Tourist Attractions

August 25, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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Best Summer Beach Destinations

When the summer sun beats down relentlessly, nothing feels more refreshing than diving into the cool ocean. The best beaches in Korea offer more than just swimming, though. Imagine riding a train with picturesque views, and eating the freshest seafood you’ve ever had at a beachside food stall! Enjoy exciting water sports, and then recharge in a café or bakery nearby. No matter your travel style, these top beach destinations have it all!

In Busan & Gyeongsang Province

Haeundae
Haeundae Beach is Korea’s most representative beach! Haeundae Beach is unlike other beaches in Korea in that the sandy shore stretches between the sea and tons of tall buildings, creating a beautiful view that becomes even more stunning when the sun sets!
The area around Haeundae Beach also has plenty of attractions, including Busan X the SKY observatory, Haeundae Blue Line Park, and the lush forest of camellia and pine trees on Dongbaekseom Island.

Gwangalli
Gwangalli Beach is unique in that the horizon appears to be doubled, due to Gwangandaegyo Bridge. The beach is easy to reach using public transportation, and is surrounded by fun things to do, drawing in a steady stream of visitors.
Gwangalli Beach is even more beautiful at night, with the lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge twinkling on the horizon. On Saturdays, you can see Korea’s largest drone show, the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show. The beach is also the venue for the annual, must-see Busan Fireworks Festival.

Uljin
For a truly unique beach experience, hop aboard the Jukbyeon Coast Sky Rail, one of the 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots for 2023-2024. The monorail covers a course of 2.8km, showing interesting points such as “Heart Coast,” named for its double-curved coastline, a famous filming site, and a lighthouse. Stop by the nearby Jukbyeon Port for fresh seafood.

In Gangwon State

Gangneung
The lush forest of pine trees that grows along the sandy shore makes Gyeongpo Beach charming. Enjoy a leisure stroll on the deck walking trail as it waves back and forth between the sand and the pine forest. There are also many facilities for tourists, including restaurants, accommodations, and even campgrounds, making this beach popular among younger travelers.


Anmok Beach is well-known thanks to its proximity to Gangneung Coffee Street. The street is lined with coffee shop after coffee shop, each with its own unique ambiance. The street itself is so popular, it has been listed on KTO’s 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea many times! The cafés all face the beach, offering great views from their second-floor seating and higher.

Sokcho
Sokcho Beach is popular among visitors all year round with a range of attractions, including a walking trail through a pine forest, flower paths, and photo spots. It is also extremely easy to reach on foot, just a five-minute walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, making it a top pick for tourists. This short distance means you can also enjoy the tasty foods that are available in downtown Sokcho.Ferris wheel
The Sokcho Eye, a 65-meter-tall Ferris wheel, is another attraction of Sokcho Beach. The first Ferris wheel in Korea to be built next to the beach, it offers views of the ocean to one side and Seoraksan Mountain to the other. At night, enjoy the LED performance as it lights up the beach.

Yangyang
Naksan Beach is known as the beach that BTS member V visited. It’s a great spot to visit if you enjoy walking, as there is a forested trail that follows the 2-kilometer-long beach. The beach itself has a shallow bay, suitable for swimmers of all ages.


Vacationers can enjoy a comfortable trip with surrounding amenities including cafés, convenience stores, restaurants, and accommodations. If visiting, be sure to include a stop at the nearby Naksansa Temple, one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Gwandong.

On Jeju Island

Hamdeok
Hamdeok Beach is one of the best beaches to see the beautiful emerald-colored sea around Jeju. The beach is popular among locals because of its fine sand and shallow waters. Seoubong Parasitic Cone rises up next to the beach to create a special landscape; in spring, the hillside is covered in yellow canola flowers. If you follow the walking trail up Seoubong, you can take in the full view of the area, including the restaurants, cafés, and hotels that stand next to the beach.


After fun at the beach, enjoy a refreshing drink at a nearby café. Café Delmoondo in particular stands right on the beach with ocean-view seating. They roast their own coffee beans and offer a range of desserts. The outdoor terrace is also a great photo spot!


 
 
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Find the Hipster in you in Seongsu-dong

July 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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Find the Hipster in you in Seongsu-dong

Seongsu-dong is one of the most tagged location in Instagram in 2022, proving itself as currently the most trending neighborhood in Korea. World-famous luxury brands as well as up-and-coming local brand stores and select shops have settled in Seongsu-dong, making it a shopper’s haven. Exploring themed cafés and restaurants that serve delectable desserts and foods is another great way to enjoy what Seongsu-dong has to offer.


Another perk of Seongsu-dong is handmade shoes shopping. Handmade shoes business has deep roots in Seongsu-dong and you’ll find many well-established shoe shops scattered around the area. If you’re interested in finding or ordering one-of-a-kind shoes just for you, take the subway to Seongsu Station and take Exit 3 or 4 to find hipster shoe stores and workshops clustered together.

Recommended spots

Daelim Changgo Gallery
Daelim Changgo Gallery best represents the modern transformation of Seongsu-dong, which was once accepted as an industrial zone. A café and gallery renovated from a warehouse, Daelim Changgo Gallery has a unique atmosphere created by preserving the aw and bold interior from its original form. The unusual blend of exhibitions taking place in a café that resembles a warehouse pretty much sums up Seonsu-dong’s quirky charms!

