Daegu(Dong-gu)

Donghwasa Temple (동화사) is located on the south side of Palgongsan Mountain, about 22km northeast of Daegu. It was built by Monk Geukdal in the 15th year of King Soji’s reign (reign 493, 21st king during the Silla period). The original name of the temple was Yugasa, but Simjiwangsa rebuilt the temple under King Heungdeok (reign 826~836) and named it Donghwasa, which means even during the winter season, the paulownia tree still blooms. The present temple was last rebuilt in 1732.When you turn the corner, the first thing that catches your eye is the Seolbeopjeon Building. To the left of Seolbeopjeon is Daeungjeon, the main temple, and to the right of the building leads to the Geumgang Stairs. If you turn left in the direction of Daeungjeon you will see Bongseoru, aptly named to signify a Bonghwang (phoenix) with its tail pointed downward. Past Bongseoru are stairs that are typical of the ones leading into Daeungjeon, called "Nugak Stairs". On either side of the stairs are railings in the shape of a dragon, and in the middle of the stairs, there is a round stone marble that resembles a Yeouiju (or a dragon orb), a ball often associated with dragons.Donghwasa’s Daeungjeon is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. It includes the statues of Seokgamonibul, Amitabul, and Yaksayeoraebul inside. If you walk down the stone stairs beside Bongseoru and walk along the cement road for a while, you will find the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. Created as a prayer for reunification, this large Buddha statue is 17m high. The stone tower, stone light, lion statue, and the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size. Behind the statue are also stones arranged in a circular form, resembling a beautiful scroll painting. These are world-class size stone artifacts.


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

The COEX Aquarium is spread out over a large area and showcases no less than 40,000 sea creatures, which come from 600 different species. The aquarium is unique in Korea because it has been designed around the theme of “Water Journey”. On entering the museum, visitors will embark on an adventure that follows water on its journey from the high Andean mountains, through the Amazon tropical rainforest to swamps, rivers, seashores, and finally to the depths of the ocean. Visitors will get an in-depth look into some of the world’s fascinating underwater creatures. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Dongdaemun

As one of the largest markets in Asia, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex boasts huge accessory shops. Most of the handmade accessories in Korea are distributed here. Colorful accessories with unique designs are available at inexpensive prices.


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

Mt. Daemosan behind Heonilleung Royal Tomb was originally called Halmisan (meaning grandmother in Korean) because it resembles the shape of an old lady. Daemosan Mountain embraces Heonilleung Royal Tomb, guarding the royal tomb.Heonilleung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heonilleung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond. Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang, which are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep. There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

As a branch store of the online shopping mall Bagazimuri, off-line store Bagazimuri on Garosu Street in Sinsa-dong offers colorful women's clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. The store receives new products every day. The store walls are decorated with fascinating works by young artists. It also provides plenty of fancy goods with distinctive designs. 


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Lotte Premium Outlet Paju Branch is Korea’s largest premium outlet, offering more than 200 international and Korean luxury brands at affordable prices. It is the first suburban outlet to provide an integrated lifestyle experience that combines shopping and cultural experiences by featuring additional facilities including a cultural center, cultural hall, gallery, movie theater, kids’ café, and a book store. The outlet’s sophisticated architecture together with the scenic natural surroundings created by the neighboring Simhaksan Mountain present opportunities for both convenient shopping and peaceful retreat. The outlet is also conveniently located in the vicinity of notable tourist spots such as the Paju Book City, Hyeri Art Village, and Odu Mountain Unification Observatory.


5.0/1
Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Q Spa & Clinic has clinical and spa programs managed by expert staff certified in cosmetology and trained to handle the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore is a bookstore that also sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.


Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

Mt. Maisan Provincial Park is located in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. During the Silla Kingdom, it was called Seodasan, during the Goryo Dynasty, Yongchulsan, and finally named Maisan during the Joseon Dynasty. Maisan is referred to by different names depending on the season. In the spring, it is called Dotdaebong, in the summer, Yonggakbong, in the fall, Maibong, and in the winter, Munpilbong.There is a myth that has been passed down through the generations regarding Mt. Maisan. It tells of two gods that came down from the sky, had a child and lived on earth for a while. As they were going back up to the sky, a village woman saw them ascending, and were trapped on earth and were transformed in to a rock mountain. Even today, you can see the father peak and the child peak, and the mother peak on the other side. The pagodas atop Mt. Maisan were built from native rocks and the top of these towers look as sharp as nails. On the south side of the mountain, it is said that there were over 120 of these pagodas, but only about 80 exist today. There is also something very mysterious about these pagodas. No matter how bad the weather, even during storms, they somehow do not sway or fall. Another interesting thing about Mt. Maisan are the icicles. If you put water into a bowl during the winter, the water freezes into a pole reaching for the sky. No one knows why or how this happens, but it makes Maisan just that much more mysterious and interesting to visit. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Dongdaemun

Kyochon Chicken is one of the largest restaurants that specialized in Korean Fried Chicken. They opened their first store in year 1991 and they managed to expand their business and opened 150 stores within 8 years in year 1999, and they opened branches in the USA and China in year 2007. It’s quite something isn’t it? This also gives a clue to the quality and taste of their chicken that was so widely accepted in the whole of South Korea.