Visit Seoul

2012 Korea Grand Sale

2011-12-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and will have a very Happy New Years! To help kick off the New Years, here is the 2012 Korea Grand Sale~!

A nationwide shopping extravaganza designed to help foreign visitors enjoy their Korea shopping experience, the 2012 Korea Grand Sale allows oversea guests to be eligible for special product discounts, free admissions to various attractions, and even free gifts! In addition to the discounts on fashion and retail, shoppers can get discounts on accommodation, food and cultural events! Around 77 business and organizations are participating in this event, with approximately 21,000 stores and locations all over Korea. All you need to do is present your coupons or membership cards when making your purchase!

Where can you get your coupons or membership cards? You can obtain your coupon online, offline, or through your mobile! Get your membership card and pamphlets at your overseas KTO offices, hotels, department stores, tourist information centers and at Incheon International Airport, or download from the Korea Grand Sale website (www.koreagrandsale.or.kr), or download the "2011" Korea Grand Sale" app.

Make sure you keep a tab on the special events they will hold and additional offers!

Source: VisitSeoul

Final Stage! S-E-O-U-L Competition

2011-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

The final stage of the SEOUL All Around You Contest is here~!

S-E-O-U-L Competition

For those of you who haven't been to Seoul, don't feel that you're at a disadvantage in the competition! Just because you haven't been to Seoul doesn't mean you haven't experienced the spirit of the city. For the final stage of the competition, we want to see images that feature the letters that make up the word S-E-O-U-L~! Think Seoul! Submit any pictures that include any of these 5 letters, be it a giant S on a billboard or an artistic L in a graffiti, for a chance to win the grand prize trip for 2 to Seoul and a special Seoul edition La Sardina!

Submissions end on December 30th. Make SURE to read the requirements for this stage of the competition!

Source: VisitSeoul

"Delicious SEOUL Story video contest" Winners' Trip to SEOUL

2011-12-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the "Delicious SEOUL Story video contest" winners' trip to SEOUL!

Source: VisitSeoul

New Year's Eve Concert, Propose 2012

2011-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Spend the last moments of 2011 with your special loved ones on the New Year's of 2012 with inspiring classical music. Presented by the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, a special gift of music is given on New Year's Eve to reflect upon the memories of 2011 and welcome the new year of 2012.

Established as a special concert that reminds us of the preciousness of times gone by and the times to come, Sejong Center for the Performing Art's New Year's Eve concert promise an unforgettable night featuring the beautiful soprano singer Shin Young-ok and the popera singer with a dreamlike voice, Kai.

Bid farewell to the last moments of 2011 and hello to the anticipated 2012 with Propose 2012~!

Source: VisitSeoul

The Three Musketeers

2011-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's the 17th century in France. A young man, D'Artagnon, travels to Paris with a dream of joining the Musketeers. Enchanted by the beauty of Paris, he is pick-pocketed. On the chase after the culprit, he runs into 3 men, Athos, Aramis and Porthos. D'Artagnon is challenged to a duel by the 3 supposed musketeers. Just as the duel begins, they are interrupted by the Cardinal's guards and the 3 musketeers and D'Artagnon are forced to join hands and defeat the red caped Cardinal guards.

The scene above should be familiar to everyone. Many different versions of the Three Musketeers exist but they all have in common D'Artagnon, the 3 musketeers: Athos, Aramis and Porthos, and the red caped Cardinals. Now, have you seen the musical of the Three Musketeers? How about the musical version where D'artagnon is played by Uhm Ki-june, Gyu-hyun, Lee-Jihoon, Huh YOung-saeng and Oh-Won-bin? You didn't misread the cast. Huh Young-saeng from the band SS501 and Oh Won-bin from FT Island make their musical debut as D'Artagnon!

The one and only musical to celebrate the end of 2011, the musical The Three Musketeers is performed at Seongnam Art Center. Don't miss the finale stage of 2011 brought together by the top actors of Korea!

Source: VisitSeoul

The Musical Zorro

2011-11-27T17:01:00.000-08:00

Zorro is known thoughout the world and is loved by all for his fight against the unjust. Now watch, as the legendary hero who has mesmerized the world, unfolds his powerful romantic adventure story in a musical~!

The masterpiece of West End: the musical Zorro began in London's Garrick Theater on July 15, 2008. Created by director Christopher Renshaw, the musical was reinvented into a magical masterpiece with dizzying acrobatics and overwhelming duels chreographed by Rafael Amargo with penetrating music and enthralling rhythym of Gypsy Kings.

Having been acclaimed in London for its hot public appeal, the masterpiece moved on to perform in Paris, Brazil, Japan, Moscow, and has now arrived in Seoul~! Watch as the adventure of our romantic hero's fight for justice unfolds on stage!

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul All Around Stage 2: Seoul Kitchen

2011-11-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

Stage 2 of Seoul All Around Competition has commenced! Cooperating with Lomography and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul All Around You Competition has begun their 2nd stage~ Seoul Kitchen!

There are many famous delicacies in Seoul. Many have probably tasted a couple of Seoul's scrumptious dishes. From November 21 to December 11, 2011, we will be looking for photos that are inspired by the delicious delicacies of Seoul! So whether you are enjoying a bowl of bibimbap with your friends, or a fresh cut bowl of kimchi, make sure you upload your photo for a chance to win a grand prize of a trip for 2 to Seoul and a special Seoul edition La Sardina camera~!

Source: VisitSeoul

Visit Seoul Satisfaction Survey Event!

2011-11-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

In correlation with the new website, Visit Seoul is conducting a satisfaction survey event where participants will be entered into a prize drawing for a chance to win some great prizes! We are selecting as many as 100 lucky winners, so hurry up and fill out the survey today!

Click here to start now!

Icheon (pottery village)

2011-11-20T17:04:00.000-08:00

Icheon is more than just their airports and agriculture. Famous for their local farm products, they are more famous for their world class pottery that is produced there as well as their naturally occurring hot springs.

Icheon’s ceramic village is located in Sindun-myeon, and their village rapidly grew as they turned into a full on complex consisting of more than 300 ceramic art studies, 40 of which still produce ceramics with wood-fired kilns. The city also consist of a ceramic museum, places for cultural experiences where one can create their own ceramics firsthand, and shops displaying beautiful Icheon ceramics.

Icheon’s hot springs are located in the Anheung-dong area. Renowned for their healing properties, the water temperatures vary from between 28 to 31 degrees Celsius. Due to their hot temperatures and high mineral contents, Incheon hot springs have been proven to be effective in the treatments for feminine ailments, muscle pains, nausea, and more.

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul All Around You~!

2011-11-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

Don't miss your chance to participate in Seoul All Around You: a photo competition. Seoul and Lomography presents an enormous 3 stage global competition for you to participate in! The Seoul All Around You competition features some mouthwatering prizes that includes special editiona cameras and THREE trips for two to Seoul~!

As if that wasn't enough, a very special Seoul La Sardina camera boasting an exclusive design by a Korean designer and some very cool decorative features will be launched in 2012! Also, Seoul will be coming out with the Lomography City Guide Seoul~! To learn more and participate, simply head to the Lomography Competition page and start submitting~!

Source: VisitSeoul

Nanta

2011-11-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Only one hour left and all dishes must be prepared by 6 p.m.! Don't miss the first non-verbal performance in Korea!

Nanta is a comic sketch of things that happen in the kitchen. Nanta will leave you full with laughter with their comical errors that will lighten your mood, and melt your stress away with their Korean traditional percussion quartet melodies played with knives, cutting boards and kitchen utensils.

Nanta recieved the all time highest number of audiences in the history of performances in Korea through continuous improvements. And after gaining much popularity not only in Korea, but in England, Germany, Austria, Italy, Japan, Taiway, Singapore, the Netherlands, Austrailia and other countries, Nanta successfully established intself on New York's Broadway. Don't miss your chance to see the new rave!

Source: VisitSeoul

2011 Seoul Lantern Festival Event

2011-10-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

With the 2011 Seoul Lantern Festival kicking off with the lighting ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza on November 4th, come show your support for a chance to win a round trip flight to Seoul, an iPad and more prizes~! All you need to do is leave a comment at our event page to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win!

Source: VisitSeoul

2011 Seoul Lantern Festival

2011-10-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

How was your Halloween weekend? Did you have a thrilling weekend? With the hype of Halloween dying down, why not treat yourself to a relaxing evening?

From November 4th ~ November 20th, the 3rd annual Seoul Lntern Festival will be held at Cheonggyecheon and the festival grounds will extend to Gwansugyo Bridge. The lighting ceremony will be held at the Cheonggye Plaza! This year will be a double blast as the festival will include an 18 meter lantern tunnel made up of over 3,000 cheongsachorong (traditional Korean lanterns with a red and blue silk shade), a 1/2 scale model lantern of Namdaemun Gate, a lantern of Seoul's mascot, Haechi, and other lanterns that offer glimpses into traditional Korean life and more! Lanterns from the annual lantern contest will also be featured, along with small-scale lanterns from 20 different countries!

This year's festival will also host a variety of experience programs at Gwanggyo Gallery, starting on November 5th, including lantern making and other crafts! So come and experience the mystical 2011 Seoul Lantern Festival with your friends and family and create a memory you will never forget!

Source: VisitSeoul

Iceland Vesturport Theatre | Faust

2011-10-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

You've never quite seen something quite like this. Icelandic Theatre troupe, Vesturport led by Gisli Gardarsson, work together to produce a hilarious and terrifying reinvention of [Faust].

Since their premiere in Reykjavik, Iceland, in January 2010, [Faust] has seen great success with a record setting 36 sold out performances in London last year October in a row. With a score ranging from devilish glam-rock to soulful ballads, the circus-inspired and acrobatic performance of [Faust] will leave you enchanted in its unique and innovative theatrical experience. You've never quite seen the universal tale of a man selling his soul to the devil imagined quite like this before.

