Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Insadong Chatjip is a hanok teahouse that serves home-made traditional tea. Even the red beans used in the summer delicacy Patbingsu are carefully prepared at the restaurant.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Gru is a shop dedicated to the promotion of Fair Trade items. Items in Gru are made by women living in impoverished areas in Asia. These environment-friendly clothing and daily use items are paid with fair prices to help the economic independence of the women. Over 300 Fair Trade items include clothing, handmade items, food, and daily use itmes. In the store, visitors will find meticuously-made shawls, patchwork scarves, and organic cotton tunics in a rainbow of colors.


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

The Coreana Art & Culture Complex is the largest museum in Korea that is exclusively for cosmetics and was created to preserve and to promote beauty items and the make-up culture of Korea.Centered around the 53,000 beauty items collected by Dr. Yu Sank-Ok, one of the executive directors of Coreana Cosmetics, three cosmetic museums were created: one in Seocho-dong in 2001 (known as the 2nd center), one in Sinsa-dong in November 2003 (Space *C, the Main Center), and one in Cheonan in June, 2004 (Songpa Tech Institute, the 3rd center). The Main Center, opened in November 20th 2003, within a cultural center named Space *C, drew much attention from the public. The museum sits right next to the Coreana Art Museum that features and curates modern art. The Coreana Art & Culture Complex contributes to the education and research of the nation’s cosmetic culture by presenting the history of women in Korea, including the exhibition of traditional make-up tools. In 2006, in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of ties between Korea and France, the museum held a special exhibition titled “Nature-like Beauty, Cosmetic Culture of Korea”, which attracted much attention and applause at the Center Culturel Coreen in Paris, France. 


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Discover Retro Charm at JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Unique Incheon Experience JOYANGBANGJIK Café: A Blend of History and Modern Art When planning your trip to Incheon, South Korea, one must-visit destination is JOYANGBANGJIK Café, located on Ganghwa Island. This extraordinary café was originally established in 1933 as the first rayon factory in Ganghwa. Over time, as the textile industry in the region declined, the factory fell into disrepair. However, it has since been brilliantly transformed into a spacious and stylish café, preserving the historical essence while integrating modern aesthetics. Historical Transformation The original building of JOYANGBANGJIK, which once lay abandoned, has been revitalized into a grand café. The dilapidated walls have been converted into an impressive art museum and movie theater. The long workbenches that once served the factory workers have been repurposed as coffee tables. The space, once bustling with machines and workers, is now adorned with antiques from China and Europe. Unique Décor and Atmosphere The décor of JOYANGBANGJIK Café is one of its most striking features. British-made doors with broken windows, round mirrors from old Czech trains, and Taiyaki machines that were used every winter are strategically placed as if they were always part of the building. This thoughtful arrangement allows the café to retain the essence of its historical past. The expansive factory site and the building's framework, spanning over 990 square meters (approximately 300 pyeong), have been preserved, adding to the café’s unique ambiance. Menu and Offerings JOYANGBANGJIK Café offers a wide range of beverages and cakes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Some of the standout menu items include: - Americano - Coconut Latte - Blueberry Hibiscus Tea - Mugwort Latte - Lemonade - Honey Ginger Tea Operating Hours - Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:20 PM) - Weekends and Holidays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:20 PM) Location and Additional Information JOYANGBANGJIK Café is located at 12, Hangnam Mokdo 5-gil, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. If you are using public transportation, you can take a bus from Ganghwa Terminal Station and get off at the "Girls' High School Entrance" stop, followed by a short walk of 195 meters. Final Thoughts JOYANGBANGJIK Café is a perfect blend of history and modernity, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors. The café not only provides a place to relax and enjoy delicious beverages but also allows you to immerse yourself in a piece of Korea’s industrial heritage. When visiting Incheon, make sure to include this one-of-a-kind café in your itinerary to enjoy its retro charm and artistic ambiance.


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

Located in JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, Marquis Thermal Spa offers a variety of well-being programs using hot spring water, environmentally-friendly organic products, Korean traditional massage techniques, and Western botanical therapy. The spa boasts 11 treatment rooms and offers 30 different kinds of treatments including anti-aging facials, Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, and a 6-hour, all-day spa program. Each treatment is performed by an experienced spa professional.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Sinsadong・Garosu-gil

Dosan Ahn Changho Memorial Hall was established for the purpose of sharing the mind and spirit of Ahn Changho. It opened in November 1998 to mark the 120th anniversary of the patriot’s birth and the 60th anniversary since he lost his life serving his country. On the first floor of the building is Dosan Hall, which is used as an exhibition hall, multimedia room and reference room. One floor below is Daeseong Hall, which houses the secretariat and Dosan ideology research association. The floor below that is Jeomjin Hall, which is used as an auditorium. The memorial hall holds collections such as Dosan’s personal belongings and related materials and also hosts experience-oriented programs for students of all ages to educate them on the dedication Dosan had for his country, his people and for humanity. * Ahn Changho (Pen name: Dosan), who dedicated all sixty years of his life to both modernizing his country and to Korea’s independence movement, was a great leader and mentor to the Korean people. The Dosan Ahn Changho Memorial Hall was built to express the strenuous efforts, loyalty and bravery he demonstrated during his life in hopes for a better future. This memorial hall hopes to inspire patrons with the same direction and passion in life that Dosan had for Korea and humanity.


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.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Located in Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Namdo Folk Food Museum was established to preserve and promote the folk foods of the Namdo region. The museum is housed in a building that resembles both the long, rectangular presses used to make patterned rice cakes and the Ipseokdae Rock of Mudeungsan Mountain, a symbol of Gwangju. Even the colors of the building’s walls hold special significance. The obangsaek ‘five colors’ (blue, white, red, black, and yellow) symbolize the cardinal directions, the seasons, the major organs in the body, different tastes, feelings, and philosophy.Major facilities at the museum include: a special exhibition room for invitational displays on culture and art, the permanent exhibition room on Namdo folk food, the Museum Studio with material related to the museum itself, and the Museum Shop, which sells a selection of Namdo folk food. Other facilities include the Honam Cultural Material Exhibition Room, which showcases the culture of the Honam region (literature, customs, and art), and a seminar room for art and culture-related lectures and conferences.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Hadongkwan is a 70-year-old restaurant in Myeong-dong, Jongno-gu. This restaurant first opened in the 1930s, and serves only two items: Gomtang and Suyuk. And there are only two side dishes: kkakdugi (radish kimchi) and kimchi. Unlike other restaurants, Hadongkwan serves its soup in a brass pot. The broth of the soup seems thin but the taste is delicious and thick. The soup is made of 100% natural ingredients and free of artificial additives.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

Housing multiple brands and showcasing the latest fashion trends, the Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo consists of 230 premium brands altogether. Located conveniently near where the public transportation stops, Hyundai Department Store is seeking to serve both local and international visitors with lots of attractions.