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

Opened in 2002, Gahoe Museum has on exhibit, folk paintings and amulets reflecting the lifestyle and wishes of the Korean people from ancient times. Inside the Hanok gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Korea. You will find old paintings of the common people, paintings of religious beliefs, and roof tiles in the shape of human beings or goblins. You will also find folding screens made of amulets and see the wisdom of people in the old days to overcome difficult times through a variety of amulets. Guided tours of exhibits are available from Tuesday through Friday in English and Japanese.After viewing, you can participate in regular hands-on programs inside the gallery. For a small fee, you can choose a program of your liking that runs from 10am to 5pm. The programs can accommodate up to 20 to 25 people. There are many participants on weekends so before visiting, call in advance for availability (+82-2-741-0466, Korean and Japanese). Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Barugongyang Gosang is a Buddhist restaurant located on the 2nd basement floor of Center One Avenue in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul. The name ‘Barugongyang’ refers to the name of the meal served at temples, where the simple act of eating is also a part of general discipline or training practices. Buddhist meals, which consist mainly of vegetarian and traditional foods, are attracting a great deal of attention worldwide as one of the most representative well-being and LOHAS (Life Style of Health and Sustainability) foods. The restaurant serves a dinner course, lunch special, and seasonal specialties.      


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

Housed in a 500-year-old building that was once home to descendants of Prince Gwangpyeong (the 5th son of King Sejong the Great), the restaurant was opened to the public in 1999 as a traditional restaurant serving Korean royal court cuisine. “Pilgyeong,” which means “always be respectful to the elderly,” is indeed a place that honors the past by serving as a beacon of tradition and flavor in the downtown Seoul area.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Beewon Guesthouse is not only an accommodation facility but also a communication space where both national and international tourists can exchange cultures, languages, and tourist information freely. The guesthouse is visited by many tourists who enjoy encountering all kinds of people and cultures, and provides breakfast for guests. Beewon Guesthouse is situated in Jongno, the center of shopping and tourism in Seoul. It is recommended to take a stroll through the nearby Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace and its beautiful trees.


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

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples. Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system. Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower also boasts excellent views. With excellent night view, you should try having dinner at the tower. It would be a great experience to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Dongjin Market is the only traditional market located in Yeonnam-dong, and operates much as a normal market on weekdays. However, Dongjin Market operates a special Night Market on Fridays, as well as special Saturday and Sunday markets. The market changes into a format of a flea market on the weekends with people selling handmade accessories and produce grown within the city. The market also offers a cooking workshop and other dynamic programs.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using Korean traditional processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; hanji crafts, accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji crafts. Of course, visitors are free to take home their hanji creations at the conclusion of the seminar.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

It’s Skin is a clinical skin solution brand whose products are all dermatologist approved. Snail slime creams and lotions and aloe products are very popular among shoppers from overseas. To better serve its international clientele, It’s Skin offers free international shipping for purchases over a certain amount.


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Achasan Mountain Ecological Park was established under the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Five Year Plan for Urban Green Expansion. Through various events and activities, the park provides opportunities to experience and learn about nature and its ecology. Major facilities include Eco Park, Rendezvous Square, Red Clay Road, Barefoot Path, Pine Forest, Mineral Spring, Eco Trail and Pergola.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Arabesque first opened in 2003 as Sahara Tent, but changed its name to its current name in August 2007 to further emphasize the restaurant’s specialties of Indian and Turkish cuisine. The restaurant serves Arabian, Indian, and Turkish dishes prepared by an Indian chef and the restaurant owner is from Jordan. For these reasons, it’s particularly popular among students from Southeast Asia and Middle East. It’s known for serving dishes that are almost completely authentic.