Information

Genre: Musical
Dates: 10/27/2011~10/30/2011
Venue: Lg Arts Center
Age: 7yrs<

Running Time: 120min

Price: General Secion 55,000won

Source: VisitSeoul

The Musical Jack the Ripper - Goyang

2011-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

You all heard the story of Jack the Ripper of Whitechapel. The serial killer who in 1888 viciously murdered 5 women and mutilated their bodies who later became known as the canonical five. Since then, he was later believed to be linked to numerous other gory murders and was dubbed by the media as Jack the Ripper. His deeds are legendary and the legend still floats around today.

123 years later, Jack the Rippers story is reinvented. Based on his brutal murders, the musical Jack the Ripper is transformed into the most deadly love story of the century. Performing in the Aram Operahouse at Goyang Arum Nuri Arts Center between October 21st to October 30th, come and get overpowered by the musical's elaborate story-line that is sure to overpower the audience for over two hours and lure you deep into the musical with their moving melody.

Source: VisitSeoul

Delicious SEOUL Story Contest

2011-10-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Participate in VisitSeoul's Delicious SEOUL Story for a chance to win round trip tickets to Seoul with accommodations~!

Upload your own Korea cooking video on YouTube and get a chance to win a Delicious SEOUL Story trip with Asiana Airlines! All you have to do is create a short video where you make your favorite traditional dish or mix your local cuisine. The best 5 videos will win a 4-day "Delicious SEOUL Story" trip to Seoul where the teams will be treated with a Korean cuisine cooking experience with Korean cuisine masters, a kimchi making experience, and round trip tickets to Seoul with accommodations~! The submissions must be entered between October 1st, 2011 12:00a.m. and October 31st, 2011 4:00 p.m. so hurry~!

Source: VisitSeoul

2011 Insoone Concert!

2011-10-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

The music legend herself, and the most wanted an anticipated in the TV program "I am Singer" Insoone is holding her 2011 Concert on October 30th at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Gymnasium!

Always a super diva, everything about Insoone, her breath, her expression, and her presence itself, is music. Having dominated the stage with a single song, she never stood still in her 30 years of music careers. Don't miss Insoone's 2011 Concert that will leave everyone at the edge of their seats!

Source: VisitSeoul

Explore Seoul with Asiana Airlines~!

2011-10-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Take a quiz and be entered in a drawing for round-trip flights to Seoul, an Apple iPad and More~!

Explore two pictures of Seoul and find the differences between them and take a quiz by October 21st to be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win great prizes! 5 Grand prize winners will win 2 free round-trip flights to Seoul while 3 second place winners will win an iPad 32G! All winners will be contacted individually and will also be announced on the website on October 26th!

Event Period: October 1~October 21

Winner Selection: Random drawings

Winner Announcement: Winners contacted individually

& announced on website (October 26)

Source: VisitSeoul

2011 Gwanghwamun Grand Culture Festival

2011-09-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts are holding the 2011 Gwanghwamun Grand Culture Festival, a global culture and arts festival with various themes. The Festival is being held from April 28th to October 9th in and around a special stage on the central stairway of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun. The Seoul Metropolitan Government hopes to develop the Gwanghwamun Grand Culture Festival into Korea's representative history and culture experience event, where both the citizens of Seoul and foreign tourists can get together and have a great time.

Collectively, more than 150 performances will be held in divers genres, plus participation-oriented programs.

Two more programs are left in September and October. During September 1-October 7th, The Gwanghwamun Fall Starry Night Festival will be held every Monday-Friday from 7:30-8:30p.m. at the special stage on the central stairway of the Sejong Center for the performing Arts. The theme for this festival is "Legend of Memories and Romantic Experience." Korea's top musicians will stage a flurry of music performances, filling the autumnal nights with beautiful emotions.

The grand finale of the 2011 Gwanghwamun Grand Culture Festival will reach its grand finale with the Memorial Festival: The Story of King Sejong the Great. Various performances and experience-oriented programs will be held at the special stage of the central stairway of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and The Story of King Sejong exhibition hall in Gwanghwamun Square. The Pre-event is on October 8 from 1-8p.m. and the Main Event will be held on October 9 from 7-10p.m.

The Memorial Festial: Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin was held on April 27-28 at Gwanghwamun Square. This history-themed festival consisted of performnaces and exhibitions in conjunction with the Story of King Sejong and the Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin in exhibition halls in the underground section of Gwanghwamun Square.

Between May 2nd-June 30th, the Gwanghwamun Spring Starry Night Festival was held every Monday-Friday from 7:30-8:30. The Gwanghwamun Spring Starry Night Festival was held in the city center under the theme of "Legend of Dreams and Passion" at the special stage on the central stairway of Sejong Center for Performing Arts.

The World Music Festival was held from July 4th-August 31st under the theme of "Encounters and Exchange with the World." The program featured talented musicians from Korea and overseas who introduced the music and songs of various countries.

Map & Transport Information

Source: VisitSeoul

The World Festival of National Theaters

2011-09-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ever since its first gathering in 2007, the World Festival of National Theaters has been a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience the arts and culture of not only Korea but of nations all around the world. In the last four years, the festival has welcomed talents in the performing arts from 29 different countries around the world to come and perform at the World Festival of National Theaters.

Now in its 5th year, talents from 9 different countries will be performing for a total of 30 performances. This year's festival will be held for two months between August 31st~October30th at the National Theater of Korea's 4 theaters: the Haeoreum Theater, the Daroreum Theater, the Byeoloreum Theater, and the KB Youth Haneul Theater. Come and experience the unique arts and cultures of Korea and many countries throughout the world.

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul One More Night Promotion quiz event | Win a trip to Seoul~!

2011-09-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Enter for a chance to win two free round-trip flights to Seoul, 5 star hotel stays and more~! All you need to do is go to our website to take a quiz to be entered into a random drawing to win great prizes!

Source: VisitSeoul

Kring - Cultural Complex

2011-09-07T19:12:00.001-07:00

Opened in 2008 by the Kumho Asiana Group, Kring is a cultural complex consisting of various venues including a performance exhibition hall, art square, movie theater, lounge, cafe and a sky garden. Kring's contemporary architecture, modern art and trendy fashion is a feast for the eyes.

Meaning "circle" in Dutch, the concept can be seen throughout the complex. The Entire exterior of the building is a brilliant white color whith its interior featuring decors and works of art in curved shapes. Inside, the artirum extends up to the second floor with a glass cylinder passageway extending in the space overhead. The height of the complex is comparable to an 8 or 9 story building. However, the buliding was designed as a 3 story venue for culture and art.

The first floor of Kring features the atrium containing art and sculptures by young artists throughout the lobby, hall and stairs giving the area a feeling of a large-scale work of art. The Kring Cinema is also located on the first floor. This unique 64-seat cinema screens non-commercial movies, mainly art and independent films. All the proceeds from admission (5,000won) are contributed towards the development of cultural and artistic communities.

A conference room, themed cafe and lounge can be found on the second floor of the museum. The conference room is used not only for lecutres and meetings, but for perfomances and fashion shows as well. Sponsored by premium coffee brand "Coffee Myungga", the themed cafe, created by the first Korean barista Myeong-gyu An, boasts their delicious and expertly brewed coffee. The Kring lounge has a unique interior designed to provide a place to meditate and enjoy a relaxing break.

The futuristic living trends on the third floor offers a luxurious expeirience, while the Sky Garden on the rooftop is a multi-purpose space to enjoy the nature environment admist the busy downtown area. Private parties, small concerts and various other events are held in the Sky Garden.

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul's Free Postcards Delivery Service!

2011-09-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Send your Seoul story to your family and friends back home free!

Had a unique experience or met someone you won't ever forget in Seoul? Share you Seoul experience with everyone back home~! All you need to do is visit one of the eight Seoul attractions listed and pick a postcard of your choice! Write about your Seoul experience and place the postcard in the red box! Mail your postcard today~!

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul Animation Center

2011-08-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Established in May 1999, the Seoul Animation Center was created for the purpose of providing comprehensive support to Korea's animation industry. Home to the first movie theater in Korea exclusively devoted to animated films, the Seoul Animation Center also houses a themed exhibition hall, an animation studio experience hall, and the Cartoon Museum.

Picture Sites
Large models of popular cartoon characters can be seen inside and outside posed and ready for a picture with visitor. A 3.5 meter tall model of Robot Taekwon V looms outside, and characters from "Dooly the baby Dinosaur", "Fly Super Board" and "Jang Geum's Dream" are also eagerly waiting to be included in family pictures. Inside, visitors can find characters from "Pororo the Little Penguin" and "Pucca". Pose and take memorable photos with your favorite animated characters.

The Animation Theater & Exhibition Hall
The Seoul Animation Center is comprised of 2 buildings, the central building and the Cartoon Museum. Within the central building, the Animation Theater runs some of Korea's top animated films, including feature-length animated films and film festival entries. Next to the theater lies the exhibition hall. The exhibition hall showcases themed exhibitions and a 4D Experience Hall. Visitors can enjoy a 3~4min 3D movie in addition to the 4D experience of "King Dome Rider". The exhibition hall also comes equipped with an indoor playground "the Kid's World Playroom".

Stop-Motion Animation Experience Program
Produce your own animation at the Character Exhibition Hall. Create blue screen composites, digital coloring on a touch screen, and play games that feature popular characters in Exhibition Hall 1. In Exhibition Hall 2, you can experience creating your own cartoon characters using colored clay and produce your very own stop-motion animated videos starring your very own characters!

The Cartoon Museum
The Cartoon Museum features a 2-story library fully dedicated to comic books and animated films. The library is open to the public free of charge! Visitors are only required to present a form of identification in which the library may be freely viewed.

