Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone designated in 1997 among the 5 special tourist zones in Seoul. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has been a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products are famous in particular. This is a go-to street for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shopping malls selling clothes and bags, as well as accommodations including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,200 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops stretch from Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin Station. At night, Itaewon is brilliantly illuminated by nightlife for those from abroad and home-alike. Travelers can taste cuisines and cultures from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants owned by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into streets of cultural diversity. In October, the “Itaewon Global Village Festival” takes place with a range of performances and events. Most of the staff at the stores can speak English, Japanese or Chinese. * Current State of Itaewon Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: The 1.4 km-long street stretching from Itaewon-ro to Hannam 2 (i)-dong office. 2) Area: 383,292㎡ * Tourist Attractions 40 restaurants run by foreigners, Hamilton Hotel, Art Museum, nightclubs, Antique Furniture Street, etc.


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

Butterfinger Pancakes is a specialty waffle and pancake shop. They offer a variety of waffles and pancakes, so it is very popular place to have brunch. Arrive early to ensure a spot.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.


Incheon(Seo-gu) , Incheon Center

Ara Waterway flows downstream of the Hangang River to the West Sea. In the 13th century, King Gojong, the twenty-sixth king of the Korean Joseon dynasty started the waterway construction for the first time, but it was discontinued due to technical obstacles and the difficult state of the country. In 2011, Ara Wateway was finally completed. Along the main waterway are ports and water bridges. and people can enjoy the parkways and Ara-rium.  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Grand Intercontinental Seoul now introduces the first premium & casual shopping mall, called Parnas.Shopping, food, beverages, and cultural activities are at your disposal all in one place that offers a home-like atmosphere.


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

Namsan Tower Hotel, a time-honored landmark of Seoul, has been renovated and reopened as ‘Banyan Tree Club & Spa’, a world leading resort hotel. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is a membership club/hotel created in Namsan, Seoul by ‘Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort,’ Singapore’s top resort brand. The new urban resort is a place where visitors can enjoy quality spa servcies while taking in a wide-open view. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul consists of three buildings: the Club, the Hotel and the Festa. Facilities also include an outdoor sports center and other luxurious amenities like an outdoor pool, 23 private pools, a sauna, fitness center, golf course, tennis court, outdoor playing field, spa, and kids’ club. The 21-story hotel houses 34 Suites with a plunge pool, and 16 members-only club rooms. The 2 two-story Presidential Suites located on the top floors offer a wide-open night view of Seoul and Namsan Mountain. Banyan Tree Spa consists of five Deluxe Singles, four Deluxe Doubles and two Spa Suites. Every room has a shower and a rest area and the Spa Suite offers a special tropical rain mist.   



Gwangju(Gwangsan-gu)

Songjeong is famous for its tteokgalbi (grilled short rib meat patties), which is one of the five best food items of Gwangju. There are many tteokgalbi restaurants around Gwangsan district office, but Songjeong’s history goes back to 1976 and it is still the original.A good tteokgalbi is made by mixing the meat of beef short ribs and pork bone ribs in a one-to-one ratio and adding acacia honey to make the meat both tender and chewy. The dish is also reasonably priced. The secret to the delicious meat is the sauce, which is made with about 20 natural ingredients like kelp, radish, and green onion and no artificial seasonings. Also a pride of the restaurant is the broth made from pork bones which comes with the tteokgalbi.


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

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a Korean modern art museum conveniently located in the Deoksugung Palace area near Jeongdong Theater (traditional performances) and Nanta Theater. SeMA is a 3-story building with 6 exhibition halls, a lecture hall for educational programs, and a library where art-related books, magazines, and visual reference materials are available to the public. In one of the exhibition halls is a permanent collection titled "The Soul of Chun Kyung Ja," an exhibition of the works of the famous Korean artist Chun Kyung Ja. An art museum popular among both locals and visitors, SeMA holds internationally renowned exhibitions twice a year and has hosted Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Pompidou, and many other famous collections.


Seoul(Guro-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

E-mart is a discount supermarket operated by Shinsegae Co. Ltd. E-mart Guro is a discount store located in the South-central region of Seoul.Unlike other super markets, the Guro branch is a “downtown market,” with a small garden on the 1st floor, a meeting area, a parking lot for women, and various other convenient facilities. Popular items include foods, general household items, appliances, and recently, E-mart Pizza has become very popular. Specially popular amongst foreign shoppers is the liquor section, clothing section and kitchen appliances.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Landrover is a casual sub-brand of Kumkang Shoes.The Landrover branch in Myeongdong is located in a major tourist area and is comprised of three floors. The branch is frequented by Japanese and Chinese tourists and boasts casual shoes, sandals, and boots as its best-selling items.