Seongsu Yeonbang
Seongsu Yeonbang is a multipurpose culture center renovated from an old factory. The building is filled with diverse shops and stores ranging from handmade caramel shop, lifestyle select store, jewelry shop, cafés and restaurants. The most iconic shop can be found on the 3rd floor, a popular eco-friendly greenhouse café named Cheonsang Gaok. Seongsu Yeonbang has also earned some fame among K-pop fans for it was used as a birthday party event venue for Jimin of BTS.

Munchies and Goodies
Munchies and Goodies is a bakery and wine shop popular for its signature salted butter rolls, called sogeumppang in Korean. The salted butter rolls come out at 11:00 and 15:00, and both times usually require lining up by the store. The store has no seats inside and offers only take-out. Another dessert that’s worth a try is the shop’s original tigré, made using Korea’s traditional sweets called yakgwa (honey cookie).

DOOR to Seongsu
DOOR to Seongsu is a premium flagship store opened by the convenience store brand GS25. DOOR to Seongsu appeals to consumers through a unique concept that separates itself from regular convenience stores. The most eye-catching difference is the Drinking Zone where customers can enjoy a variety of beer and wine on tap. The store also sells bread and chicken that are prepared on a daily basis as well as their bestselling products. With chairs and tables, the store feels like a café by night and a bar by night.

LCDC Seoul
Once a building with a shoemaking factory and an auto repair shop, LCDC Seoul has transformed the place into a trending multipurpose culture center. The building’s façade shows a glimpse of the mini plaza encircled by concrete walls with stairways in between, which all make up to turning this place a reputed Instagrammable photo spot. Inside the building, you’ll find several quirky and adorable shops including select shops, cafés, and a rooftop bar. Seasonal pop-up stores that open occasionally are also fun to look around.

Onion Seongsu
Onion Seongsu is a bakery café renovated from a 1970s building that received much attention for its unique interior and tasty baked goods. Onion Seongsu added transparent glasses and metal frames onto the original old framework for an overall vintage look with a modern touch. You can try a variety of breads and desserts here, from ang-butter bread (red bean paste butter bread) that uses handmade red bean paste and chewy rye ciabatta to sweet, soft Pandoro.

Magpie&Tiger Seongsu Tea Room
Magpie&Tiger Seongsu Tea Room is a must-visit place for tea aficionados. This tea house specializes in East Asian tea, serving tea brewed from tea leaves grown and dried locally in Korea as well as other East Asian countries. You can pair your tea with a variety of tea foods available, from traditional Korean desserts like tteok (rice cake) and baked sweets to Western deserts and pound cake and cheese cake.

Peaches. by D8NE
Peaches. D8NE is an offline flagship store launched by Peaches., a lifestyle brand inspired by automobiles. The store uses cars as a theme to create a unique atmosphere both inside and out. Not only does the store sell and showcase products by Peaches., but also has well-known food franchises like Downtowner burger house and Knotted donuts.

Monami Factory Seongsu
Monami Factory Seongsu is where you can see, try, and buy a wide range of products by Monami, Korea’s prominent office supplies and stationery brand particularly well-known for their ballpoint pens. The store has a DIY station where you can make your very own ballpoint pen and fountain pen ink. Several packaged products are also available that make for perfect souvenirs.


 
 
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Seoul’s Hottest Landmark, The Hyundai Seoul

June 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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“The hottest place in Seoul,” “Where all things ‘hip’ gather,” “Korea’s newest landmark!” What do all these things have in common? They all describe one place, The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido!
As the largest department store in Seoul, visiting without some background knowledge can lead to plenty of wasted time and missed opportunities. Thankfully, we are here for you! We’ll tell you all you need to know about the well-known brands, pop-up stores, photo zones and various goods, as well as the fun sights and activities you’ll find along the way. After reading our guide, you’ll be an expert before even setting foot inside The Hyundai Seoul!

The Hyundai Seoul exclusive pop-up stores
All the best gathered in one spot
Tasty Seoul, located on the first underground floor, is the nation’s largest food hall, with all of Seoul’s trendiest restaurants and cafés in one location. If you’re a foodie, visit these shops for a social media food tour.
Some treats you can expect to find are the chestnut pie filled with a whole chestnut surrounded by almond paste from Richemont Bakery, salad bread filled with fresh vegetables or the sweet ice cream-filled bread from Korea’s oldest bakery Taegeukdang, delicious scones from the famous Café Layered, and Camel Café’s signature smooth cream coffee.
A new addition to The Hyundai Seoul’s pop-up line-up is Wonhyongdeul, the unique dessert café from Chungmu-ro. Their cakes come in unusual flavors, like cilantro, spring cabbage, and dill. The design is just as stand-out as the flavor, making this café popular enough that there is usually a line.
There isn’t enough time to visit these cafés and bakeries in Sinchon, Hongdae, Myeongdong, Eulji-ro, and Garosu-gil Road in one day, but you can try them all at their pop-ups at The Hyundai Seoul!