Address:
8-145 Yejang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Transportation:
Subway: Line 4 Myeong-dong Stn, Exit 1 (7min walk towards Namsan Park)
Bus: Yellow Bus 02 (Seoul Animation Center/Soongeui Women's college)
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday~Sunday 9am~6pm
(closed mondays and holidays)
Price:
Seoul AniCinema: varies according to movie
Stop-Motion Animated Experience: 2,000won
4D Experience Hall: 2,000won

Source: VisitSeoul

Bukhansan National Park

2011-08-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Get your hiking boots on and get ready to hit the trails~!

Bukhansan National Park, a popular site for hikers, is the only national park in the Seoul metropolitan area. Also known as Samgaksan (Triangle Mountain) for its three peaks Baegunbong, Insubong and Mangyeongbong, the granite peaks and gorges are lined with crystal clear springs forming the perfect harmongy between mountain and water. The Bukhansan is also home to more than 1,300 species of plants and animals, and full of history and culture housing over 100 Buddhist temples and hermitages.

Temples and hermitages found throughout the park.

Trails for every levels are offered.

Path to Dongjangdae, a former military command post.

Musugol (Valley), popular cycling route.

Hiking trails
From the Bukhansanseong (Fortress) ticket office, Baegundae (Peak) trail is not too rouhg and includes the widest valley in Bukhansan.

Hyeongjebong trail is popular with families, naturalists and historians alike. Hike through the gorges with clear streams, and enjoy spotting native flowers and wild animals along the way.

Ideal for lone hikers, Bibong trail is narrow with a tiny stream on both sides. On the way to Bibong Peak, you will come across King Jinheung's Monument comemorating the Silla's territorial expansion erected by King Jinheung (540-576), 24th monarch of the Silla Kingdom.

Uiryeong (Ridge) Eco Path is an unpaved 7km hiking trail through areas of outstanding natural beauty which remained untouched for 41 years during security changes. Walking barefoot is popular with many hikers on this trail.

Transportation Information:
Address:
Bukhansan National Park, San 1-1, Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
Subway:
Line 3 gupabal Stn, Take bus No. 704 or 34 from Exit 1 and get off at Bukkhansanseong (Fortress)
Line 3 Bulgwang Stn
Bus:
Ui-dong end
Blue (109, 120, 144, 130, 109)
Green (1166)
Contact:
International Ui Visitor Support Center
+82 2 998 8365
There is a daily limit of 1,000 people. Making an advanced booking is essential.

Source: VisitSeoul

POSCO

2011-08-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

The POSCO Center is a landmark building in the Gangnam district housing offices of Pohang Iron and Steel Company, the second largest steel maker in the world. However, the POSCO Center also hosts a variety of cultural events, exhibitions and programs open to the public. They are famed for its large collectin of art installations and sculptures from world-renowned sculptors and artists. Also held by the POSCO Center are music concerts for the public every month and the POSCO gallery, where visitors can enjoy diverse contemporary art.

Walking past the POSCO Center can also be a pleasure. Mounted outside the POSCO Center are various works of art by world-famou sculptors such as Frank Stella's "Amabil", Jo Seongmuk's "Messenger, Kim Huiseong's "Image of POSCO", and Do Hongrok "Cube95-II".

The first thing that catches the eye, when walking into the POSCO Center, is the work world-renowned Korean video artist, the late Baek Namjun. His 7 meter high giant screen installations "a TV funner" and "a TV tree" stands towering up to the ceiling at the cener of the POSCO Center and catches the eye of every visitor.

The second floor of the building holds more stunning art work. On display is the "Marbotikin Dulda" by Frank Stella. His piece represents a mythical island that was believed to have existed in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Also on display are Kim Jonghak's "wind chime", Jeong Jaegyu's "stone and a kite", Go Wonseok's "Dokun III", and Yun Donggu's "untitled". The economic and cultural significance of POSCO Center's Steel throughout Korean history is also exhibited at the galler.

The west wing of the POSCO Center houses the POSCO Art Museum. There, the visitors can appreciate a wide collection of contemporary artwork while visitng the Center.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 ~ 18:00
Holiday: Closed on Sundays, national holidays, January 1st, and Chuseok
Price: Free

Source: VisitSeoul

N Seoul Tower Featured in Red Bull Korea’s Launching Campaign!

2011-08-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

A New Record: Team of Extreme Sports Athletes Base-jump Off of N Seoul Tower!

On August 16th, against the backdrop of a gray, overcast sky, a team of five American extreme sports athletes accomplished a feat that prior to that day, had never been done before in the history of Korea – base-jumping off the top of N Seoul Tower. Standing at a height of 236 meters, N Seoul Tower is Seoul’s tallest and most famous landmark, making it no wonder that many passersby stopped and looked on in shock and awe.

The extreme sports athletes that accomplished this feat are representatives of a major energy drink corporation that is announcing their official launch in Korea by pulling off a series of death-defying stunts at well-known attractions throughout Seoul.

Source: VisitSeoul

One More Night Promotion!

2011-08-22T17:31:00.001-07:00

A 3+1/4+1 sale on selected hotel rooms~!

Stay at one of our selected hotel rooms to be rewarded an extra night's stay when you stay longer than 3 nights! Whether it's for vacation or for business, when you reserve a room at one of our hotels for longer than 3 nights, you can stay an extra night for free! Come visit our website for more details and descriptions about our selected hotels!

Source: VisitSeoul

JUMP

2011-08-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Finally, the seasonal rain is coming to a close. About a week of rain and gloomy cloud is left. Not sure of what to do towards the end of the rainy season? Need something to pick up your mood? Check out the indoor-performance JUMP.

A new hit show, JUMP is a comical martial arts performance. The performance is non-verbal mix martial arts, containing ancient Korean fighting arts of Tae-kwon-do with Tae-kyun and other Asian martial arts, with a dash of acrobatics. It is the first of its kind blending martial arts performances with a compelling and hilarious narrative.

Follow the life of a typical Korean family with a twist. Each member of the family is a martial arts expert, from the authoritarian grandfather to the Tae kwon do chopping mother. They love nothing more than to challenge each other to a martial arts show down! Watch how they react when two burglars break in to their family home in the middle of the night.

InformationLength: About 80 minutes
Location: B2 Cinecoa, Jong-Ro 2Ga, Seoul, South Korea
Dates: 2010-07-01 ~ 2011-09-30
Time: Mon 20:00 / Tue~Sat 16:00, 20:00 / Sun & holidays 15:00, 18:00
Cost: Seat R – 50000Won / Seat S – 40000Won
Contact: 02)722-3995

Source: VisitSeoul

Play with S!

2011-08-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the "2010-2012 Visit Korea Year with Seoul", the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization is offering a chance to get 2 Sejong Belt packages for the price of one.

What is Sejong Belt?
Sejong Belt is a collective of 30 arts and cultural organizations. They include 5 performance halls, 6 museums, 5 art galleries, and several heritage sites around Gwanghwamun. They enable citizens and tourists to experience multiple performances, exhibitions, museiums, and royal palaces at an affordable price and convenience.

Every month, from August 1st to October 31, 2011, the 1st 100 foreign visitors purchasing more than one of Sejong Belt's top 10 packages will get one for free. Come experience the unique art and culture of Seoul! Play with S!

Campaign Period: August 1 - October 31, 2011
Organizers: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul Tourism Organization

Sejong Belt Ticket & Information Center
Hours of Operation: 10:30am - 8:30 pm (open 365 days a year)
Inquires: +82-2-399-1000
Services: Information, ticket reservations, tour packages & deals
Address: 81-3, Sejongro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

Source: VisitSeoul

Turka: Real Turkish Restaurant

2011-08-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Korea is not all just Korean restaurants and Korean foods. Take a break from your rice and kimchi and try something new.

Turka, a Turkish restaurant, has prices lower than comparable Turkish restaurants, you can enjoy delicious Turkish dishes made by real Turkish cooks.

Enjoy your kebab in a exotic environment. Turka's interior is decorated with Turkish pottery and accessories.

Turka is also conveniently located near Gangnam station and is popular to many foreigners. Take-out is also available.

Source: VisitSeoul

August Quiz Event! Let's take a quiz, and go see the most popular performances in Seoul!

2011-08-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

Take a time during this gloomy weather to participate in the August Quiz Event to enter into a drawing for a chance to win 2 free round-trip tickets to Seoul, 2 Sejong Belt tickets, and more~!

Event Period: August 1st ~ 21st

How to Enter: Take the quiz

Winner Selection: Random drawings

Winner Announcement: Winners will be contacted individually & will also be announed on the website on August 25th, 2011

Check out the event!

Legend of Flower

2011-08-03T22:04:00.001-07:00

Is the bad weather confining you at home, leaving you with nothing to do? However, there is a great indoor-performance that will leave you stimulated. Legend of Flower is the first Korean performance in the Walker Hill Show, and it will be performing from April 5th, 2010 to the end of 2011.

Legend of Flower is a block-buster-class Korean show famous for presenting traditional Korean performances and was named "first theatrical show stage ever" and also "the largest show in Asia". You will see and feel the deep Korean spirit as well as its dynamic movement embedded in the performance.

Watch as the Legend of Flower unfolds the story of how Ara and Miru’s love and marriage overcomes difficulties and adversity caused by King Mama.

Information
Length: 85 min (4 acts)
Location: Walker Hill Theater (Sheraton Grande Walker Hill Hotel)
Address: 21 Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Cast: Hyun-mi Kim
Time: Monday~Saturday 5:00 and 7:30
Cost: 60,000 won

Source: VisitSeoul

Hongjimun (gate) & Tangchundaeseong (fortress)

2011-07-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

With the weather finally starting to clear up, it’s time to hit the outdoors again! If you don’t really have an outdoor plan, check out the Hongjimun (gate) and Tangchundaeseong (fortress).

The Hongjimun gate was built in the 1712 during the Joseon Dynasty to help improve the defense of Seoul. The single-story gate tower with a hipped rooftop has three sections at the front and two sections at the side. It was built on a rainbow-shaped stone foundation, and also has a door with rainbow-shaped metal decorations on its front and back.

