh visited the restaurant on Dec.14th, 2002, just 5 days before the presidential election. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

NANTA is one of Korea's top performances, a show about four chefs who must prepare a wedding banquet in just one hour. The plot is depicted through various genres of performances, including percussion that uses kitchen utensils to make beats based on traditional rhythms of samulnori (traditional percussion quartet). The entire show has no spoken dialogue, yet plenty of comedy and romance, too. Meanwhile, since its debut in October 1997, NANTA (also known as Cookin') has earned international acclaim, having been performed on Broadway and at other famous venues worldwide. * Note Due to the MERS outbreak, some performances will be discontinued until July 2015.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

This is a Korean cuisine located in Dongdaemun Gate , Seoul.A restaurant selling Korean-style healthy broth-based dishes.The best menu at this restaurant is Ox Bone Soup.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Anmyeondo in Taean is home to a 100 year old pine tree forest that is special in Korea. The natural forest was managed by the royal family during the Goryeo Dynasty and since 1965 has been managed by the province of Chungcheongnam-do.The Forest Exhibition Hall in Anmyeondo Recreational Forest displays the producing process of wood, the uses of wood, the forest’s worth, and more in an easy to comprehend manner. The Forest Cabin and Forest Recreation Center have a gas stove, cooking utensils, and shower facilities.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Bangudae Petroglyphs are located in Daegok-ri, (Ulsan City) and were discovered by the Dongguk University Investigation Team in 1971. Since then, these rock engraving have been a representative cultural asset of Ulsan and have been a key reference point in research on rock carving techniques. The Bangudae Petroglyphs were designated National Treasure No. 285 in 1996. Petroglyphs (岩刻畵) are figures of animals or geometrical symbols engraved on rock. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are engraved on rocks located on the lower western banks of the man-made lake at Taehwa River. Due to the increased water levels resulting from the construction of the dams, the petroglyphs (10m wide and 3m tall) can only be seen during the dry season from October to February. Since the Daegok River blocks a closer view of the engraved figures, a model measuring 6m in x_width and 3m in x_height has been set up across from the Bangudae Petroglyphs to give visitors a better understanding of this unique ancient art. The engravings depict a total of 200 etchings including figures of land animals (deer, tigers, wild boars, etc.), hunting scenes, sea animals (whales, seals, sea turtles), and boats and fishermen. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are important reflections of the hunting rituals and religious arts of Korea’s prehistoric era and serve as an important clue into the lifestyle and customs of ancient Koreans.  


Busan(Nam-gu)

Busan Cultural Center is one of the representative cultural arts institutions in Busan and hosts a diversity of concerts, dances, plays, and other performances. It boasts international conference facilities and is a center of operations for seven different metropolitan arts organizations including the philharmonic orchestra, traditional orchestra, chorus, dance company, theater company, philharmonic youth orchestra, and the boys & girls chorus.Reflecting the traditional architectural style of Korea, the Main Theater has been built to resemble a ‘Bonchae’ (the main building of a traditional house), while the Medium and Small Theaters resemble a ‘Sarangchae’ (typically, the men’s quarters of a hanok). The structure of the center highlights the traditional beauty of Korea and seeks to capture the powerful spirit of the nation. Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions & performances throughout the year, the Busan Cultural Center strives to preserve the country’s culture while promoting local art forms from various regions of Korea.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

The restaurant has been specializing in samgyetang (steamed chicken with rice and ginseng stuffing) since 1982. It’s inside a traditional Korean house with a well-landscaped garden in a cozy atmosphere.


Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Situated in Busan Dongnae-gu, the Lotte Department Store Dongnae Branch presents a tightly knitted department store concept, providing a new shopping experience and culture for young shoppers at the Multi Plaza on floor M1. Furthermore, the cultural center offers a cultural lifestyle and an improved quality of life for the region’s citizens. Store hours are from 10:30am to 8:00pm with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The department store is closed for one Monday every month.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Founded in 2004, Hallym University of Graduate Studies offers 11 graduate majors across four academic departments (International Studies, Convention & Event Management, Audiology, and U.S. Law). The Convention & Event Management and Audiology departments are the first to be introduced in Korea, while the U.S. Law program qualifies students to take the U.S. bar exam, which is required to practice law in that system. Anyone with a degree from a four-year university is eligible to apply to any of the programs.