Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

The Cheoksan Spa region’s hot springs water features a slightly blue radiance.The Cheoksan hot springs water is known to be beneficial for people with skin diseases, eye diseases, gastroenteric disorders, and neuralgia. Not only are the waters soft and great for your skin, but drinking the water is said to beautify the skin and improve blood circulation.The Cheoksan hot springs region is located a mere 10 minutes away from one of Korea’s most beautiful mountain ranges, the Seoraksan Mountains, and so the resort is the perfect place to relax and relieve your fatigue after an invigorating hike.


Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

The Jinan Red Ginseng Spa is a spacious spa (B1-3F, 7,720 square meters) offering an unusual assortment of health facilities and programs. Treatments use the systematic and scientific use of red ginseng, Oriental medicinal herbs, and the principles of yin and yang and the five natural elements to give spa-goers an indulgent experience that relaxes both the mind and body. Read on to learn more about some of the treatments and facilities available at the spa. Gold: Taegeuk Bubble Sense Therapy Relax on a warm stone chair for a body massage of red ginseng bubbles that come up to your neck. Then, hop in the dew shower to relax. Tree: Yangsaeng Herb Therapy As part of this spa treatment, clients rest on a bed of dried medicinal herbs and hay designed to help overcome fatigue. Sound Floating Space In this spa treatment, guests float peacefully on the water while listening to music via underwater speakers in an experience that simulates being in the womb. Aqua Zone This outdoor open-air tub is a great therapy option that also lets visitors enjoy the beautiful landscape of Mount Maisan.    


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Su Ji Kim Lunch Box Art offers classes to learn how to make art lunchboxes with Su Ji herself. Come and learn how to present food articstically in lunch boxes and the secret recipes that go into Su Ji’s own art lunch boxes that are so popular among Korean stars. There are various cooking programs for international visitors as well.      


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

Twenty Four Seasons presents seasonal Korean cuisines inspired by the 24 solar terms of seasonal divisions used for effective farming in the past. The restaurant brings out innovative flavors using Korea's traditional cooking methods.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Seoul Museum of History captures the traditional culture of Seoul. Vestiges from the prehistoric era to modern Seoul are on display. The museum was renovated with modern updates in May 2002, 17 years after opening. The main exhibit halls are on the 3rd floor. Many of the Joseon Dynasty relics were donated during the Relic Donation Campaign. Also, the landscape of Seoul is recreated when it was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. Another exhibit showcases the daily life of the Seoulites, while another presents items through an online cyber museum. The 1st floor has many convenient facilities such as a coat check and the Kids Corner playroom. The Special Exhibition Hall, the Exhibition Hall for Donated Relics, and Museum Shop where cultural products are produced and sold, are also on the 1st floor. If you enjoy dainty foods and tea, visit the Gyeonghuigung Café. It is a cozy spot which stays open after museum hours.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Z.I.Gallery is a boutique shop by the renowend designer, Zia Kim. Her works have appeared in Seoul Collection, Paris Pretaporter, department stores, and shops abroad. Visitors can purchase items with unique designs and cutomized items. It directly runs two brach stores in Gahoe-dong and Hyoja-dong. These handmade Items go through meticulous quality management.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The Currency Museum of Korea is the first museum in Korea to be dedicated solely to modern and ancient currencies. The museum (est. 1988) is operated by the Mint Corporation of Korea as part of its non-profit public services and is open to visitors free of charge with a view of increasing public knowledge of the nation’s currency. The museum features a total of 120,000 pieces including: coins currently in use both in Korea and overseas; coins from modern times (from the Late Joseon Dynasty until today); 80 types of commemorative coins; 88 types of ‘special money’; postage stamps, and other materials.Exhibition Room 1 presents a wide selection of coins from both ancient eras and modern times, with many of the coins dating back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Coins on display in this room include Geonwonjungbo (996), the first coin ever minted in Korea; Haedongwonbo (1097); and Sangpyeongtongbo, the most widely used coin during the Joseon Dynasty. Other displays include commemorative coins from past Olympics, special coins, charms, amulets and Lydian currency, the world’s first-ever alloy coin minted around 670 BC.Exhibition Room 2 (Exhibition of Bills) displays a wide variety of bills by era as well as information detailing the production process of a banknote (from the manufacturing of the paper used to the finished product). Exhibition Room 3 shows how authorities spot counterfeit money while Exhibition Room 4 has a wide selection of stamps, medals, and currencies from over 120 different countries around the world including Russia and North Korea.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Explore Incheon's Historic Open Port Area Discover Incheon's Rich Heritage: A Must-Visit Destination If you're planning a trip to Korea, Incheon should be at the top of your list, especially its historic Open Port Area. This area preserves over 130 years of history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Korea's past. Gaehangjang Historic and Cultural Street Incheon's Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Historic and Cultural Street is a place where time seems to stand still. This area has been carefully preserved to retain the essence of its rich history since the port opened in 1883. Walking through these streets, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a black-and-white photograph, with historical buildings and cultural landmarks around every corner. Incheon Station Your journey can begin at Incheon Station, the terminus of Korea's first railway, the Gyeongin Line. This station remains a significant historical landmark and serves as the gateway to Incheon's Jung-gu district. It's a bustling hub where countless travelers begin their exploration of the city's storied past. Historic Landmarks As you stroll through the streets, you'll encounter many well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable sites include the former Japanese Consulate, which now houses the Jung-gu Office, and the old branches of Japan's 1st, 18th, and 58th Banks. These structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural styles and cultural exchanges of that era. Cultural and Historical Experiences In addition to its architectural wonders, the Gaehangjang area is home to several other historical and cultural attractions. You can visit the former Japan Mail and Shipping Inc., the Incheon Art Platform, and the Jemulpo Club, all of which tell the story of Incheon's evolution as an international city. For those who prefer a guided experience, expert cultural tourism guides are available by reservation, providing in-depth insights into the area's history. Tour Routes To fully appreciate the area's charm, consider following one of the recommended tour routes: *1-Hour Course: Start at Incheon Station (World Community Center), then visit Chinatown, the Jajangmyeon Museum, Haegang Cathedral, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, and the Incheon Art Platform. *2-Hour Course: Begin at the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center, followed by the Overseas Chinese History Museum, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, Jung-gu Office, Qing-Japanese Concession Boundary Stairs, Three Kingdoms Mural Street, Jajangmyeon Museum, and Incheon Station. *3-Hour Course: This extended tour includes all the sites from the 2-hour course plus the Incheon Metropolitan City Historical Archives, Jemulpo Club, Jayu Park, General MacArthur's Statue, Fairy Tale Village, and Chinatown (Uiseondang). Conclusion Incheon's Open Port Area is a treasure trove of cultural and historical experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this area has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit today and step back in time to discover the fascinating history of Incheon.


