Please click the corresponding picture for more information (address, transportation, operating hours and admission fees, etc.) on each item.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the ¡°Northern Palace¡± because it is located more toward the north, compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all the five palaces.
Changdeokgung Palace
& Biwon (Secret Garden)
Changdeokgung Palace is the second royal villa built after Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. Changdeokgung was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings, and is the best preserved among the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The rear garden that was used as a place of rest by the kings boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond, and a pavilion. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden (Biwon).
Namsan's Hanok Village
Located in the heart of Seoul, the Namsangol Hanok Village makes for an interesting visit for both locals and tourists alike. The restored hanok (traditional Korean house), distinguishes simple Korean architecture from the more ornate style of Japan and China. However, while people swarm to see these, they also come on the weekends and national holidays to experience traditional events such as performances of traditional Korean classical music, masked dance and traditional Korean stick games. The village is made up of five aristocratic residences which sit at the foot of picturesque Mount Namsan, having been moved and then restored to their original state down to the smallest detail.
N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower located on Mt. Namsan offers great panoramic views of the city, and has been a symbol of Seoul since it first opened to the public in 1980. The tower has not only been given a new look, but also a new name following a complete makeover. It is now a true cultural space with various performances, movies, exhibitions as well as upscale restaurants and snack bars.
Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon Stream used to exist merely as an overpass neglected in 1970 until it was restored in 2005, becoming a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. Narae Bridge, expressing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges featured along the path of the stream. The ¡®Rhythmic Wall Stream¡¯, lined with fine marble, various sculptures, and Korea¡¯s 8th stone building, Palseokdam, adorn the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Insa-dong
Insa-dong, located in the middle of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional teahouses, and cafes. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique. The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures.
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong is a massive shopping district. Myeong-dong Street is around 1km long and extends from Myeong-dong Subway Station to Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. All kinds of brand name shops and department stores are clustered along the streets and alleyways. Compared to Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many good-quality brands are sold in Myeong-dong. Such stores include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, U-too Zone, Myeong-dong Migliore and Avatar. You can purchase good-quality products at the department stores or other fashionable products at reasonable prices at Migliore or Avatar.
Itaewon
Itaewon is the most exotic place in Seoul representing fusion culture with a distinctive atmosphere. Many people say, ¡°You may not know Seoul, but you should know Itaewon,¡± showing how renowned a shopping district Itaewon is. The Itaewon shopping area covers a 1.4 km long street, stretching from Itaewon 1-dong eastwards to Hannam 2-dong. The area has a vibrant ambience with shops, restaurants, bars and street vendors. Most signboards are written in English, and English speaking people are often seen on the street.
Migliore (Dongdaemun)
Migliore is a clothing fashion mall located in Dongdaemun with hundreds of wholesale shops. Much of the Dongdaemun area from Jongno 5(oh)-ga to the Dongdaemun Subway Station is a flea market selling clothing, sporting goods, home appliances, furniture, etc. However, as Dongdaemun underwent modernization, fashion malls like Migliore, Cerestar, and Doota were established. The Dongdaemun Migliore sells the latest fashions marketed to the younger generation, with customers in their teens making up 80% of their business. Migliore is a convenient facility that has an enormous variety of products sold at reasonable prices.
Namdaemun Market
Opened in 1964, the Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with various goods in store. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as a wholesale markets. Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market opens from 11:00pm to 3:00am, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy Koreans bustling around the market, creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. The Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods.
Hangang River Cruise
Hangang River Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around Hangang River that flows through Seoul. Cool wind from the river, the surrounding scenery, which get more beautiful in the evenings, are the rewards the ferry cruise can offer you. Currently there are six ferry cruises, going from Yanghwa to Jamsil, and they all operate throughout the year. There are 4 places to get on or get off the ferries: at the Yeouido, Jamsil, Nanji, and Yanghwa docks.
National Museum
of Korea
The National Museum of Korea holds a collection of approximately 150,000 works of art. The museum holds permanent collections of ancient artifacts, historical artifacts, works of art, donations, and Asia related cultural artifacts. Furthermore, the museum also offers exhibition space to feature various cultural works, and an exhibition hall dedicated to children¡¯s learning through exploration activities. The garden outside the museum offers an outdoor exhibition of stone pagodas and a variety of stone constructed relics from history.
Samsun Museum
of Art Leeum
Leeum, overlooking Hangang River, is located at Namsan. Leeum is made up of three themes, the past, present, and future arts and culture. Samsung Leeum¡¯s Museum 1 was designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta, with Korea¡¯s traditional porcelain as its motif. The French architect Jean Nouvel, with progressive technology and materials, designed Museum 2, housing contemporary art, and the Child Education & Culture Center was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.
Korea House
(Banquet dinner)
The KOREAN HOUSE offers traditional Korean food as well as the court food of the Joseon Dynasty. By referring to documents containing records of Joseon food culture, such as Jinchaneuigwe, Jinyeongeuigwe, The Royal food Auspices, and the True Recored of Joseon Dynasty, The KOREAN HOUSE offers you a taste of the revived style of Korea/s traditional food.
Less than 10 minutes by walk from the venue. Please see the map.
Jogging Map
from the venue
