Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace”
because it is the furthest north when 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 five palaces.
The premises were destroyed by fire during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-
1598). However, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of
Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919) .
Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoe-ru Pavilion
and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still relatively in tact. Woldae and the sculptures of
Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculpture of contemporary art.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the
National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents over
4,000 historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people. Here
you can fully immerse yourselves in previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, and learn
about Korea’s cultural beliefs.
The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent and two special exhibitions as well
as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It
is the first thing that catched one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and
the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop.
The unique buildings Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan
(Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the
Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that
these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in
the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office
roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue
House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for
hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of
Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences
are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to
hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. It looks luxurious with 18
pillars.

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.

‘Dreams Become Reality, the Land of Year-Round Festivals!’
Everland is divided into five sections: American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure,
Zoo Topia and Roller Coasters, in addition to the Global Fair.

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. Currently, an
ongoing lighting theme titled ‘Flower of Seoul,’ uses searchlights to light up the tower each
night from 7pm to midnight.
Visitors are encouraged to try the N Grill western-style restaurant revolving restaurant (one
rotation every 48 minutes) and the Sky Restroom (an artfully decorated space). Both offer
breathtaking views of the cityscape.

If you get off at Chungmuro Subway Station, you are right in front of Namsangol Hanok
Village (traditional Korean village). You may consider it interesting to find this area standing
between the tall buildings. This village has five restored traditional Korean houses and a
pavilion, a pond and a time capsule, which make it a perfect spot to take a walk.
When you enter the front gate, you will see the vast valley and the Chunugak building to the
left of the pond. Along with the pond, it is a splendid place where performances are held.
On the side you will see five traditional houses. These houses were rebuilt after the
traditional houses of Joseon Dynasty and belong to those of various social classes, ranking
from peasants to the king. The furniture in the house is situated to help guests understand
the daily life of the past, and the clean, traditional houses and their antique items provide a
great photo op. If you would like to check out some souvenirs, stop by the traditional
craftwork exhibit where you can buy small dishes and other items. You can also have
traditional tea and refreshments. On the grounds, there are traditional games you may try
such as 'neolttwigi' (sea-saw jumping), 'tuho'(arrow throwing) and 'yunnori' (traditional
game of throwing wooden yut sticks). Don't forget to go see the traditional marriage
ceremony! During the weekends, traditional marriages are shown at Bak Yeong Hyo's
Residence. The traditional marriage ceremony is an interesting event for both Koreans and
foreigners and many gather to watch. During the winter season (November to February),
there are not as many wedding ceremonies as held in the spring and fall. Weddings are
typically held around noon or 1 p.m. and visitors can take pictures with the husband and
wife wearing traditional wedding costumes. There is also a time capsule commemorating
Seoul’s 600 Year Anniversary that was buried in 1994 and is scheduled to be reopened four
hundred years later in 2394.

Myeong-dong 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.

NANTA is a top non-verbal cooking performance show about four chefs who must prepare a wedding banquet in
just one hour. The plot is depicted through various genres of performances, including percussion that uses
kitchen utensils to make beats based on traditional rhythms of samulnori (traditional percussion quartet). The
entire show has no spoken dialogue, yet plenty of comedy and romance, too.
Meanwhile, since its debut in October 1997, NANTA (also known as Cookin') has earned international acclaim,
being staged on Broadway and at other famous venues worldwide.

The Trickeye Museum is an art gallery with paintings created using 'trompe l'oeil' techniques that give each 2D art
piece the illusion of being in 3D. Instead of merely viewing paintings (as in a typical art gallery) visitors can interact
with the paintings, posing themselves just right so that they look as if they are part of the original work. To ensure that
even its busiest patrons have time to enjoy the fun, the museum stays open each day until 9PM, making it a popular
date and hang-out place.

• Opening date: December 15, 2010
• Tour course: Trickeye Museum – Ice Museum - Carnival Street
• Trickeye Museum's TV appearances

1. EBS ‘Bonihani’ (Children’s educational program)
   Children visited the Trickeye Museum to discover the science behind trick art paintings and to demonstrate the
   principles.
2. KBS ‘Scandal of Masterpieces’
   Discussion on the new approach/interpretation of the painting ‘Scream’ by Edvard Munch.
   
   Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful and romantic ambience, underground culture, and freedom of
   self-expression. Unique cafes, cozy galleries, accessory stores, fashion shops, live cafés and clubs, art markets,
   and gourmet eateries make this a popular hang-out for local youth and a fascinating place to walk around. These
   unique places plus the cultural events, street performances, and festivals held here make Hongdae an area that
   is always packed with people and excitement. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private
   institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also
   must-go places if you’re hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area..
   

Located near the front entrance of Everland, the Global Fair is home to a large bazaar
decorated with reproductions of castles from France, Middle Eastern countries, Spain, India,
and Russia. Not only visually captivating, the various architectural styles invite visitors into
the culture and history of other nations, such as the Ancient and Medieval Periods of Europe.
The Four Seasons Garden of Everland is decorated with beautiful flowers arranged in a
French garden style. Surrounded by Holland-style architecture, the gardens are the stage
for seasonal flower festivals (tulips from April to June, lilies from July to August, and
chrysanthemums from September to October), laser shows, and musical fountain shows.
The Zoo Topia section of the park is the where guests can find the ever-popular Safari
World and Herbivore Safari. In safari world white tigers, tigers, lions, and bears roam around
freely, providing guests with an up-close look at these amazing creatures. In Herbivore
Safari, visitors can even feed some of their favorite animals like elephants, giraffes, camels,
and ostriches.