The Hongyegyo bridge connects the hongjimun and the Tangchundaeseong. The bridge and the gate are beautiful examples of traditional Korean architecture.

Once through the Hongjimun gate, the Tangchundaeseong comes into view. Built to defend the capital more effectively, the fortress spans 4 km from the Seoul city walls to the top of Mt. Inwangsan and continues along through the Hongjimun ending just below Suribong, a peak of Mt. Inwangsan. Today, the Tangchundaeseong offers one of the most beloved hiking trails in Seoul with its gentle slope for leisurely walks.

Information

Address: San 4 Hongji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours of operation: 24 hours
Entrance fee: free

Source: VisitSeoul

Romance of Their Own Musical

2011-07-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

With school themes being the recent trend of dramas (such as “Boys over Flower) and movies (such as “Sunny”), here comes “Romance of Their Own,” a new musical that shows the lives of a group young trendy pretty schoolboys.
Showing from July 14 to October 31, “Romance of Their Own, a recreation of Gwiyeoni’s 2004 novel, is reinvented into a jukebox musical that follows the schoolboys throughout their school lives, incorporating music from the past (H.O.T., S.E.S., g.o.d.) as well as latest K-Pop Hits (TVXQ, Girlf Generation, Kara and more).
Don’t miss the chance to experience the film that sent the youth into a frenzy in musical form. Take a peek into the lives of these boys and see how they deal with their heartbreaks in love and friendships.

Information

Date: July 14, 2011 ~ Oct. 30, 2011
Tue~Fri: 8pm
Sat: 3pm & 7pm
Sun (and holidays): 2pm & 6pm
No performances on Mondays

Venue: Coex Art Hall, Coex Main Bldg. 2nd fl. Samseong-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
Entrance: 7 years of age and older
Running time: 140 min
Cast: Du-seop Seong, Ju-hee Paik, Dongwook Suh
Map & Direction:
Subway: Line 2 (Samseong station) exit 5
Bus: 361, 301, 362, 730, 640, 3417, 3414, 3217, 3218, 3412, 3415, 9407

Source: VisitSeoul

iTour Seoul Hallyu Story Contest - Win Free Tickets to Seoul!

2011-07-25T01:33:00.000-07:00

Event Period: July 25th - August 20th, 2011

Winners Announcement: August 31st, 2011
*Winners will be announced on the iTour Seoul Website

How to Participate:
1. Write a unique story about what you would do during a 4 day, 3 night trip to Seoul and upload your story to your personal blog. Your story must include at least three locations in Seoul where Korean television dramas or movies were filmed.

2. Become a member of the iTour Seoul Website.

3. At the bottom of the event page, copy and paste the link of the URL of the blog page where your Hallyu story is posted.

4. Write a simple self-introduction with your post!
*TIP: Stories with photos or videos get extra points!

Prizes:
- 1st Place (1 winner): Round-trip flight to Seoul sponsored by Korean Air + 3 night hotel stay(the winner gets two tickets).

- 2nd Place (2 winners): iPod Touch 8GB

- 3rd Place (5 winners): iTour Seoul iPhone 4 case + 4GB USB Drive

For more information visit: iTourSeoul

Shopping in Seoul - Shilla Duty Free Shop

2011-07-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

Located next to one of Seoul’s top hotels, Shilla Duty Free Shop offers a wide range of famous deluxe brands and convenient hotel-style services for a premium shopping experience.

The Shilla Duty Free Shop in Seoul

Shilla Duty Free Shop offers visitors a variety of world-class and deluxe brands, featuring from haute couture brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs, to more casual but nonetheless world-famous brands such as True Religion. In addition to the wide clothing selection, visitors can also find many cosmetics and fragrances brands such as Anna Sui, Lancôme, Bvlgari and Burberry; a large bags and accessories section that displays products from Coach to Hugo Boss; and a food section where visitors can get unique souvenirs and gifts such as Jeonggwanjang (red ginseng concentrate). Visitors should note, however, that liquor and tobacco products are not available in this duty free shop.

A notable feature of Shilla Duty Free Shop is the hotel-style services that enhance visitors’ shopping experience. Offering a spacious rooftop lounge where visitors can rest, a cafeteria where they can enjoy light refreshments and free shuttle bus services that go to either Myeongdong or Dongguk University subway station to the Shilla and vice versa.

Other Locations

If you do not get the chance to visit Shilla Duty Free Shop in Seoul, it also has branches several other locations, such as Incheon International Airport and Jeju Island, where you can access around 300 brands.

Source: VisitSeoul

Korean culture and history at the National Folk Museum of Korea

2011-07-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

Located in Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea displays the culture and folk history of Korea from prehistoric times to the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Since its establishment, the museum has studied and done research on the folk history of Korea, collecting material in order to recreate previous lifestyles and traditional culture of Korea. Visitors can appreciate their work through the exhibitions, performance art, concerts and other activities organized by the museum.

The museum has 3 main exhibition halls that cover different aspects of Korean life. Exhibition Hall 1 showcases the folk history and culture of Korean people through displays of everyday objects from pre-historic to modern times. Exhibition Hall 2 exhibits agricultural life during the Joseon dynasty through the display of diverse objects (spinning wheel, tableware, etc) and the reproduction of the marketplace as a place of social gathering. Finally, Exhibition Hall 3 displays the life cycle of Koreans, from birth to death, in the Joseon dynasty. This exhibition allows visitors get an idea of the key role the upper class had in relation to their family, household and society. Furthermore, through the display of social and cultural ceremonies, it shows the common law and to some extent the state ideology of Koreans.

In addition to the exhibition halls, the museum also offers an outdoor exhibition that duplicates a 1970’s Korean Market Street; arts and crafts classes where visitors can learn crafts and performing arts; and a children’s museum where children can participate in hands-on activities related to traditional Korean culture.

Detailed Information:
Address: The Gyeonbokgung (Palace) precinct, 1-1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Open Hours:
March, April, September, October – From 09:00 to 18:00 (last admission 17:00) 　
November to February – From 09:00 to 17:00 (last admission 16:00)
May to August – From 09:00 to 19:00 (last admission 18:00)
Price: Free

How to get there:
Line 3 Anguk Stn. Exit 1.
Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Stn. Exit 5. Walk 5 minutes.
Line 5 Gwanghwamun Stn. Exit 2. Walk 15 minutes.

Source: VisitSeoul

Enjoy the masterpiece ‘The Three Muskeeters’ interpreted by top Korean actors!

2011-07-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

Showing for only 9 days (Jul 22-31), this year’s musical interpretation of the great masterpiece of literary genius Alexandre Dumas will feature an outstanding selection of top Korean actors (including Kyu-Hyun, Ki-jun Um, Joon-sang Yoo , Seong-woo Shin, Min-jeong Paik, among others) and creative cast.

Based on the storyline of ‘The Three Musketeers,’ the musical presents the audience with a powerful show accompanied by reinvented musical number of famous composer Brian Adams’ song ‘All for Love.’

Don’t miss the opportunity to be blown away by the great literary work of Dumas presented by top actors and a breathtaking, sophisticated orchestra sound!

Musical Information
Period: July 22nd – 31st, 2011.
Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 16:00, 20:00
Sunday at 15:00 and 19:00
There are no performances on Monday.
Venue: Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
81-3 Sejongno Jongno-gu Seoul
Entrance: 7 years and over
Duration: 140 minutes
Cast: Seong-woo Shin, Min-jeong Paik, Young-gi Min, Jun-mo Yang, Beomb-lae Kim, Ki-jun Um, Joon-sang Yoo, Kyu-Hyun.

How to get there:
Subway: Gwanghwamun Station ( Purple Line #5). Exit 1 or 8.

Source: VisitSeoul

Treat yourself to the exquisiteness of Café 74

2011-07-11T01:43:00.000-07:00

Located in Cheongdam-dong, Café 74 is a popular restaurant that exhibits a European-style exterior and stylish interior decoration. The place offers a variety of exquisite dishes, including a wide array of appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, main dishes and desserts.

In addition, Café 74 offers a fine selection of wines to accompany your meal. In case you are not a fan of wine, though, other alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic beverages (such as fresh juice and smoothies are also available. The latter are a particularly good option if you are indulging with a one of their brunch offerings, which include mouthwatering pancakes and waffles, and simple but delicious toasts and sandwiches.

Source: VisitSeoul

Shopping in Seoul – Hwagae-gil Shoes Street

2011-07-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

Connecting Samcheong-dong and Gahoe-dong, Hwagae-gil Shoes Street is famous for the variety of handmade designer shoes it offers.

Surrounded by designer shoe stores, Hwagae-gil offers shoe lovers a unique shopping experience thanks to the wide array of handmade designer shoes displayed on both sides of the street. Stores include shops specializing in low or high-heeled shoes which offer countless beautiful, unique designs to choose from, making it a great option for people who are looking for something different than ready-made shoes easily found in other parts of the city.

In addition to the shoe shops, at Hwagae-gil visitors will also find nice cafés to relax at and museums, such as the Tibet Museum and the World Jewelry Museum. The Tibet Museum houses a collection of around 1,300 items related to Tibetan culture, whereas the World Jewelry Museum exhibits around 1,000 pieces of jewelry collected by a diplomat’s wide from nine different countries, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Germany and Colombia. Conveniently located halfway along Hwagae-gil, both museums are easy to find, so do not hesitate to take a break from shopping for a moment of cultural pleasure.

How to get there:
Address: Hwagae-gil, Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway: Line 3 Anguk Station. 10 minutes walk from Exit # 1
Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Station. 1.5 k.m. walk from Exit #

Source: VisitSeoul

Red Bull BC One All Stars: Special B-Boy Workshop!

2011-07-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

For all the b-boys and b-girls, the Red Bull BC One All Stars Special B-Boy Workshop will take place from July 4th-5th. Prestigious b-boys from all over the world will be teaching b-boy techniques and skills during this two-day workshop.

