Thursday 26 June 2014

Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul South Korea

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture

Banpo Hangang Riverside Park Seoul South Korea

Among the most popular par is the Banpo Hangang Riverside Park in Seoul (반포한강공원) section. Located between the Banpo and Hannam bridges on the river’s south bank, the park was recently redone, with much of the natural vegetation removed in favor of expansive lawns, walking and bicycle trails, and a large play area for children. An inline skating rink and outdoor stages were also incorporated into the new design. This being a riverside park, jet skis vy with water taxis and river cruise boats for primacy on the water.

Gangnam Seoul South Korea

Gangnam Subway Station area is the prime area for living south of the Han River. Gangnam Main Road links Teheran Road in the east to Jamsil and Sadang in the west. Kyobo Tower Crossroad connects Express Terminal to Noryangjin and west Seoul. Hannam Main Road in the north extends north of the Han River. A southward direction leads to metropolitan areas such as Seongnam, passing Yangjae and Bundang. Many people gather in Gangnam Subway Station, as the location is geographically and commercially suitable as a meeting point for social gatherings, events or personal engagements. Hence, during the weekdays it is usually crowded in the evenings while on weekends, Gangnam Subway Station Exit no. 6 and 7, as well as the front of New York Bakery shop, City Theatre, and Giordano are bustling with people. Visitors travel to Gangnam to take advantage of its convenient transportation, fashion malls, movie theatres and bookstores.

Dosan Park Seoul South Korea

Dosan Park was built in 1973 to commemorate Dosan An Changho's patriotism and his achievements as an educator. An Changho was a Korean independence activist, reformer, educator and politician. He organized and led the Korean-American immigrant community in the United States, with Heungsadan (Young Korean Academy) and Gukminhoe. He was also a key member of the founding provisional government of the Republic of Korea from April 1919. The statue of An Changho is the central feature of the park, circled by walking trails. Nearby office workers come here to take walks during their lunch break. The park is open for everyone and is very popular among overseas visitors.

Lotte World Seoul South Korea

Located in the heart of the city, Lotte World is the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing. It is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, an ice rink, different kinds of parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and much more. About 6,000,000 visitors are welcomed every year, and about 10% of the visitors are foreigners. The structure inside makes use of the natural sunlight, and it is open for visitors all year round, regardless of the weather. Lotte World is divided into a '’Adventure’ theme once you are inside the building, and outside is a ‘Magic Island’ theme next to Seokchonhosu Lake. Lotte World Adventure has certain districts representing different countries with various kinds of facilities and souvenir shops. You can enjoy watching parades, numerous films, laser shows, and a variety of international cuisines even during the holidays. Magic Island is situated outdoors, where the dazzling Magic Castle is located as well as thrilling high-altitude rides that you can't experience elsewhere. Be sure to also check out the peaceful walking trail around the lake.

Garosu-gil Seoul South Korea

Indeed, there are lots of garosu-gils (“tree-lined streets”) in Seoul. Yet, Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong is known among both citizens and foreign tourists alike, not just because it is a beautiful promenade in the middle of the city, but because it caters to unique cultural tastes and artistic sensibilities. Adorned with ginkgo trees, Garosu-gil stretches less than a kilometer in Sinsa-dong, but is still considered a main area within the greater Gangnam area (business center in southeast Seoul). It’s true that Garosu-gil boasts splendid scenery in the spring and fall with golden ginkgo trees, but it dazzles visitors mainly due to its collection of quaint stores and its unique bohemian atmosphere. Garosu-gil housed art galleries in the 1980s and small shops in the 1990s. During the last decade, modern stores began proliferating the streets, alongside a number of interior design shops. Its current makeup came from an increased number of stores run by designers, artists, and stylists who studied abroad and came back in throngs in the late 90s, early 2000s. The array of open studios, ateliers, cafés, restaurants, bars, fashion shops, and prop shops blend together for a chic cityscape. While other streets in Gangnam are said to be fancy and modern, Garosu-gil presents a fascinating dichotomy of the old and the new, the coolness of modern city life and the warmth of days gone by. Some people claim that Garosu-gil resembles Soho, New York; others liken it to a European street. Garosu-gil embraces a more global mindset while preserving Korean sentiments. It is an ideal place for going on a date, hanging out with friends, taking pictures, and film-making. Garosu-gil will captivate you if you like to walk, have a cup of tea, or just simply look around. One caveat, though, is that there are three places in Seoul claiming the name Sinsa-dong. If you take a taxi, let the driver know that your destination is Sinsa-dong in Gangnam-gu.

