Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that’s hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.During construction of the fortress Jeong Yak-Yong invented ‘Geojunggi,’ which uses a ‘hwalcha’ (lever) to lift up heavy stones, greatly reducing construction time.The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress went through many turbulent times and damage, and in the battle of June 25th, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were deemed irreparable. Even though the fortress restoration initiative (1975-1979) restored many of the sites to their former glory, Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru (an area 491 meters in length) has still not been renovated.The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.a variety of performances and evens are held everyday and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place every autumn.>> Click here for more on Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Cheong Kwan Jang is Korea's leading producer of six-year-old Korean red ginseng products, which are sold nationwide as well as in over 60 countries worldwide including the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Located in close proximity of major tourist attractions, the main Cheong Kwang Jang branch in Namdaemun-ro carries a wide selection of red ginseng products, including red ginseng extract and root ginseng, as well as red ginseng candy and chocolate, which are popular gifts and souvenirs.


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

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located to the north of COEX building, and was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple at the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum and renamed the temple as Bongeunsa. Originally located near the royal maulsoleum (1km southwest), the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee, are stored here. The Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa, is held every September 9th of the lunar calendar, where monks march carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Doosan Art Center, which opened on October 1st, 2007, is structured around three different spaces: The Yonkang Hall, exclusively designed for musical performances, Space 111, a “space for art incubation,” and the Doosan Gallery, built for installations.The Yonkang Hall a theatre with a 620 person seating capacity, specially designed lighting and a world-class audio-visual system, provides a second-to-none sensory experience.Space 111 can accommodate a broad range of performing arts: From theater and dance to film and music concerts. The Doosan Gallery is open to the public, and art exhibitions and performances here can be enjoyed free of charge.All three theaters include spacious lobbies with handicapped access, designated seating for parents with infants, and meeting areas. Rest rooms are also available nearby, in order to avoid long queues and long walks during intermission.Visit the Doosan Art Hall website (www.doosanartcenter.com) for more details on performance and exhibition schedules as well as reservations. (Korean language only.)


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Korea Postage Stamp Museum displays all exhibits related to stamps and offers a stamp culture venue where people who likes stamps can share information regarding stamps. It is comprised of Postal Service History Gallery, Postal Stamp Information Gallery, Philately Class and Hands-on Postage Stamp Experience Gallery in a total area of 540㎡. Since 2013, they had changed their name from Korea Stamp World (우표문화누리) to the current ‘Korea Postage Stamp Museum’.


5.0/1
Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Manseok Dak-gangjeong (sweet and sour chicken) is located in Jungang Market of Sokcho. Since 1983, Manseok has been one of the top sweet and sour chicken restaurants in Sokcho.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Located in Chungmuro, Jingogae (진고개) has been in business for 40 years and by word-of-mouth has become well-known for its traditional food. The most famous dishes are the bossam kimchi (rolled kimchi), galbijjim (steamed ribs), and gaejang jeongsik (seasoned raw crab).All dishes are made using traditional cooking methods and the restaurant's menu is full of many nostalgic foods, making this a great restaurant option for international visitors hoping to experience the true flavors of Korean cuisine.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu)

The Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa is a charcoal sauna permeated with an oak fragrance created by traditional heating techniques. The jjimjil-bang and spa facilities offer sweating rooms/sauna, an open-air bath, seawater bath, salt room, swimming pool, and health center. The main hall of Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa boasts a Chinese-style design and a luxurious interior that has been used as a filming location for various Korean television broadcasts.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Regarded as the capital of Korea’s fashion industry, Dongdaemun Fashion Town is a fashion town that never sleeps. Reports state that 45% of Seoul’s foreign tourists have also visited Dongdaemun Fashion Town.The Dongdaemun Fashion Town Special Tourist Zone consists of both wholesale and retail markets. The town started as a traditional market for wholesale, but the advent of modern shopping buildings now allows shoppers to purchase either in wholesale or retail. Dondaemun appeals to many travelers as it is easily accessible by public transportation. The fashion town is conveniently located near Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 4) and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2).Dongdaemun Fashion Town is more than just a place for selling clothes; the entire process, from planning to production also takes place here. The setting is preferred by young designers who are looking to challenge themselves. The surrounding area has also been revitalized through the positive ripple effects brought about by events and performances organized by the shops and malls in the town.The name of the town came from Dongdaemun Gate, originally called Heunginjimun Gate. The gate was built during the Joseon Dynasty and is located in the vicinity of Dongdaemun Fashion Town.[Dongdaemun Fashion Town Special Tourist Zone]Areas included: Areas around Dongdaemun Design Plaza, newly established and traditional MarketsArea size: 585,709 ㎡Tourist attractions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Chungmu Art Hall, shopping malls (Doota, Migliore, etc.), wholesale clothing mall and traditional market.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Opened in 1983, this restaurant serves delicious tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet). The secret is in aging thick slices of seasoned pork fillet (150kg total) for three to four days making the meat more tender. The slices are then coated with egg batter and breadcrumbs, and fried in hot oil (160캜) for about seven minutes. Voila! A tasty tonkatsu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also mouthwatering are the miso soup and fresh vegetables served with it. The first floor layout is a bar and the second and third floors are like spacious halls. During lunch, crowds of loyal customers wait in line. The restaurant is a favorite for all ages, from young to elderly regulars.