Using all five senses at the K-pop conceptual store
Over 170 brands have opened pop-up stores at The Hyundai Seoul since its grand opening. In addition to brands, even K-pop artists like aespa, NewJeans, and BTS have opened exhibitions here.
The recent BTS x Lego experience exhibition featured a high-quality diorama of the concert stage from their hit song “Dynamite.” You could also take photos with large Lego figurines resembling the artists, as well as make your own Lego figurine.
The featured artist changes regularly, so you’ll have to keep your eyes open and watch for when your
favorite artist has their chance to shine.
TIP. Follow VISITKOREA social media channels and news for the latest updates on pop-up events!

Make the most of photo zones
The Hyundai Seoul is decorated throughout with photo zones to take amazing photos. There are dynamic concepts and styles to suit all visitors’ different tastes.

B2 – Relax with music and books at LSR & STILLBOOKS
LSR & STILLBOOKS is a joint operation by the sound platform ODE and independent bookshop Stillbooks. The shop’s interior of wood tones with a deep blue color gives off a cool and classy vibe. You can sit and read one of the carefully curated books, or enjoy an eargasm in the listening room.
LSR & STILLBOOKS interior is amplified by their display of speakers, books, LPs, and products from Point of View, a shop that was instantly popular upon opening in Seongsu. Taking photos here is greatly recommended if you want to capture the type of atmosphere found in Seongsu-dong and Hannam-dong.

1F – The Hyundai Seoul’s signature spot, Waterfall Garden
Waterfall Garden is a must-see photo spot of The Hyundai Seoul, with real water cascading down from the third floor. The waterfall was created with the motif of enjoying nature in the middle of the city. The lights reflecting off the moving water make for a great photo background.

5F – Take your new profile photo at Sounds Forest
You didn’t think you could visit The Hyundai Seoul and leave without taking a single picture, did you? If you did, you’ll certainly change your mind after visiting Sounds Forest, a small arboretum where you can enjoy the warm sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling, and hear the sound of birds calling in the foliage.
The lighting is perfect throughout the arboretum, but the most popular spot is the shack, designed like a small greenhouse. Inside, you’ll find a self-photo booth, designed like an old TV box. For just 3,000 won, you can take home a printed photo of your visit.
On the same floor is Play in the Box, a playground for adults! Like the name suggests, Play in the Box is a self-photo studio featuring rooms with all sorts of concepts. Every month there are new collaborations with different characters and limited-edition photo frames. While almost all Millennials and Generation Z have taken photos at a self-studio, Play in the Box provides a larger space than what you may have experienced at a typical photo booth.
The lighting and background of each box will fulfill all you could wish for in a studio. The addition of the collaboration characters make this place like heaven for fans of stationary, characters, and diary decorating!
Of the more unique booths here is the ASMR video box! The soundproof booth comes equipped with a high-quality mic so you can record your very own ASMR video. You can easily receive the video on your phone to upload on YouTube. Who knows, you could have a hidden talent for ASMR!

6F – Art for appetizers with Dining and Art
Even eating at The Hyundai Seoul is an experience. You won’t find any old food court here! As the name suggests, you can enjoy fine dining establishments and works of art on the same floor.
The current exhibition in celebration of The Hyudai Seoul’s two year anniversary is A Dandy From the Provence by David Jamin. Jamin is famous for making paintings that bring happiness to the viewers, featuring strong, lively brush strokes.
The most popular photo spot is in the Van Gogh themed area within the exhibition hall. Designed with the concept of setting off into the world with Van Gogh’s last paintings, even the hallways between exhibition halls are decorated into photo zones. Create your own personal artwork by stepping into the photo frame!
If you visit on the weekend, you’ll have to wait in line to take a picture in the mirror selfie zone, but it’s worth it. The large round mirror reflects the green space of Sound Forest as a beautiful background. It’s also a great place to take in the department store, being located on the top floor.

Top Tips for The Hyundai Seoul
-Immediate TAX REFUND
The first thing to do before shopping is check the tax refund process! After shopping, visit the tax refund desk for information. If you are eligible, you can get a tax refund right away. Immediate tax refund is available to foreign visitors who have been in Korea for less than three months, and spend over 30,000 won. All you need is your passport!

-Free lockers
The most uncomfortable part of traveling is always having to worry about lugging your things around. As a visitor, it’s normal to want to see everything, but to feel held back by heavy bags. The Hyundai Seoul wants to relieve that burden through the use of their free storage lockers!
You can find lockers on the first underground floor in front of Osullok and Camel cafés, and by the central escalators on underground floors three and four. Cooled lockers are also available so you can feel comfortable leaving food here while you shop.

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Bucket List: Best Springtime Destinationsin Korea

April 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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Yeouido’s Yeouiseo-ro Road
Yeouiseo Road (formerly known as Yunjung Road), located behind the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, is one of the
most popular destinations for viewing cherry blossoms. As cherry blossoms begin to fully bloom in early to mid-April, the
1,800 cherry blossom trees transform the road into a snow-white tunnel, accented by forsythia and other spring blossoms, just
in time for Yeongdeungpo’s Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. Road traffic is restricted in certain areas during the festival period,
allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms to their hearts’ conten.

Namsan Park Circuit Road
Namsan Park’s circuit road, which connects Namsan Library, Namsan Octagonal
Pavilion and the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, is a beautiful scenic route
lined with forsythias, azaleas, and cherry blossoms. Although it stands at 262 meters above
sea level, Namsan Mountain is a fairly easy walk and the blossoms make it that much more
enjoyable. The walk begins from Namsan Library and takes about 40 minutes to reach
Namsan Octagonal Pavilion located at the top of the mountain.

Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace, one of the major royal palaces in Seoul, is a prime spot to view cherry
blossoms. The palace creates a gorgeous backdrop for photos made by an assortment of cherry
blossoms, plum blossoms, Korean bush cherry, sansuyu (cornus fruit) flowers, apricot blossoms
and royal azaleas as they bloom among ancient architecture in the heart of Seoul. From time to
time, visitors can spot a fantastic shower of cherry blossom petals raining over Okcheongyo Bridge.

Seokchon Lake
The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is held every spring at Songpa Naru
Park, a peaceful lake park that surrounds Lotte World. Seokchon Lake boasts
approximately 1,000 mesmerizing cherry blossom trees that form a tunnel of flowers
around the lake, creating a fascinating scene in spring. Lotte World’s Magic Island
appears to float in the middle of the lake. The festival offers events and family-fun
activities for a perfect day out at Seokchon Lake. Nearby attractions include Lotte
World Tower & Mall and Seoul Sky, Korea’s highest observation deck.

Icheon Sansuyu Village
Icheon is home to a huge number of sansuyu trees. These wild trees, many over 100 years old,
are spread all over the city and found most abundantly in the Baeksa-myeon area, which is referred
to as Sansuyu Village. The Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Flower Festival is held there every spring when
the flowers bloom, coloring the village in a vibrant yellow. The village has various walking paths
that showcase the beautiful flowers.

Jinhae – Yeojwacheon Stream
The city of Jinhae comes alive in spring when Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival takes place and
approximately 360,000 cherry blossom trees begin to bloom. Although the entire city is considered
one of the top cherry blossom destinations, the most popular flower viewing areas are Anmingogae
Hill, Jehwangsan Park, and Yeojwacheon Stream. In particular, an approximately 1.5-kilometer-
long section of Yeojwacheon Stream is lined with cherry blossom trees, creating a tunnel of white
petals. The sweet scent of canola flowers under the cherry blossom trees will accompany visitors as
they walk through the floral tunnel

Jeju – Seopjikoji
As Korea’s southernmost land, Jeju Island is the first to see the blooming of spring flowers,
drawing in many tourists with the start of spring. Yellow canola flowers spring up far and wide on
the island, creating picture perfect scenery in places like Seopjikoji. The view of natural fields of
canola flowers set before the deep blue ocean is amazing. Visitors will be pleased to find uniquely
shaped sculptures set in the fields of canola flowers for photos of their trip. Furthermore, pony
rides are also available, an activity especially popular among families with children.

Yeosu – Yeongchwisan Mountain
Famous for the surrounding blue sea and beautiful islands, Yeosu is another popular destination
for viewing spring flowers. Starting in April, pink azaleas color the ridges of Yeongchwisan
Mountain, creating picturesque scenes against the deep blue ocean. The Yeongchwisan Azalea
Festival is held annually in early April to celebrate spring.


 
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Beautiful Nature & Tasty Foods on the West Coast

September 27, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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Korea’s western coast is home to Garorimman Bay, located between Seosan and Taean. When the tide ebbs, the bay becomes a vast mudflat, one of the top five largest tidal mudflats in the world! It appeared as the main filming location for the “Mudmax” video in the Feel the Rhythm of Korea – Season 2 promotional video series. The area around Garorimman Bay features many beautiful natural attractions, ecological experiences, and tasty foods, all waiting for you to dig in!

Enjoying the mudflat – Ungdo Mudflat & cafés with a view
Ungdo Island in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do is located within the bay, and is connected to the mainland via a bridge that becomes submerged at high tide. Recently, the bridge has become a popular photo spot on social media, with many people walking barefoot into the water when it just barely covers the bridge. When the tide goes out, the mudflat around the island is open to enjoy mudflat experiences like digging up clams through the Ungdo Fishing Village.


On the other side of the bay in Taean, you can relax at one of the many cafés looking out over the bay. If you spend enough time here, you can enjoy the unique experience of seeing the landscape change before your eyes; in a way, it’s as mesmerizing as watching a sunrise or sunset. The whole mudflat appears alive, as the sun glistens off the creatures that live here.

Unique coastal views – Padori Beach & Sindu-ri Coastal Sand Dune
The western coast has many attractions aside from the bay, such as Padori Beach. Compared to beaches on the eastern coast, this beach has rougher sand, but is dotted with many pretty beach pebbles, perfect for a tiny souvenir. You’ll have plenty of time to look for the perfect pebble while waiting your turn to take a photo inside one of the coastal caves that formed along the cliff. These caves, carved out over years by the pounding waves, are very popular photo spots on social media.


Also located nearby is Sindu-ri Coastal Sand Dune, the largest coastal sand dune in Korea. The unique desert landscape is well-preserved thanks to the area being a designated Natural Monument. The view at the point where the pasture turns into a sandy desert before meeting the ocean is unforgettable. The sand dunes appear even more golden in the light of fall, the perfect season to spend time walking along the sand dune paths.