Bongeunsa Temple Seoul South Korea

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located to the north of COEX building, and was constructed in the 10th year of Shilla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple at the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum and renamed the temple as Bongeunsa. Originally located near the royal maulsoleum (1km southwest), the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee, are stored here. The Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa, is held every September 9th of the lunar calendar, where monks march carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).

Jogyesa Temple Seoul South Korea

Jogyesa Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first thing you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old. One locust tree is about 26-meter high, and in the summer, provides a large amount of shade to enhance the mood of the temple. The baeksong tree is designated as a Natural Monument. The Daeungjeon building is a stately building built in 1938. The Dancheong is particularly beautiful with all the different colors painted on it, and inside the building is the statue of Seokgamoni. In front of the Daeungjeon building, you can also see a seven-storey stone pagoda containing Jinsinsari.

Seoul Marine Club & Yacht South Korea

Located in Yeouido-dong in Seoul, the Seoul Marina provides one-stop yacht services with everything from yacht rentals to yacht maintenance, repair, and mooring and yacht education. The Seoul Marina Club & Yacht has several types of yachts, including dinghies and power yachts that are used for the club’s regular trips. Boats are also available for rent by individual visitors. After a day out on the water, visitors can relax at the Marina Center, which houses Cafe Breeze, Marina Ru (a Japanese restaurant), Ru (a tapas bar), and a convention hall.

Olmpic Park Seoul South Korea

Olympic Park is an impressive leisure facility in which historic remains from the Baekje Era share space with modern state-of-the-art sports stadiums, an eco-friendly forest, and spacious grassy fields. A legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the park not only houses the country’s largest sports arena, but has also become a place where Seoul residents come to relax and unwind.

Spread across 430,000 pyeong (approximately 1.45 million ㎡), Olympic Park encompasses the land that was once Mongchontoseong Fortress and Mongchonhaeja (manmade lake) from the early Baekje period. The park is divided into several zones, including a leisure sports park, a cultural art park, an eco-park, and the History Experience Park dedicated to the area’s rich historic heritage.

Because Olympic Park is so large and takes over three hours to explore, visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with entrances and exits and travel routes before they start. To further save time, visitors can ride the Road Train (“Hodori Train”) located next to the Peace Square.

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market Seoul South Korea

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market (or Noryangjin Fish Market for short) is the best place in Seoul to get fresh seafood at competitive prices. The market is both a wholesale outlet, trading in daily catches that arrive from every possible location, and also a retail market, where the public can get seafood at very low prices. Moreover, there are many restaurants lining the market which serve hoe (raw fish) so you can enjoy fresh hoe while visiting. The market is easily reached since it is conveniently connected to the subway station.

Dog Cafe Myeongdong Seoul South Korea

The cost of entering the dog cafe is 8000 won and it comes with a free drink. U can choose anything u like. Everyone is giving dog names list with all the photos. There is a total of 26 dogs in the cafe. One important thing to take note: The dogs here are not toilet trained so be careful when walking around >.< Keep ur belonging under the chair as u do not know when they will attack ur stuff ... The cafe is full of people mainly girls. The dogs here are very playful and keep chasing each other around so it might be hard to grab their attention to play with them or take photos...Really enjoy my afternoon here playing with the dogs and taking photos. I will visit again!!


The Ice Musuem Seoul South Korea

The Ice Museum is located inside the Trick Eye Museum. Visitors can experience and enjoy ice sculptures, igloos, slides, and more.

Saturday 21 June 2014

Love Museum Seoul South Korea

Located at the heart of Hongdae in Seoul, Korea, Love Museum features various artworks under the theme of Love and Sex

Insa-dong Street Seoul South Korea

Insa-dong Street is one of the most memorable attractions in Seoul and represents the focal point of Korean traditional culture and crafts. Stores in Insa-dong specialize in a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased or appreciated in Korea: hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji (traditional paper), traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts.

Naksan Park Seoul South Korea

Naksan Park gets its name from its camel hump-like appearance. In Korean ‘nakta’ means camel and ‘san’ means mountain. So people refer to the park as Nakta Park or Naksan Park. The mountain is solid granite bedrock. The Joseon royal family enjoyed the natural beauty of the granite mountain, but during the Japanese Colonial Period a hasty manner of urban planning resulted in the demolition of most of the mountain. In an effort to save the remaining green belts, Naksan was designated a park on June 10, 2002. Located in the center of the Seoul, this historical and beautiful park allows its visitors to view the magnificence of the entire city.

Ihwa Mural Village Seoul South Korea

Ihwa Mural Village is really just a small area near Daehangro where artists have turned this old sad looking area into a really cute little village. The area itself is composed of many old small houses that are built very close together on a very steep hill. The streets are extremely narrow and the walkways are small. There are a lot of steps and little alleyways. It is a great area to go and walk around and explore. It seems as though artisits have tried to use any open space to create works of art. Some are just beautiful paintings while others used objects from the walls and integrate it into their works.