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

[Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More] Two folktales in the performance. Where you can meet the essence of Korean Dance. Jeongdong Theater, which is located in Jeongdong-gil; the beautiful street in flower-blooming pring, has a meaning of succession of ‘Wongaksa’, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong has presented performances which retells Korean folktales and has help the audiences to understand it with qualified stage. Especially, <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More>, which has its premier on last April. 6, is a well-made Korean traditional dance drama on which Korean folktales and traditional dance are combined.     This performance sends us a message about the true love, combining Korean folktales and newly recreating them as a Korean traditional dance drama. At the first, ‘The tale of Mrs Domi’ is a folktale of the period of three states in Korea. The king of Baekje has Mrs Domi, a humble woman, in his mind and he put her in danger to make her parting with her husband. However, with her wise courage, she overcomes from the trick of the king confirming the love with her husband. Igongbonpuri, another folktale in the performance, is a narrative shamanic myth in Jeju. The story is about a woman called Wongangam who died after her slave life in difficulties. She finally comes to life again as a flower called Wongangami thanks to her husband and son who buried her body in a flower garden. These two stories were combined and the performance <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More> came out. This story which came from the two folktales contains the theme of ‘overcoming’ and ‘reviving’ which feature frequently in Korean traditional ideology so the meanings are coming heavily to the audiences who live in modern society. The image of strong woman from Mrs Domi and Wongangami is described into Seoryeon’s character, the protagonist of the performance. In the background of imaginary Joseon Dynasty, this performance presents the image of wise and strong woman who keeps her ideals in the difficulties and the path of achieving her wishes from her revive into traditional dance drama. The lyrics from <A song of floral tribute> and <A love song> cite words from folktales which are very familiar to Korean people and it raises bond of sympathy. Also, you can see various Korean traditional dance such as parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers in ritual ceremony, Taepyeongmu, a dance praying for the peaceful reign and prosperity of the royal family, Geommu, a traditional sword dance which became powerful in the performance as man’s dance. I would love to strongly recommend this performance to whom love Korean traditional dance and look forward beautiful dance performance!       Interview with Chunghan Kim, Director and Choreographer of ‘Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More’ Q. Please talk about the title and the concept of <Lotus,>. The title <Lotus> came from the name of the protagonist, ‘Seo-ryeon’. (‘Ryeon’ literally means ‘Lotus’ in Korean language.) The story borrow its motif from ‘the tale of Mrs Domi’ of the period of three stages in Korea and ‘Igongbonpuri’ , a shamanic tale from Jeju Island. The main characters are the King and his man, general ‘Dodam’ and dancer ‘Seo-ryeon’. ‘Seo-ryeon’ is a important character of the story as she receive the loves from the King and Dodam at the same time. Dodam and Seo-ryeon confirmed their love and it is reason why relationship of the king and Dodam has problem. The tension from the triangle love is the main concept of this performance. Q. What is the symbol of the subtitle, ‘A flower Comes Out Once More’?​ The king is a character who let Seo-ryeon in for pain and difficulties using his power. However, she protects her self from the power. I would like to deliver two messages through this story. First, the King who uses his power in incorrect way is very similar with our social situation. There are many people who got hurt from it. Therefore I wish the people get more hope and comport from the reincarnation of Seo-ryeon. Second, I would like to talk about ‘Love’ and the beauty of Seo-ryeon through the character of a woman who keep the beauty her self against the power of the king.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

As part of the Hangang Renaissance project, Nanji Hangang Park will be transformed into an eco-friendly theme park that should attract visitors from around the world. The Park will feature the Nanji Eco-Wetland, Nanji Campground and a marina. Also, there will be a specially designed area where visitors can enjoy extreme sports such as inline skating and BMX. A riverside swimming pool, the Water Plaza, and a riverside stage will be set up as well. Visitors will be able to relax and take a leisurely stroll around the park. The fully equipped Nanji Campground will open first in August 2009. The campsite is complete with all the items and facilities needed for camping, such as 24-hour-shower rooms, tents, and BBQ grills. This camping site is open to everyone.