Floral abundance – Cheongsan Arboretum
If you’ve had your fill of coastal views, turn your gaze inward and head to Cheongsan Arboretum! Overflowing with all kinds of plants, this arboretum is famous for being a filming site of the popular drama “Crash Landing on You (2019).” The arboretum will delight your eyes no matter the season, with various flowers blooming throughout the year in the sweetly decorated themed gardens. In fall, you can get great photos before the backdrop of golden pampas grass or soft pink muhly.

Travel back in time – Haemieupseong Walled Town & Haemi Hotteok
Another site that appeared in the “Mudmax” video was Haemieupseong Walled Town. This attraction features beautiful, wellpreserved architecture from the Joseon dynasty and has been used as a filming site for many historical dramas. Fans of “Mr. Sunshine” may recognize Cheongheojeong Pavilion, standing between a bamboo grove and a forest of pine trees. The walled town also has a connection with the history of Catholicism in Korea, and was visited by Pope Francis in 2014. While here, the Pope enjoyed garlic bread, a local specialty.


There are plenty of restaurants selling a wide range of foods in the shopping district near Haemieupsong Walled Town, but the most popular by far is Haemi Hotteok. The sweet griddle cakes here are unique in that they are grilled in margarine rather than the typical cooking oil. They are so popular that the shop has had toinstate a limit of 3 hotteok per person. If you’re in the area, be sure to try this super popular dessert!

Best local foods – Seosan so bulgogi & Taean ganjang gejang
Seosan and Taean are known to be leading producers of beef and seafood in Korea, earning themselves a reputation as popular food tour destinations. Seosan’s representative menu is so bulgogi (beef bulgogi) made with top quality hanu (Korean beef) produced from the region’s famous cattle ranch. The sweet and savory so bulgogi tastes even better when paired with the flavorful godeungeo gui (grilled mackerel).


Taean’s regional dish is none other than ganjang gejang (soy-marinated crab). Meaty crabs are marinated in soy sauce to boost the crab’s flavors. The marinated meat presents a burst of savory flavor when consumed together with steamed white rice. Once you’ve finished the meat, wrap up your meal by using the crab shell as a bowl to mix any leftover rice and sauce remaining in the shell. The rice, sauce, and crab guts come together to offer a surprise of rich flavors.


 
 
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Summer in the Beauty of Eunpyeong Hanok Village

August 17, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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The architectural beauty of hanok structures continues to awe visitors to Korea, with many people including a trip to a hanok village on their itinerary. If you’ve already been to Bukchon Hanok Village or Jeonju Hanok Village but still want to see more, then plan some time in Eunpyeong Hanok Village! Despite being located within Seoul, this village maintains a slower, quieter ambiance where you can truly appreciate the beauty of hanok along with the majestic Bukhansan Mountain.

Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Eunpyeong Hanok Village was founded at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain in December, 2014. Rather than restoring old hanok houses like most villages do, the area was completely created from scratch, becoming the largest neighborhood of new hanok houses in the metropolitan area. The area has plenty of attractions to fill a half-day itinerary, from walking along forested trails on Bukhansan Mountain to visiting a temple and museum before enjoying a break at a café or restaurant with an amazing view.

Jingwansa Temple
Jingwansa Temple is one of four major temples located around Seoul.


The temple offers many facilities to learn about Buddhist culture, including temple stay, temple food, and traditional culture experience halls.


The walking path, Baekchowon-gil, starting from the temple entrance is highly recommended. The path is named after Monk Baek Chowon, who hid the Korean flag and other patriotic materials during the Japanese colonial period. The path passes a beautiful valley flowing out of Bukhansan National Park.

Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum
Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum is dedicated to promoting the history and hanok culture of Eunpyeong-gu through exhibitions as well as lectures and hands-on programs. The building was also selected as a beautiful representative building of Seoul in 2015.


The museum is largely divided into the Eunpyeong History Hall on the second floor and the Hanok Exhibition Hall on the third floor. The hanok hall shows the changes in hanok structures over time, showing plenty of examples of modern hanok. The Eunpyeong History Hall shows the history and culture of the region where Eunpyeong Hanok Village currently stands.


Many visitors enjoy getting a closer look at the materials used to construct hanok, as well as the science behind the flooring of hanok buildings, such as the ondol (underfloor heating) and maru (wooden floor). The museum holds approximately 7,500 items related to the area’s history and representative cultural heritages.

Hanok cafés and restaurants with a view
One unique aspect of Eunpyeong Hanok Village is that there are hanok tea houses and restaurants with upstairs seating for a panoramic view of the entire village. While they aren’t super high up, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to see the beautiful tile rooflines up close with a fantastic backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain.


Take a moment to relax from wandering through the village over a traditional drink and snack or even a full meal. No matter which shop or menu you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a pictureperfect table and view.

Eunpyeong Trail
If you enjoy hiking and trekking, you’ll definitely want to check out Eunpyeong Trail! There are five courses total, with courses three and four passing Jingwansa Temple and Eunpyeong Hanok Village.


Course four in particular is great if you enjoy hiking, as it connects with sections of the Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail. The wooden deck also passes the natural habitat for boreal digging frogs, an endangered species.


 
 
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Following BTS to Traditional Places

August 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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K-pop group Bangtan Boys, more commonly called BTS, hasn’t let their international fame cloud their Korean roots. In the past, they filmed a music video at Gyeongbokgung Palace while dressed in hanbok, and even appeared on an NBC talk show wearing hanbok. In Korea, they visited many traditional places, creating a wonderful tour course for BTS fans looking to follow in their footsteps.