The Trick Art Musuem Seoul South Korea

The trick art museum features paintings that are extremely realistic and seem as if they are in 3D. By posing next to the painting in a certain way, you can take a picture and look like you’re part of the painting! In the gallery section, artwork by well known artists is on display and is changed every few months. The complex stays open every night until 10:00pm and is a popular date spot for office workers.

Coffee prince Cafe Seoul South Korea

The 1st shop of Coffee Prince is actually an old coffee shop that was remodeled for the drama. This inconspicuous coffee shop was packed with fans that flocked there to catch a glimpse of the production in process. Set to reopen after filming, both the exterior and interior have been totally overhauled in line with the film. Inside, visitors can find a painting by Han Yoo-joo as well as a number of props from the drama. The only thing missing are the people like Han-gyeol, Eun-chan, Mr. Hong, Wapeulseongi, Minpyeminyeop, and Jappeokarim. If you are a real fan of the drama, Coffee Prince, you may want to stop by for a cup of coffee and enjoy the memories of the drama. How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University, and go out of Exit 8. Turn right at Seven Springs corner and pass the intersection. At the 3-way intersection, turn left. Walk about 100 meters on the road above the playground and walk towards the road on the right side. Walk about 500 meters until you find the coffee shop on the right.

Ewha Womans University Seoul South Korea

Ewha womans university was Korea’s first educational institute for women. It was founded in 1886 by Mary F. Scranton, an American missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The school’s name “Ewha” was bestowed by Emperor Gojong (the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty, 1863~1907). The three virtues Ewha promotes are truth, goodness, and beauty. In 1910, a 4-year college course was established, but in 1943, during the Japanese colonial rule, the school was deprived of its name “Ewha” and was downgraded to a 1-year course institute. In 1945, when Korea became liberated from Japan, the school took back its name and at this time, Ewha Womans University was officially established. As of now, the university has 15 graduate schools, 11 colleges with 67 departments, and several research institutes.

The recently completed ECC (Ewha Campus Complex; Basement level 6 – 1st Floor) is Korea’s largest underground campus. The lower levels contain a library, bookstore, gym, movie theater, cafes, and other cultural facilities, while on the first level visitors can find lecture rooms and an eco-park. The ECC provides students with various services, from learning to cultural activities, all under the one roof.

The Ewha Womans University area is one of the most popular shopping districts in Seoul. Clothing stores in the area sell affordable and stylish fashions for young people. Restaurants in the area cater to the tastes of young women, and many international dining chains have branches here. As well as the main street leading to the school, many of the alleyways are worth visiting. They are filled with accessory shops, small clothing boutiques, shoe shops, cafes, and hair salons.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

Sejong The GreatStatue Seoul South Korea

Sejong the Great Statue in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Who is he? Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. His reign of power was from September 18th, 1418 until he died of diabetes on May 18th, 1450. He was a very smart man. He had a love for Science, technology and literature. He is loved in Korea and you can find him on the 10,000WON BILL front and on the back a Korean Celestial Globe. What Sejong is most well-known for is Hangul, the Korean writing system. Yes, we see it everyday in Korea and before that, Korean people used Hanja (Chinese charaters). Hanja was very complex and took years of study to learn something which most average citizens didn’t have available to them. Sejong wanted to establish a cultural identity through script for the people of Korea. In 1446, he first publish the 28 letter alphabet, HANGUL. It was very easy to learn and people could pick it up after only a few hours of study. You should visit his statue and the palace for a great one day trip.

Thursday 19 June 2014

Namdaemun Market Seoul South Korea

Namdaemun Market, located in the very center of Seoul, is the biggest traditional market in Korea selling children's clothing, men & women's clothing, daily miscellaneous goods, kitchenware and local and imported products. Most shops have their own factories and make the products themselves offering both wholesale and retail prices which enable visitors to purchase various shopping items at extremely inexpensive prices. Foreign visitors to Namdaemun Market show different tastes: the Japanese are more into foods like gim (seaweed), gimchi, and ginseng, while the Chinese show interest in clothing and miscellaneous goods. On the other hand, most tourists from the West simply enjoy the ambience of the traditional market. Hours vary by store, so it's advisable to plan in advance according toa shopping list before you start actual shopping.

Dongdaemun Market Seoul South Korea

Ever since its opening in 1905, Dongdaemun Market has been one of the major markets in Korea. Specializing in wholesale clothing, the market has grown large, having more than 20 shopping malls. A full range of fashion items that cover head to toe, are found in Dongdaemun Market at inexpensive prices. Just name it and you shall find it! No wonder the market is always crowded with retailers, foreigners, customers and tourists.