Schedule
Day 1: Power Move, Trick, Dynamic
Date: July 4, 2011
Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
B-boys:
Cico (Spin Kingz Crew / Italy)
Pelenzinho (Tsunami All Stars Crew / Brazil)
Hong10 (Drifterz Crew / Korea)

Day 2: Foundation, Transition and Originality
Date: July 5, 2011
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
B-boys:
Rox Rite (Renegades Crew / USA)
Taisuke (All Area Crew / Japan)
Hong10 (Drifterz Crew / Korea)

Price: Free
Venue: Letzdance Academy in Apgujeong
How to Participate: Please send an e-mail to bennywjdgusgml@hanmail.net if you are interested. Include your name, phone number, and state which workshop you would like to participate in.

Source: VisitSeoul

R-16 Korea 2011 World B-Boy Masters Championship

2011-06-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

Recognized as one of the top-five b-boy tournaments in the world, ‘R-16 Korea World B-Boy Masters Championship’ proudly presents carefully selected b-boys from all around the world. With international preliminaries held for the first time, competition is more intense than ever. More than 200 participants from 16 different nations including Japan, China, Russia, Vietnam and Kazakhstan will compete at this tournament to decide who the best is.

The tournament will go on for two days, July 2nd and 3rd, at the Seoul Olympic Hall of Olympic Park. On the first day, solo competitions of poppers, lockers, and b-boys, along with a showcase by former-2PM-leader Jay Park and his b-boy crew Art of Movement will be held. On the second day, the official b-boy crew competitions will take place, followed by a special performance by the official spokesperson of R-16 Korea 2011 and a hip-hop artist Tiger JK.

At the same time, the Urban Street Arts Festival will also take place throughout Olympic Park, where you will be able to take a look at R-16 5th Year Anniversary photo exhibition, hip-hop photo exhibition, and graffiti art exhibition as well as experience the graffiti culture yourself.

Information
R-16 Korea 2011 World B-Boy Masters Championship (Main Event)
First Day (Saturday, July 2): R-16 Solo B-Boy, Popping, Locking Competition
Second Day (Sunday, July 3): R-16 Crew Performance & Battle
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: Olympic Hall at Olympic Park

R-16 Urban Arts Festival
Date: July 2 - 3, 2011
Time: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Olympic Park

Tickets:
A Seat: 10,000 won
Standing: 20,000 won

Source: VisitSeoul

Crazy Horse – Live Jazz Bar

2011-06-27T01:04:00.001-07:00

Aiming at creating a space where both music lovers and the relatively inexperienced music listeners are mesmerized by not only jazz but also other genres’ live performances, the Crazy Horse is a live jazz bar that offers daily performances by professional musicians. Come to the famous Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong to relax having a beer, some wine or cocktails while enjoying live music.

The performances are usually free, but there is an admission charge of between 5,000+ won on the weekend and for special performances.

Detailed Information
Address: 546-6, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Contact Number: +82-2-511-9436
Website: http://www.crazyhorse.kr/ (in Korean)
Opening Hours: 18:00~02:00
Parking: Not Available
Price Range: ₩20,000 to 40,000
Smoking: smoking allowed

How to get there:
By Subway: Get off at 3 Sinsa Station (Line 3) and go out Exit 8. Walk straight (about 800 meters) and then turn left to the Garosu-gil. Walk about 600 meters and you will find Crazy Horse on the right side.

Source: VisitSeoul

Treluci – Countryside charm in the middle of Seoul

2011-06-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

Located near Apgujeong in the center of Seoul, café/restaurant Treluci displays a charming wooden exterior, which, resembling a charming nest, gives it the appearance of a country house. The wooden exterior, however, is not its only charm. The beautiful garden and the interior with seamless glass walls create an open atmosphere, giving visitors the impression of being outdoors even when they are inside.

The restaurant offers a wide array of exquisite Italian dishes (pastas and risottos), a variety of salads and delicious desserts (ice cream, ice flakes and waffles among them) for those with a sweet tooth.

Detailed Information
Address: 606-3, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-549-0757
Open Hours: 11:00 ~24:00
Price: 10,000~20,000 Won

How to get there:
Subway: Line 3 Apgujeong Stn. Exit 3

Source: VisitSeoul

Seoul Summer Sale Videos!

2011-06-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

Visit Seoul has prepared some videos intended to give you an idea of what you will get to see and experience in shopping heaven Seoul!

1) Brand Week: June 24th - July 10th

Click here to watch the video: Brand Week Video

2) Beauty Week: July 4th - July 17th

Click here to watch the video: Beauty Week Video

3) Restaurant Week: July 18th - July 31st

Click here to watch the video: Restaurant Week Video

Korean Musical ‘Miso’ – Free Tickets Winners’ Announcement

2011-06-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our twitter friends yuki_1409, sake_soju, forblissfullife who have been selected as the winners of our ‘Miso’ event!

Also, there is a surprise special prize for our twitter friends fian_octa and angukstn! You have been selected as the winners of tickets to Korean Traditional Performing Arts ‘PAN’ for most number of event RTs (fian_octa) and for being the last person to RT our event announcement (angukstn)!
=> Due to special circumstances, our friend fian_octa could not receive our special prize. Our twitter friend ungelic was selected in her place but she could not receive our prize either. Our friend angukstn was also unable to receive the ticket. We will be giving the tickets to our friends benjamin_loh and ohbobbi! Congratulations!

Grand Prize:
-Two tickets for musical ‘Miso’ per winner.

Special Prize:
- Two tickets for Korean Traditional Performing Arts ‘PAN’ per winner.

How to claim your ticket:
1. We will contact the winners through a direct message with information.

2. Please reply to our DM with your full name and the date and time you will pick up the tickets.

3. Fax us a copy of your ID to the following number: (+82) 2- 3788-0899 => No longer required.

4. Winners must claim their ticket in person at the Seoul Tourism Organization Office on the day and time they previously send us. They must bring their ID (passport, driver's license, etc).

In case it is not possible for them to come in person, another person can claim their ticket for them. However, the winner must contact us sending us the full name of the person who will pick up the ticket on their behalf and this person will have to bring his/her ID with him/her.

Address: Seoul Tourism Organization
8th Fl., Nara-Keyum Building, Jeo-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
(서울특별시 중구 저동 1-2 나라키움저동 빌딩 8층 서울관광마케팅)
Contact Number: 02-2268-1339 (Heorim)

Remember that chances of getting better seats are higher if you reserve your seats in advance through our reservation service at Visit Seoul

*Please note that the tickets are valid only until June 30th.
**Winners who do not reply to our DM within 2 days will be dismissed and we will proceed to select another winner.

i Tour Seoul Free Tickets Event!

2011-06-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Visit Seoul will be giving away free tickets for Korean musical Miso!

More Events to Come!
There are more events to come so make sure you follow our Twitter account & other Social Media (Facebook: facebook.com/VisitSeoul)! You don’t miss all the events we are preparing for you!

June 17th Event – Tickets to Musical ‘Miso’

Miso

Bringing together dynamic Korean traditional dances, ardent singing of folk songs across Korea, and melodies of Gayageum, Geomungo, Daegeum, Ajaeng, Haegeum and other traditional Korean instruments, Miso presents the audience a powerful and beautiful piece that tells the noble and pure love story between Chunhyang and Mongryong.

Reservations: http://bit.ly/Miso

1) How to participate
We will post information on the musical Miso in our Official Twitter. All you have to do to participate is Retweet (RT) our message!

2) Winners Selection
The winners will be randomly selected from the people who retweet our post from June 17th to June 19th (Closes at 23:59 Korean Time - GMT +09:00).

3) Winners Announcement
Winners will be announced through VisitSeoul’s Twitter on June 20th 14:00 Korean Time (GMT +09:00) and will be contacted through a Direct Message (DM) sent from our Official Twitter account with specific directions.

*Winners who do not reply to our DM within 2 days will be dismissed and we will proceed to select another winner.

4) How to claim your ticket:
Winners must claim their ticket in person at the Seoul Tourism Organization Office within 1 day after the winners announcement. In case this is not possible, the winner must contact us informing us the day and time they will pick up their ticket.

Address: Seoul Tourism Organization
8th Fl., Nara-Keyum Building, Jeo-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
(서울특별시 중구 저동 1-2 나라키움저동 빌딩 8층 서울관광마케팅)
Contact Number: 02-2268-1339 (Heorim)

*Please note that the tickets are valid only until June 30th. Also remember that winners who have claimed their ticket get the chance to get better seats if they reserve their place in advance through our reservation service at http://www.visitseoul.net/en/ticket.jhtml

Royal Flavors at the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine

2011-06-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

Designated ‘Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 38’ by the Korean government, the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine is an academy that aims at preserving both traditional local Korean and Royal cuisine. Basing its cuisine on the skills of Han Heesun, the last head of cuisine court lady who served the last royal family of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the institute is reputed as a true heir, and therefore, a leading authority of traditional Korean royal cuisine.

The institute is divided into three main halls: the Lecture Hall, the Resource Room and the Research Room. Providing courses from Pyebaek food preparation (food for the bride and groom’s families by the newly wedded couple after their wedding) to ceremonial cuisine and ancestral rites, the Lecture Hall is where cooking classes and lectures take place. The resource room and the research room, in contrast are where visitors can find a wide range of media materials on traditional Korean cuisine, local and North Korean cuisines.

Courses
If you are interested in learning Royal Cuisine, the institute offers various lectures and classes that seek to promote Korea traditional cuisine to the public and pass on Korean cultural heritage to the next generation.

Royal Cuisine:
This course introduces traditional Korean royal cuisine as prepared at the court of the Joseon Dynasty. Participants have the opportunity to learn theory and art of royal palace cuisine through presentations and practice.

Traditional Korean Cuisine:
This program covers various local dishes, including Kimchi. The lectures are given by professionals and participants get to learn about a variety of dishes with fresh ingredients.