Korea Furniture Museum
BTS made an appearance in a recent episode of “You Quiz on the Block,” filmed at the Korea Furniture Museum. They aren’t the only celebrities to have visited this attraction. The guestbook includes famous international figures such as Xi Jinping, Brad Pitt, and Martha Stewart!


The Korea Furniture Museum is a unique museum that collects and displays Korea’s traditional wooden furniture. Items are grouped according to their location and use in traditional houses, as well as by material, and region of origin.


The museum takes up ten traditional houses on a hill in Seongbuk-dong that have been restored over fifteen years. By touring the museum, you can also learn about the basic structure of hanok houses, including their typical interior design, flower-patterned lattice work, chimney, and front yard.
Admission to the museum is strictly limited to those with a reservation, and tours are led by a guide, lasting approximately one hour. Through the guided tour, you can learn more about the Korean housing culture, harmonizing the furniture and nature. The museum is a great way to learn more about the beautiful traditional culture of Korea.

Awon Museum & Hotel
Awon Museum & Hotel was a filming location of the 2019 BTS Summer Package. In the film, the members of BTS also visited nearby attractions like Soyang Oseongje House and Uibongsanseong Fortress, quickly raising their popularity. The house itself was originally built in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, but was move to the current location within Wanju Oseong Hanok Village.


Despite the move, the 250-year-old house still maintains the dignity of a scholar’s lifestyle from the Joseon era.
Awon Hotel can largely be divided into four spaces, including Cheonjiin – Manhyudang Hall, which was used for the cover image of 2019 BTS Summer Package.


The other spaces are Sarangchae – Yeonhadang Hall, Anchae – Seolhwadang Hall, and Byeolchae – Cheonmokdasil Room. Each area is open to touring, taking photos, and even spending the night in.
The ground below Awon Hotel is the Awon Museum, displaying modern art in the Oz Gallery. The gallery also serves a limited menu of teas and coffee. For more leisure, you can walk in the bamboo forest growing behind the hotel.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
If you’re a BTS fan, then you have to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace! They recorded a large performance here!
BTS recorded in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, registered as National Treasure No. 223 and the main building in the palace. Their performance, wearing traditional hanbok, was recorded for an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC in September of 2020.


After performing “Idol” in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall, they also performed “Mikrokosmos” in front of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Their performance was made even more spectacular thanks to the use of hundreds of drones. The pavilion appears to float atop the pond around it. It is especially popular in spring, when the weeping cherry trees around the pond are in bloom.


In May of 2015, BTS also performed before a brightly lit Heungnyemun Gate for a KBS music show. At that time, they were jokingly referred to as Heungtan Boys.

Korea House
Korea House also has connections with BTS. The cover image for the BTS edition of the Billboard magazine was taken here at Nogeumjeong Pavilion. In addition to group photos, they also took individual photos here.


Korea House is a multicomplex promoting all types of Korean traditions, from traditional food to performing arts, and even traditional wedding ceremonies.


Visitors can try a royal table d’hote, watch traditional performances, and even participate in cultural programs.


 
 
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Explore Ikseon-dong, a Hidden Treasure in the Bustling City

July 14, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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Ikseon-dong has become a must-visit neighborhood in Seoul. The maze-like streets of Ikseon-dong hold treasures in the form of cafés, restaurants, and handicraft shops with unique concepts and designs operated by young artists and entrepreneurs. Ikseon-dong has enough to see and eat to fill a half-day of touring!

11AM – The charm of 101 years of history, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, first established in the 1920s, offers a unique mix of modern and traditional elements. The narrow alleyways are lined with uniquely decorated shops and cafes as they twist and turn. It’s no surprise that these alleyways are referred to as “photo zones” as the colorful shops make the perfect backdrop for photogenic moments. The shop signs and one-of-a-kind murals can also help you find you way within Ikseon-dong Hanok Village.

12PM – Lunch break overlooking hanok rooftops at 2storey_house
2storey_house is a French restaurant that overlooks the surrounding hanok village from the second floor terrace. The chef was trained at the famous French culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, and makes classic French dishes using ingredients available in Korea. Try unique combinations such as cream pasta featuring bacon and oyster mushrooms, or squid ink risotto with monkfish and French salsa sauce.

1PM – Café with a view, Cheongsudang
Wander the streets of Ikseon-dong long enough and you’ll come across a small pond with stepping stones, lined with tall bamboo and round yellow lanterns. The path leads to Cheongsudang, a café designed with the concept of an Asian garden. In addition to the interior design, the café’s menu items are also popular. Enjoy stone pour-over coffee, made using stone drippers, or the Castella and fromage cake, baked in square-shaped pottery.

3PM – Get rid of stress at Ikseon Shooting Club
Part of the charm of exploring Ikseon-dong is stopping in to enjoy the shops. At Ikseon Shooting Club, you can relieve stress while also winning prizes! This indoor shooting range provides a variety of BB gun types that feel just like their actual model. Each gun type has a set point goal and if you get over the target goal, you win a prize!