Cheonggyecheon Steam Seoul South Korea

Cheonggyecheon steam is a nice place to escape a busy Seoul lifestyle. In fact, steam is located just in the centre but somehow you don't feel like you are in the centre. Magic There are many small bridges and every bridge have it own name! Like Gwanggyo, Supyogyo, Naraegyo, Baeogaedari .... During summer time you can even go into the water , but not swim of course

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Namiseom Island Seoul South Korea

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468). Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit. A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle. In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.

Lotte Young Plaza Seoul South Korea

Opened in November 2003, Lotte Young Plaza was the first shopping mall in Korea devoted to casual wear for young people. The mall offers diverse brands as well as a variety of items from accessories to youth casual wear and women's casual wear. Its unique interior designs, convenient location, and top-notch services make this mall a popular shopping destination among both Koreans and international visitors.

Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Centre South Korea

Conveniently located in central Myeongdong, the Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center is a global cultural exchange venue freely available for anyone who visits Seoul. Interpreters who speak English, Chinese and Japanese provide information and answer all inquiries regarding Seoul. In addition, regular cultural programs are held to introduce Korean culture to visitors, including a hanbok wearing experiences, arts and crafts classes, and K-Pop dance and make-up sessions.

Monday 16 June 2014

Myeong Dong South Korea

Myeong-dong (명동) is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main drags meet in the center of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. Many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices. Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in pork cutlet (donkas) and kalguksu (thick noodles). Other businesses include hair salons, banks and theaters. Myeongdong Catholic Church is also a well-known tourist attraction. It is pillar of the Catholic church in Korea and was built in the Gothic style. Behind the church is a quiet space for relaxation.

Myeong dong Cathedral South Korea

Myeong-dong Cathedral is the main Catholic church in Korea and is also considered the symbol of Myeong-dong. Because of the grand, magnificent building, the beautiful Gothic interior and its municipal location the church remains a huge draw for visitors. The construction started in 1894 and was completed in May 1898. The acute tower, which is 45 meters, makes itself stand out between the other buildings. The church buildings were built with bricks, but the color and shapes are all different. If you pass the figure of Christ standing in front of the church and go inside, you can see the magnificent inner pillars, the stained glass windows and the luxurious altar. If you turn around you will see the choir seats and the pipe organ on the 2nd floor. On the basement floor there is a small sanctuary and at the basement graveyard the remains of the martyrs are enshrined. On Christmas Eve, a solemn midnight mass is held at the Myeong-dong Cathedral.

N Seoul Tower South Korea

Seoul Tower opened to the public on October 15, 1980 and has since become a major tourist attraction. The 236.7m Seoul Tower sits atop Namsan Mountain (243m), Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas. The view is so stunning that many consider Seoul Tower the best tower in Asia. Thirty years and countless visitors later, as the structure was renamed ‘N Seoul Tower.’ The letter ‘N’ stands for the tower’s ‘new’ look, which resulted from a 15 billion won remodeling in Dec 2005. With the new lighting system and changes to the tower’s overall color scheme, event coordinators can now decorate the tower for each new season or event. Visitors are encouraged to try the N Grill western-style revolving restaurant (one rotation every 48 minutes) and the Sky Restroom (an artfully decorated space). Both offer breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Friday 13 June 2014

Jeju International Airport

Jeju International Airport (Hangul: 제주국제공항, Hanja: 濟州國際空港, Revised Romanization of Korean: Jeju Gukje Gonghang, McCune-Reischauer: Cheju Kukche Konghang) (IATA: CJU, ICAO: RKPC) is the 2nd largest airport in South Korea, just behind Incheon Airport in Incheon. It is located in the city of Jeju. The airport opened in 1968. Jeju International Airport serves many mainland destinations in South Korea, as well as international destinations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. In 2013, 20,055,238 passengers used the airport.

Sangumburi Crater Jeju South Korea

Sangumburi (산굼부리) is a crater with a circumference of over 2 km, and has been designated as a Natural Monument. It is located on the southeast side of Jeju-si, and is a flat crater, about 650 meters wide, 100 meters deep, and 2,070 meters in circumference. If you look at the crater from above up, it looks like a man-made circular stadium. There is a variety of plant-life in the crater. On the north side, Nandaeseong vegetation such as red-thorn trees, and magnolia trees grow, along with the rare winter strawberries. On the south side of the crater, Ondaerim vegetation such as evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees cover the area. Because so many different kinds of trees and plants grow in such a limited space, it attracts the attention of researchers as well