Hotel Hanjeongsik:
This course teaches various Korean menus and recipes covering both royal and local Korean cuisines. It introduces many different course, including seasonal foods, Hanjeongsik (full course Korean set menu) and a VIP course.

Courses for foreigners
The institute also offers foreign visitors the chance to experience Korean food through different cooking programs and courses. The programs are open on Saturdays.
For information contact (+82) 02-744-9092.

Information
Address: Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, 34 Wonseo-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-3673-1122

Operation
Monday: 14:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 13:00
Wednesday: 10:00 -13:00, 14:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 13:00 -16:00
Friday: 10:00 -13:00 (Reservation required in advance)

Price: Vary depending on classes.

Source: VisitSeoul.net

Shopping in Seoul – I Park Mall

2011-06-13T01:18:00.000-07:00

Located in Yongsan, downtown Seoul, I Park Mall is a major shopping and entertainment complex divided in three different halls: The I Park Department Store (further divided into Living Hall, Culture Hall and Fashion Hall), the Digital Shopping Center and the Event Park. In addition, I Park also offers a Culture Center, a movie theater (CGV), an e-Sports Stadium, miniature golf and a supermarket (E-mart), allowing visitors to not only do their shopping but also spend their leisure time at the entertainment facilities or enjoying events such as fashion shows and festivals. I Park also offers a wide range of dining options with over 100 restaurants, a food court, cafés and bars. The mall also houses a large bookstore, a video-game arcade and an open garden.

I Park Mall Tour
Although the size of the complex may be a little bit overwhelming, there is no need to panic. I Park Mall offers the “I Park Mall Tour,” a free guided tour of the mall intended to help visitors enjoy their shopping experience to the fullest.

The tour starts on the Event Park, passes b y East Street, the Department Store, the Cultural Center, the Living Hall, the Digital Shopping Center, the Culture Hall, the West Street and finishes at the CGV movie theater.

Visitors interested in taking the tour are required to make reservations three days in advance either by phone (02-2012-0082), online or in person at the information desk. The tour starts at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and lasts for an hour.

Information
Address: 40-999 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Hours of Operation
Fashion Hall: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Living Hall: 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Culture Hall: 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

How to get there
Subway: Line 1 Yongsan Stn. Connected to the station.
Jungang Line Yongsan Stn. Connected to the station.
Line 4 Sinyongsan Stn. Exit 3 or 4. Walk 150 m.
Bus: 502, 0017, 0213, 5012. (Yongsan Station Stop)

Seoul’s Impressive '63 City'

2011-06-09T01:50:00.000-07:00

One of Seoul’s most prominent landmarks, 63 City skyscraper offers not only an spectacular view of the city, but also a multi-venue leisure complex featuring an aquarium, gallery, IMAX cinema, and performance hall.

Comprising 60 floors, the 249 meters (817 ft) building can be easily recognized not only for its height, but also for the distinctive golden color and stunning multi-colored sheen given to it by its glass panes coated with a thin film of 24-carat gold. The building’s exterior, however, is only one of the remarkable things about 63 City. The observation elevators ascend at an astonishing speed of 460 meters per minute, taking just 25 seconds to reach the top.

Main Attractions

63 Sea World
63 Sea World offers visitors large aquaria, animal shows, musicals and a variety of daily performances. Around 20,000 sea creatures from 400 different species live in specially recreated natural habitats, allowing visitors to take a glimpse of some of the world’s rarer aquatic creatures.

63 Sky Art
In 63 Sky Art, visitors will find Art Space, the world’s highest gallery, which features quarterly exhibitions from young artists covering a variety of genres.

Wax Museum
63 City’s Wax Museum displays over 70 astonishingly waxworks by world-famous Japanese sculptor, Satoru Matsuzaki, in a space covering some 1,650 square meters divided into ten sections.

Walking on the Cloud Restaurant
Located on the 59th floor, Walking on the Cloud is an Italian restaurant with glass walls through which diners can enjoy spectacular views of Seoul as they eat.

Information
Address: 63 Building, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Hours of Operation:
Sea World / Sky Art / Wax Museum 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:30)
IMAX Cinema Monday 10:00-20:00
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:30

Price
-Adult (19 years and over)
Sea World　15,000 won　　
Sky Art　12,000 won
IMAX Cinema　12,000 won　　
Wax Museum　14,000

-Children (3–18 years)
Sea World　13,000 won　　
Sky Art　11,000 won
IMAX Cinema　10,000 won　　
Wax Museum　13,000 won

*Children under 3 are admitted for free.

Where to Eat – Arte (Seorae Village)

2011-06-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Located in one of Seoul’s international neighborhoods, Seorae Village (Seorae Village), Arte is a comfortable and cozy restaurant where you will find exquisite Italian cuisine.

Their lunch set menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, a grilled bass, flounder, sirloin, tenderloin of your choice as the main course and dessert.
The restaurant also offers an outdoor terrace where you can indulge with yourself with Italian delicacies while enjoying the pleasant summer night weather.

Nearby Attractions:

Seorae Village: Often called Seoul’s ‘Petit France,’ Seorae Village’s French-style terrace café’s and restaurants, French signs and blue, white and red pavers create a pleasant romantic atmosphere that offers a nice change from other parts of the capital.

Central City: Connecting to the Express Bus Terminal, Central City is a multi-purpose complex, easily accessible as three subway lines (line 3, 7 and 9) pass through it. The complex features a wide variety of facilities including the ‘Young Plaza’ that houses a multiplex and Youngpoong Bookstore, leisure and cultural spaces, accommodation and public facilities.

- Information -

Parking: Available
Opening Hours: 11:30 ~ 15:30 / 17:30 ~ 11:00
Price Range: ₩20,000 to 40,000
Wi-Fi: Not Available
Smoking: allowed only on terrace (in summer)
Pets: No Pets Allowed
Main Dishes: Italian

Source: VisitSeoul.net

Accommodation in Seoul – Hi Seoul Youth Hostel

2011-06-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a trip to Seoul but have not decided where to stay yet, Hi Seoul Youth Hostel offers high-quality and comfortable budget accommodation.

Located in Yeongdeungpo, Hi Seoul Youth Hostel recently opened its doors to offer visitors a new, state-of-the-art lodging facility. The hostel, which is comprised of 8 floors, features 95 guestrooms that can accommodate up to 330 people, as well other facilities such as a laundry room, a restaurant, a café, a lounge and a kitchen. Wi-fi is available throughout the whole building, but for those who forgot or choose not to bring their laptops, the hostel has an internet lounge where you can have access to the Internet for about 500 won for 30 mins.

If you are coming to Seoul for a business trip, the hostel also has four different conference rooms suitable for meetings and presentations.

Nearby Attractions

Times Square
Located in Yeongdeungpo, ‘Times Square’ is one of the largest multipurpose shopping complex in Korea. The complex offers a shopping center, a department store, CGV movie theaters, green areas and cultural spaces, making it an excellent addition to your trip itinerary.

Yeouido
Yeouido, the so-called “Manhattan of Seoul”, is known for being one of the most important business districts here in Seoul. You will find however, that the little island offers a wide array of exquisite restaurants and cafes, beautiful parks with fresh air and an impressive night view of the Hangang.

Price: Standard rooms are available from 50,000 won (single) to 80,000 won (quad.)
※Please refer to the website to learn about the prices for the Youth Room and the Family Room.
Amenities: Lounge, Cafe, Restaurant, Laundry Room, Kitchen, Internet Lounge, Tourist Information Center, Wi-Fi access.
Rooms: 95 rooms (Western-style: 74 rooms, Korean-style: 21 rooms)
Check-In: 2 p.m. / Check-Out: 10 a.m.

Address: 57 Yeongdeungpo-dong 7(chil)-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02-677-1779

Source: VisitSeoul.net

2011 Seoul Summer Sale!

2011-05-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Seoul, the ultimate shopping paradise!

Come to Seoul this summer for the biggest shopping event of the year! From June 24, 2011 - July 31, 2011, get great deals and discounts on fashion, cosmetics, performances, dining, accommodation, tourist attractions, entertainment and more!

And on top of it all, internationally popular and award-winning K-pop group Super Junior has been selected as this year’s honorary ambassadors! Super Junior is known for being the leading contenders of the Korean Wave that is sweeping across Asia and the rest of the world. As the faces of the Seoul Summer Sale, expect to find their friendly faces everywhere including the website, guidebook and Visitor’s Savings Card card!

In addition to saving big at over 800 participating businesses in 5,000 different locations, this year’s event is also featuring some additional promotional events during the Seoul Summer Sale Theme Weeks!

1) Brand Week (June 24 – July 10): Save big on big brand names on both international designer labels and Korea’s best designer labels!

2) Beauty Week (July 4 – July 17): Get discounts on some of Korea’s top-selling cosmetic brands including The Face Shop, It’s Skin, Etude, Laneige, Mamonde and Tony Moly and take advantage of major deals at several spas, oriental medicine clinics and cosmetic beauty clinics!

3) Restaurant Week (July 18 – July 31): Eat at great restaurants without breaking the bank! With special menus being featured at a variety of popular restaurants, you can have delicious meals for less!

In addition to the Seoul Summer Sale Theme Weeks, there will also be several gift giveaways and street events! Don’t miss out on the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

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How to Save
Visitor’s Savings Cards and coupons are available at the following locations:
• Visitor’s Savings Card:
1) Korean Air and Asiana Airlines counters (Japan, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia)
2) Incheon International Airport (at windows 41 and 42 located near Gate 8)
3) Seoul Tourist Information Centers

• Seoul Summer Sale Guide Book (with Visitor’s Savings Card attached): Available at Incheon International Airport (at windows 41 and 42 located near Gate 8) and inside Incheon Airport Limousine Buses.