4PM – Sala Daeng BANGKOK, a slice of Thai paradise
For dinner, fly to Thailand. Just kidding! You can enjoy Thai food in Ikseon-dong at Sala Daeng BANGKOK, famous among tourists. The restaurant looks like a resort straight out of Bangkok, decorated with rattan furniture and green plants around a central swimming pool. The menu includes Korean remakes of Thai cuisine for a unique dining option. If you’re looking for the full experience, be sure to order the Sala Daeng Special three-tier tray, coming with dinner and dessert!


  
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City Exploration to the heart of Seoul, Jongno

June 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Seoul ranked third in “The 49 coolest neighbourhoods in the world” for 2021, selected by the English travel magazine Time Out. What charms does this place, which draws the world’s attention and attracts an entire generation, hold? Jongno is the heart of Seoul, where Korea’s past and present, seniors and juniors, and retro and refined styles coexist.
Today, we’d like to explore the charming area of Jongno 3(sam)-ga!

Gwangjang Market, a Traditional Korean Market
Located in Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Gwangjang Market demonstrates the energetic daily lifestyle of Koreans. As Korea’s first permanent market with about 100 years of tradition, it houses numerous textile wholesalers and retailers of hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) material, curtains, and bedding. It has recently become more famous for its unique food street serving small gimbap, mung bean pancakes, and beef tartare. The savory aroma of food draws passersby into the market.

Taste of Korea at Gwangjang Market
When entering Gwangjang Market, you will easily find beef tartare restaurants. We highly recommend trying the “chopped live octopus and beef tartare” dish, a combination of beef tartare and finely chopped live octopus. This delicacy is characterized by the savory taste of egg yolk mingling with the soft beef tartare and chewy octopus. The dish’s Korean name, nakji tangtangi, originates from the sound of chopping (tangtang) octopus (nakji) with a knife.
Kkoma gimbap, highlighted in Time Out, is also known as mayak gimbap, literally meaning “drug gimbap,” because once you taste these addictive rolls with the mustard dipping sauce, you’ll never want to stop eating them. In addition, japchae, a combination of various vegetables, meat, and glass noodles, is a festive dish usually eaten on special occasions because of its complex and time-consuming cooking process. However, this delicious dish is readily available in Gwangjang Market for a reasonable price.
We also recommend mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) and griddlecake with sugar filling (hotteok). While the griddle cake filled with sugar and nuts is a sweet dessert-like snack, the mung bean pancake, made with mung bean dough, green bean sprouts, and pork, is perfect for hungry tourists and best enjoyed with drinks. The latter has a long tradition and is the most popular food at Gwangjang Market.

Attractive Walking Spots along Seosulla-gil
Once you’ve appeased your hunger in Gwangjang Market, let’s discover more of Jongno’s hidden charms while digesting another delicacy! Seosulla-gil, the western stone wall road surrounding Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful walking spot with a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. Behind the stone wall, a large old tree’s verdant branches offer a shady resting spot in the summer and become tinged with autumn colors in the fall. While walking along the 800-meter-long road and observing the stunning scenery, you will pass by traditional crafts workshops, jewelry multishops, cafés, pubs, and other interesting shops where you can stop and rest at your leisure.

Strolling along K-Crafts Street
Do you know that the citizen identification tags and ornamental hairpins that appeared in Netflix’s popular K-zombie series “Kingdom (2019)” were made in a traditional handicraft workshop in Seosulla-gil? Also known as a K-crafts street, Seosulla-gil is home to many similar shops. We’d like to introduce you to Space 42, where you’ll find diverse jewelry crafts. This cultural complex offers various products from rising Korean jewelry designers. Its first floor has a jewelry multishop, while the second floor houses a lounge and experience booth where visitors can try their hand at making jewelry.

Enjoying Food and Drinks in Hanok
If you want to take a break from walking around Seosulla-gil, we advise you to visit Café Sasa for a delicious coffee or Seoul Gypsy for an alcoholic drink. Café Sasa, designed like a hanok, was featured in Time Out for its savory mugwort latte. In addition, the Seoul Gypsy, a remodeled 1950s hanok decorated in a unique pub style, boasts experimental microbrews and exotic dishes, including Vietnamese chicken and Thai salad.

Getting a Sense of Traditional Culture
The Seosulla-gil walking tour’s last course lets you discover the beauty of Korean traditions. Korea Saekdong Museum, featuring a traditional hanok-style and modern interior, displays Korea’s old clothing culture. The Korean word saekdong means “clothes with multicolored stripes.” The museum exhibits traditional wedding clothes and children’s clothes for celebrating their first anniversaries made of these colorful, striped clothes. In addition, you can purchase various modern accessories, such as mugs and pouches, made with the colorful stripe design in the museum shop.

Major Gourmand Alleys of the Newtro Culture
Jongno is home to numerous food streets, ranging from old restaurants in Meat Alley and Pocha Street to Ikseon-dong Café Street, which incited Korea’s newtro craze. Let’s explore these gourmand alleys that attract people of all ages, from seniors to hipsters!

Meat Alley Packed with Well-Established Restaurants
Many long-standing pork restaurants serving grilled pork belly and pork skirt are situated along Meat Alley, next to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 6. These old restaurants each have their specialties, and Tongdwaeji Jip, known for its huge cauldron lid–grilled pork belly, is no exception. Grilled pork belly, considered Korean soul food, has become a popular dish among foreigners and is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary. You can enjoy pork belly and kimchi grilled over a hot cauldron lid and wrap them in lettuce or perilla leaf. If you want to properly appreciate trendy Korean food culture, we recommend that you end your meal with fried rice made with kimchi and cheese.

