Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located at the Jongno-bound entrance of the Insa-dong main street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Insa Gallery specializes in Korean traditional mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts. Popularly known as “Najeonchilgi” in Korean, the term, which refers to mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, is shared in Korea, Japan, and China through Chinese characters. Various decorative items are embellished with mother-of-pearls and lacquered in various colors and glazes. Insa Gallery sells all kinds of mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, including jewelry boxes, picture frames, plates, name card cases, hand mirrors, key chains, and other portable accessories. The products on sale range from traditional motifs to modern designs, such as wine stand. The store also carries specialized Korean tourism products that make for great gifts or collector’s items. Located on the first floor of Daeil Building, Insa Gallery is part of the shopping mall “Insa Korea,” which houses a number of stores specializing in traditional products. Thus, when locating Insa Gallery, visitors might find the address alone confusing. First, enter the shopping mall and look straight ahead toward the end of the central hallway, and you will find the store filled with glittering mother-of-pearl lacquer products.


Gyeonggi-do(Ansan-si)

Located in the center of Seoul, Rio Tourist Hotel boasts a European architecture, a tourist attraction itself. The surrounding Suambong Peak and Surisan Mountain add to the relaxing atmosphere. The hotel, equipped with advanced IT facilities, is ideal for business travelers.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

The Yeongju Seonbi Culture Festival takes place from early to mid May every year at the Seonbichon Village and Korean Seonbi Culture Training Center in Sunheung-myeon, Yeongju-si. A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony is held on the first day, marking the beginning of the festivities. Other activities included a calligraphy performance, Seonghaksipdo Pangakgoyje ceremony and a bibimbap performance added more fun and entertainment to the first day. Following the opening celebration, a special parade entitled ‘Shinbaram Street Parade’ inspired by the ideals, spirit and patriotism of Sambong Jeong Do-Jeon (one of the major figures in Yeongju) takes place. Other festival events include Jangseong (traditional totem pole) sculpting competition, Sobaeksan Mountain Trail Hiking, Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) Cooking Competition, traditional wedding ceremony for multi-cultural families, Hanbok (Korean traditional costume) fashion show, writing contest, children’s Seonbi exercise presentation, traditional head of the family cuisine exhibition, and a concert at an time-honored traditional house. Details on programs are subject to change for each year.


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Seorae Village is located in between Banpo4-dong and Bangbaebun-dong in Seochu-gu, Seoul. Past the Banpo Bridge of Sapyeong-ro road and Palace Hotel along Seorae-ro road and you can see a cluster of luxurious villas. This was the former location of Ecole Francaise de Seoul, a French school for the France residents who resided here in 1985. There are about 1,000 French citizens residing in Korea (as of 2008 statistics) and about half of them are living in this area. Thus, Seorae Village naturally became a global village much thanks to the strong presence of French citizens in this area. Furthermore, situated geographically near Gangnam and the central business district area, along with natural sites including Yangjae stream and Hangang River Park, makes it a pleasant environment space for all. Every morning, long lines of cyclists with their bikes can be seen waiting in front of the bakery to buy the freshly baked baguettes. The traditional French bakery makes bread from ingredients that are directly imported from France and thus been a favorite to any French residents living in Korea. The shops in Seorae Village shops are modest and charming. The street is lined with shops and small restaurants, seeming to have been lifted straight out of Europe. In recent year, Seorae Village has undergone several changes. In every other street found here, a luxurious café and wine bar can be found and if you like to enjoy your meal outdoors, several cafes or restaurants with balcony seats are also available. This is currently one of the most popular areas among the locals and it has a nickname of ‘Little France’.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sosu Museum aims to consolidate and organize the nation’s traditional Confucian legacy and to establish the root of the national spirit through Sosuseowon, the first Confucian academy ever created in Korea. As a Mecca of Joseon Dynasty’s Confucianism, the museum is the only Confucian museum where you can experience the very valuable legacy of the Confucian culture and the history (the rise and fall) of Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty. The museum opened on September 22, 2004 and since then, it has been a place where one can experience the dynamic historical adventure through valuable Confucian relics and remains. The museum also aims to revitalize the local culture of the Yeongju area by showcasing those well-preserved cultural assets and items.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Museom Village is surrounded by water on three sides as it is located at the place where Naeseongcheon Stream (the upstream of Nakdonggang River) and Seocheon Stream meet. The village is called Sudori, or Museom, meaning an island in an inland area. It is a traditional village which has 9 cultural assets including Haeudang (Folk Item No. 92) and Manjukjae (Folk Item No. 93), both of which are beautiful old homes that exhibit the humble formality of old nobles. The Museom Single-Log Bridge Festival, a landmark celebration of Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do is held on October every year. The Museom Single-Log Bridge is one of the 100 most beautiful paths of Korea selected by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs. The bridge is only 23-centimeters (nine-inches) wide and it connects the village to the land across the stream surrounding it. The festival aims to preserve and promote the nation’s traditional culture. During the festival, one can enjoy and take part in a wide variety of folk events including the intramural Ssireum (traditional wrestling) Competition, Nongak (farmer’s music) Performance, Satto (chief of the village) Parade, crossing the bridge with a cow, a groom marching on a horse and a traditional wedding ceremony.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Located on Wido Island, Chidori Village is a small fishing community. Looking out to sea from this scenic, peaceful village, one can view the picturesque Ttanchido and Jageunttanchido Islands. When the tide recedes twice every day, a path opens up to connect Chidori Village to these islands. Along this path, oysters can be found in great abundance, and visitors are welcome to dig for them.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

Lighting wrapped all around the Petite France emits an exotic and fairytale-alike atmosphere throughout . The Little Prince, along with Christmas decorations and sculptures found all around this French village certainly makes anyone feels as if he or she is in a fairytale!


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

SKY Hotel Pension is located in Gapyeong-gun, home to many of the pure clean natural attractions of Gyeonggi-do. All the rooms of this high-class pension have full glass window commanding a panoramic view of the beautiful Seoraksan Mountain. The hotel has clean and cozy guest rooms and a wide range of facilities including a large BBQ area and an outdoor swimming pool. Famous surrounding attractions include The Garden of Morning Calm, Petite France, Cheongpyeong Dam, Namiseom Island, and Gangchon Resort, as well as water sports and leisure activities.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort, which sits gently at the foot of the Sobaeksan Mountain, has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, and of course, a great view. The resort has an outdoor spa, a 25m outdoor swimming pool, ‘Aqua Play’ (amusement facility for kids), a kids pool where little kids can enjoy swimming safely, a ‘Bade Pool’ (a German high-tech water therapy system), and Yeonhwajeong, a great restaurant to enjoy delicious Korean food. There is also a great spot to have an outdoor barbeque party with your family and friends while enjoying the great taste of Hanwoo (locally grown beef regarded as a premium beef because of its high palatability and desired chewiness). Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort aims to be the No.1 spa resort for the locals as well as tourists. 123