• Mobile Coupon: Available via QR Code and at the Seoul Summer Sale website (m.seoulsale.com)
• Internet Coupon: Available at the Seoul Summer Sale website (www.seoulsale.com)

How to Use
Receive special discounts or benefits by presenting your visitor’s savings card or coupon at time of purchase at participating businesses and locations.

Special Gift Giveaway Event!
Visit the Seoul Summer Sale website (www.seoulsale.com) after you’ve made a purchase to participate in a special online gift giveaway event!
*Please visit the Summer Sale website for more details.

Seoul Summer Sale Pre-Launch Gift Giveaway Event with Korean Air

Get a chance to win some great prizes at the Seoul Summer Sale Pre-Launch Gift Giveaway Event!
Just leave us a comment and you could be in the drawing for a free round-trip flight to Seoul or an autographed Super Junior CD!

How to Participate: Just write a comment on the Seoul Summer Sale website (www.seoulsale.com) telling us what your “must buy item in Seoul” is and a short description on why.
Entry Dates: May 25, 2011 – June 19, 2011
Winners Announcement: June 22, 2011
Prizes:
1) Seoul Summer Sale Prize: Two economy round-trips to Seoul* (2 winners, 2 tickets per winner)
2) Super Junior Prize: Autographed Super Junior CD (5 winners)
*Airfare taxes and fuel taxes not included.

Source: Seoul Summer Sale

Shopping in Seoul – Hongdae Free Market

2011-05-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of Seoul’s artistic and cultural hubs, Hongdae (Hongik University) offers more than a vibrant nightlife, nice restaurants and cozy coffee shops. Every Saturday, Hongdae’s ‘Playground’ (the recreation ground in front of the main entrance to Hongik University) becomes a marketplace where young artists display their creative artwork and a performance venue for Korean indie bands.

Crafts-lovers paradise
If you are looking for a unique souvenir or gift, the 'Hongdae Free Market' is definitely one of the best places to visit. Items displayed at the free market are all handmade original creations. Thus, most of them are very unique items that are not readily available in other places. Some of the creations on display at the market include hand-painted shoes, bags, hats and t-shirts; silver jewelry and ceramic accessories; postcards and many more.

Cultural hotspot and performance venue

In addition to presenting handmade creations, the free market also offers creative workshops and free live performances on different corners of the recreation ground. The creative workshops allow visitors to learn arts and crafts, including drawing and sewing among others; while the open stage program, called ‘Afternoon Stage’, includes dance shows, live gigs and performance art. You can check each week’s program and performance line-up on the free market’s website at http://www.freemarket.or.kr (in Korean.)

Source:
VisitSeoul
Free Market (in Korean)

Accommodation in Seoul – M Hotel

2011-05-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Business trip to Seoul. You finally have a chance to visit the vibrant South Korean capital and you have already planned how you will spend every single minute of your free time there. The only thing left to do in your list is to find a nice and affordable place to stay.

If your meetings are near business and banking district Yeouido, we would like to recommend M Hotel, the first certified business hotel in Korea.

Located near the National Assembly station (Line No. 9) and the Yeouido station (Line No. 5) , M Hotel is about 5 minutes (walk) from Yeouido Park, where you will be able to get some fresh air and enjoy a lovely night view of the Hangang.

The hotel’s multilingual staff is always ready to help guests 24 hours a day, and its restaurant, Café Mu, offers Italian spaghetti and fusion Korean foods.

Price: 90,000~120,000 won

Number of Rooms: 70

Other Facilities: Parking (capacity: 22 cars), restaurant, business center.

Phone: +82-2-783-2271

Address: 14-23 Yoido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-dong, Seoul

Source: VisitSeoul.net

Haemulpajeon and Tofu Kimchi - Two snacks that are perfect for having with Makgeolli

2011-05-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we introduced you to Makgeolli, a traditional Korean alcoholic drink made using rice. Today we would like to share two simple but delicious recipes of snacks that are usually ordered with this drink.

The first recipe is Haemulpajeon, a savory pancake made with seafood and green onions; the second, Tofu Kimchi, a slightly spicy dish made with fried kimchi and tofu.

Haemulpajeon Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 squids
- 10 green (spring) onions
- 150 g of clams
- 100 g of shrimps
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tbsp of ground chili powder
- Salt and coarse salt
- Cooking oil

1. Slice the squid into thin strips and wash the clams (meat) and shrimps in mild salt water.
2. Trim and wash the green onions. Then cut them into halves the long way.
3. Place the flour in a big bowl, add the cup of water, salt and ground chili powder and mix well until no chunks remain.
4. Add the seafood and mix well.

5. Pour a little bit of cooking oil on a heated pan and pour a ladle amount of the flour and seafood mix. Cook until the mix starts taking the shape of a thick pancake.
6. Before the pancake is cooked, place the spring halves on top and push them down gently.
7. Once the seafood has been cooked and the pancake’s outer corners have turned golden, add a spoon of egg water to each, flip the pancakes and cook further.
8. Voilà! Enjoy delicious seafood and green onion pancakes.

Tofu Kimchi

Main ingredients
- 1/4(150g)of kimchi
- 1 tofu block
- 100g of marinated pork
- 50g of oyster mushrooms
- 1 pepper
- 1 leek
- 3 tbsp of cooking oil
- salt starch powder

Sauce ingredients
- For the Pork sauce: 1/4 tbsp of minced garlic, 1/4 tbsp of minced ginger, ½ tbsp of cooking wine

- For the Sauce (of stir-frying): 1/2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp of cooking wine, 1/2 tbsp of chili paste, 1 tbsp of sesame seeds, 1 tbsp of sesame oil.

1. Marinating the pork
- Chop the pork into bite size pieces and mix well with the sauce.

2. Stir-frying the Kimchi
- Cut the kimchi into bite size pieces.
- Separate the oyster mushrooms, cut the pepper into half the long way, remove seeds and julienne the pepper. Julienne the leek as well.
- Pour a little bit of oil on a frying pan. Fry the kimchi, with the pork, the oyster mushrooms, the pepper and the leek. Add the 1/2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp of cooking wine, 1/2 tbsp of chili paste, 1 tbsp of sesame seeds and 1 tbsp of sesame oil.

3. Frying the tofu
- Cut the tofu in medium thin squares. Sprinkle them with salt, remove the excess of moisture and cover them with starch powder. Then cook them on a pan with 2 tbsp of cooking oil until they become golden brown.

4. Place the tofu and the kimchi sauce on a plate and enjoy!

Both recipes are very easy to cook, so why don’t you try cooking them and surprising your friends with a little Makgeolli party?

Source: Haemulpajeon Recipe & Tofu Kimchi Recipe by VisitSeoul

GIAF 2011: The 7th Annual Gwanghwamoon International Art Festival

2011-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Gwanghwamoon International Art Festival (GIAF) is an annual art festival that aims at improving the quality of Korean art and pop culture. This year's GIAF, “Welcome to Gwanghwamoon!,” will take place from May 26, 2011 to June 21, 2011 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall located in Gwanghwamoon Square.

The festival will exhibit art works of more than 250 artists from all around the world, among them the U.S., England, France, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Denmark, China, Norway, Sweden, Italy and Germany. This year's special guests, however, come from Asian countries, including India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

In addition to viewing the art exhibits, GIAF will also have various performances and programs in which visitors can try different kinds of arts and crafts including ceramics, color therapy, silver handicrafts, leather handicrafts and more.

Come to Gwanghwamoon with your family and enjoy all the programs and activities that the GIAF has prepared this year.

Festival Information
Period: From May 26th to June 21st, 2011.
Venue: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts / The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall
Address: 81-3 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Contact Number: 02-723-9484

How to get there
We recommend you to take public transportation, as it is probably the easiest way to go to the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
- By Subway
Line 3 Gyeongbokgung Stn. Exit 6 or 7. Walk 10 - 15 minutes.
Line 5 Gwanghwamoon Stn. Exit 1 or 8. Walk 5 minutes.

Source: VisitSeoul.net

Seoul’s Artistic Streets - The Naksan Public Art Project

2011-05-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

Located in the Dongsung-dong district, on the area from Hyehwa Station (Line No. 4) to Naksan Park, the ‘Naksan Public Art Project’ was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism as part of its “ART in the city 2006” campaign, which aimed at improving living conditions of poorly developed areas not only by providing practical and financial support, but also by fostering arts and culture-friendly environments in urban areas. The project features a range of art installations and countless beautiful murals, decorated walls and houses, which have contributed to establishing Dongsung-dong as a growing hub for arts and culture in Seoul.

Artistic Rebirth
The Naksan area, where the project is found, takes its name from one of the four mountains that protected the capital during the Joseon dynasty. Shelter to many green areas and historic places, the Dongsung-dong area was in need of development and restoration due to the number of factories and decaying houses that had been built there from the 1970s. The government’s response to the need for improving this area was the campaign “Art in the City 2006”, which included the “Naksan Public Art Project”.

Naksan’s Little Treasures
The creativity and inspiration of the artists at Naksan Public Art Project can be appreciated in different types of artistic installations. One of the most impressive artistic installations, however, are the beautiful murals by renowned artists such as the popular “Man carrying a bag” by Baek Minjun, ‘Cubes” by Jin Okseon, “Going for walk” by Sin Okseon and “Lovers” by Jang Seonwhan.

If you are into photography, don’t miss the opportunity to capture this vibrant part of Seoul and the amazing works of art.

Let’s Learn About Makgeolli!

2011-05-20T03:17:00.000-07:00

Today we would like to introduce you to one of the most representative Korean alcoholic drinks, makgeolli. Korea’s first and oldest traditional liquor, Makgeolli is a drink made using rice and water that, due to its milky whiteness, can sometimes resemble milk. The process of making makgeolli involves a stage of fermentation that makes makgeolli slightly carbonated, giving it a refreshing kick. Makgeolli’s smooth yet refreshing taste, its affordable price, and its high-quality and healthy ingredients, have appealed to youngsters as well as foreigners, making it a very popular drink.