Delicious Dessert in Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong Café Street is a popular place among the youth to find exciting desserts. The hanok café “Cheong Su Dang” is known for its delicious desserts, such as soufflé castella, which is made upon order, black sesame cake, and pour-over coffee made from millstoneground coffee. This café is also a famous photo spot thanks to its interior design. Its entrance is embellished with a bamboo lamp and stepping-stones, emphasizing Asian beauty, while its nature-friendly interior is decorated with moss and rocks.

Food Stalls at Night
If you walk toward Nagwon Arcade from Exit 3 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station on Subway Line 5, you will find food stalls lining the roadside. In Pocha Street, you can try Koreans’ favorite snacks, such as mussel soup, grilled chicken feet, grilled sea eel, and green onion pancakes, served with alcoholic drinks on a street table. Along with Gogi Alley, Pocha Street also came highly recommended in Time Out. If you want to experience Korean night culture, this is the perfect place to end your Jongno travels.
 

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Spring Blossom Paths in Seoul

March 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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With the arrival of spring come beautiful blooming flowers, including cherry blossoms, forsythias, and azaleas. Even in Seoul, a large city filled with skyscrapers and cars, there are places to enjoy the sight and scent of spring blossoms. If you are eager to discover a different side of Seoul, visit some of the following parks to be greeted by blossoming spring flowers.

Seoul’s Central Park, Seoul Forest

Recognized as one of Seoul’s premium city parks, a magnificent sight of giant cherry blossom trees can be found at Seoul Forest. Visitors to the park are welcome to enjoy a light walk or a picnic under the gently fluttering cherry blossoms. Don’t miss your chance to see deer and observe butterflies at the Ecological Forest while at the park.

Seoul’s Central Park, Seoul Forest

Cheerfully colorful, Children’s Grand Park

Starting from the entrance, Children’s Grand Park is filled with blossoms of all kinds, from deep pink azaleas to tulips of all shades. The park is one of the most stunning parks during springtime when the large cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. In addition, other attractions such as the zoo and the botanical garden found within the park offer more to see, making the park a perfect picnic spot. Snacks for sale can be found at every corner and full meals are also available at the park’s cafeteria.

Park

Straight out of a fairy tale, Seokchonhosu Lake

Every spring, Seokchonhosu Lake boasts a splendid view of approximately 300,000 cherry blossoms and wild flowers in bloom. In particular, the sight of Lotte World appearing to float in the middle of Seokchonhosu Lake creates a fairy tale-like picture. The annual Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is also held here, offering various events and programs for visitors to enjoy.

Straight out of a fairy tale, Seokchonhosu Lake

Closest to the sky, Haneul Park in World Cup Park

Haneul Park, located within World Cup Park, offers amazing views of the city as well as beautiful flowers and interesting sculptures. Man-made structures and facilities are limited within the park, as it was formed as a restoration project to preserve the ecological environment. Visitors are recommended to prepare a few drinks and snacks in advance before visiting. Colonies of forsythias can be found along both sides of the trekking paths, creating the mood to enjoy spring to its fullest.

Closest to the sky, Haneul Park in World Cup Park

A romantic getaway, Noeul Park in World Cup Park

Noeul Park offers a pleasant sight of forsythias and royal azaleas in early spring and changes its colors to lovely shades of purple around May to June when the irises are in bloom. In addition, the metasequoia tree-lined path is often sought-out by couples as the trees that stretch down both sides of the walking path create a romantic mood perfect for a relaxing stroll. The park is also famous for its sunset view, with many visitors coming in the late afternoon hours.

A romantic getaway, Noeul Park in World Cup Park

Peaceful flowers, Seoul National Cemetery

The cherry blossoms cultivated at Seoul National Cemetery resemble willow trees with their branches hanging down towards the ground as they age, giving one an image of a waterfall of flowing flowers. Although Seoul National Cemetery is popular for its fascinating cherry blossoms, other spring blossoms such as forsythias and fringe trees serve as welcoming sights. In addition, the annual Seoul National Cemetery Spring Blossom Event is held every April, offering various entertaining and educational programs.

Peaceful flowers, Seoul National Cemetery

A pleasant walking path, Samcheong Park

Located in the center of Seoul, Samcheong Park is well-loved by the local community due to its convenient location and various facilities nearby, including cultural centers and restaurants. Thanks to the scenic view the walking trail offers, many visitors are drawn to the park to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms and forsythia flowers, as well as the refreshing spring atmosphere. After taking in the beautiful blossoms, stop by Samcheong-dong Café Street!

Representative attraction of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream

Representative attraction of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream

Located at the center of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a top tourist attraction that serves as a relaxing space for both nearby office workers and tourists. Sansuyu (cornus fruit) flowers, canola flowers, and plum blossoms welcome spring as they bloom along the 11 kilometer-long stream, while a line of white fringe tree flowers offer an excellent sight by decorating both sides of the nearby walking path.

The above article is courtesy of VisitKorea, the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization (www.visitkorea.or.kr)
 
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