The nutritional value of makgeolli!

The nutritional value and the health benefits of makgeolli have also been some of the main factors for its recent popularity.

1. Nutrient-rich
You’ll find at least 10 amino acids and an abundance of proteins in makgeolli. It also contains 1.9% protein content, compared to 3% in milk, as well as vitamin B.

2. Helps in cancer prevention and menopause
Makgeolli has been found to be effective in preventing liver damage, cancer and helps with menopausal disorders. It’s recommended that you shake well before you drink so that you get the nutrients found in the chunks that settle to the bottom of the makgeolli.

3. Excellent for skin care
Makgeolli’s organic acids, such as lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, among others, help revitalize your metabolism and clean out wastes that accumulate in your body, having a positive effect on your skin.

Makgeolli cocktails, anyone?

With Makgeolli’s boom both in Korea and abroad, now you can find many places offering a variety of makgeolli-based cocktails. However, you can also make them at home. Here are two tasty cocktail recipes.

1. Strawberry Makgeolli
- Ingredients: Makgeolli, strawberry milk, strawberries.
- Recipe: Mix the strawberry milk and the strawberries (crush them up to be 1:1). Then mix 100 mL of the puree with 900mL of makgeolli.

2. Makgeolli Champagne
- Ingredients: Makgeolli, lemon-lime soda.
- Recipe: Mix the makgeolli and the soda 1:1 and violà!

Source: Yorae is Seoul Trip Episode 2. Let’s learn about the Korean traditional alcoholic drink makgeolli - Visit Seoul

Shopping in Seoul: ‘Times Square’ Urban Entertainment & Lifestyle Center

2011-05-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

One-Stop Shopping Paradise

Located in Yeongdeungpo,‘Times Square’ is one of the largest multipurpose shopping complex in Korea. This urban living symbol provides visitors with shopping centers, green areas, cultural spaces, and even overnight accommodation – an excellent addition to your trip itinerary.

‘Times Square’ offers two main shopping spaces: the high-end luxury goods Shinsegae Department Store and the Multiplex zone. The Square’s vast variety of stores (which range from Korean supermarket E-Mart to Kyobo Book Store) offer visitors a wide range of choices topping the list as a one-stop shopping paradise for any budget.

Times Square’s Cultural and Green Spaces

Times Square also provides visitors with several cultural and green spaces where visitors can relax, watch a movie, or enjoy various events.

CGV movie theaters are located on the multiplex building’s top floors, along with the art hall for concerts. Or you can enjoy a beer watching live performances at the “M Pub Project’, located on the 5th floor of the building. The ‘Atrium’, which is a huge community space with glass ceilings, lets visitors admire the sky for a sense of openness, a luxury which cannot be experienced too often. Furthermore, every weekend, the ‘Atrium’ holds a free of charge “Well-made Serenade”. Finally, Times Square offers a 14,900 square meter rooftop garden where visitors can enjoy a refreshing open space with huge green lawns and sitting areas with pleasant sceneries to rest.

Source: Visit Seoul http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0003001005005&p=05&art_id=38140&lang=en

Bukchon Hanok Village

2011-03-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

While much of the rest of Seoul rushes headlong into the high-tech glitz of the 21st century, the quaint neighborhood of Bukchon hangs on tenaciously to its traditional past. Located between the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, this quarter of endlessly winding alleys and old-fashioned Korean traditional hanok homes is one of Seoul’s most picturesque areas --- every turn yields a myriad of charming images. From above, it seems as if the roofs blend in to form an undulating sea of black tile. From within, it’s an enchantingly Byzantine labyrinth of rustic stone and clay walls, handsome wooden gates and private courtyards. It’s a breathing reminder that even in the heart of the urban jungle, the slower, simpler ways of old still live on. Or, to put it another way, Seoul is a city dashing towards the future with one foot firmly rooted in the past.

Haneul Park

2011-03-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

1. Pyeonghwa Park stands as a symbol of peace and is representative of the entire World Cup Park. During spring, people go out for a picnic to enjoy the surrounding nature at the park. From World Cup Stadium Station, you can walk across Pyeonghwa Park to get to Haneul Park!

2. Between Pyeonghwa Park and Haneul park is a bridge with many pinwheels (windmills) spinning on both sides of the bridge to connect Pyeonghwa Park and the 291 stairs that lead you straight to Haneul Park.

3. Haneul (which means "sky") Park is located at the highest place within World Cup Park. A viewing point is available for visitors that can look at some of Seoul's great scenery such as Mt. Bukhan, Mt. Namsan,and the Han River. When you take photos in Haneul Park, you will soon realize how great of a view of Seoul you can capture from this place!

4. In Haneul Park, there are five wind turbines that convert wind energy into electricity. The electricity from the turbines is used as a nonpolluting energy source for the street lamps in World Cup Park and the park's maintenance office/information center. However, the turbines are temporarily out of order due to a terrible storm. They will be up and running again on April 1st of this year (no joke!).

5. Enjoy looking at these awesome photos!

2011-03-09T00:55:00.000-08:00

Soondubu Jjigae (순두부 찌개) is a hot and spicy Korean stew made with uncurdled tofu, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, onion, scallions, and chili powder. An egg is put into the jjigae while it is still cooking to enhance the harmony of Korean flavors and is widely eaten throughout the country in variation. This jjigae is eaten with a bowl of cooked white rice and several side dishes.You should try this stew. There are a lot of restaurants in Seoul serving Soondubu Jjigage (순두부 찌개).

맷돌순두부
6-2 Hwayangdong, Gwangjin-gu, Souel, South Korea
Subway line 2 to Konkuk Univ (Exit 2)
82-2-463-0900

Myeongdong Gyoja (명동 교자)

2011-03-08T01:47:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Myeongdong is famous for more than just shopping? Myeongdong kalguksu (명동 칼국수) is well-known and is representative of the area. This steamy bowl of thinly sliced knife noodles in traditional Korean broth, topped with ground beef, zucchini, pork dumplings, and chives is best at Myeongdong Goyja (명동 교자), the only place where you can get the original flavor of Myeongdong kalguksu. However, because of Myeongdong Gyoja's popularity, you'll likely be waiting a while to get your bowl of delicious kalguksu because the line starts forming as soon as the doors open!

Myeongdong Gyoja (명동 교자)
24 Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu 100-809, Seoul, South Korea
Subway line 4 to Myeongdong station (Exit 8)
82-2-776-5348

"SSamziegil"

2011-03-07T00:38:00.000-08:00

When you visit Insadong, one of Seoul's must-see tourist hotspots, you shouldn't pass up the chance to look around Ssamziegil, where there are a lot of cozy stores selling handicrafts all the way to the top floor! Ssamziegil is good for window-shopping, purchasing souvenir goods, and vintage clothing. You can also visit Korean restaurants and enjoy Korean food while walking up to Haneulmadang at the top. At Hanelmadang, you can take a rest while getting at a clear view of the sky. The walls that artists have painted are mesmerizing, so don't forget to bring your camera and make your own memories at Ssamziegil in Insadong!

Insadong

2011-03-03T17:20:00.000-08:00

"Insadong" is an area where you can experience traditional Korean culture with all the antique galleries and traditional Korean restaurants found in the alleyways. This area is where old and new establishments exist in harmony. This is the place to experience Korean style and tastes, which is why it's always bustling with a high number of tourists.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

2011-03-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first palace compound to be built by the Joseon founder. Being the main palace, the compound was the largest of all the Joseon palaces, and the layout was meticulously planned.

2. The main outer gate, Gwanghwamun, is on the south wall. The throne hall (Geunjeong-jeon), council hall (Sajeong-jeon), and the king's residence (Gangnyeong-jeon) are arranged along a north-south axis.

3. The main palace hall, used directly by the King, was larger than any other structure of its kind, and the very best materials and techniques were used in its construction.

4. This place is where "affairs of state" were routinely conducted, and foreign envoys were received.

5. Gyeonghoe-ru and Hyangwon-jeong are the most famous places for relaxing on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

6. Geoncheong-gung was subsequently dismantled, but was recently rebuilt. Queen Myeongseong was assassinated inside in 1895.

7. Take a look at more of the awesome sights and architecture of Gyeongbokgung!

"Picasso Street"

2011-02-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

Hongdae is a well-known place for modern shops, restaurants, cafes, and other attractions in Seoul. Teens and young people in their 20s are big fans of the Hongdae area. However, you may not have heard about "Picasso Street" which is also found in Hongdae. On "Picasso Street," it is hard to not gaze at the walls along the street which are painted mostly by university students majoring in art. Take a look at the photos below! Enjoy!

100% accuracy!

2011-02-08T20:07:00.001-08:00

Our resident boomerang expert accepts nothing more than 100% accuracy, so why settle for less than the best? With iTour Seoul, you will get 100% accuracy anytime, anywhere. Just visit http://www.visitseoul.net to get all the essential information you need to navigate your life in Seoul. Make reservations, set up detailed plans for your trip, get the inside scoop on the most popular attractions, restaurants, performances and events, join the community to get help from other travelers, and more!

Fusion Korean Traditional Music

2011-02-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

There was a time when it appeared Korea's traditional music, or gugak, was walking along the path to extinction. With the coming of Western cultural influences in the late 19th century, the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910 and the post-liberation forced march of modernization, Korea's long and illustrious musical tradition shared the same fate as much of the rest of the nation's traditional culture; obscurity and banishment to tourist folk performances. In its place, Western musical forms played on Western musical instruments took pride of place in Korea’s musical milieu; Koreans increasingly turned to Western musical forms, from trot to hip hop, for musical solace, while students flocked to learn piano and violin rather than the gayageum (Korean zither) or daegeum (bamboo flute). The sounds of traditional Korean gugak have been making an impressive comeback, with artists venturing down the road of "fusion" in a bid to bring gugak to a younger and more global audience.

A Long Tradition

It should come as no surprise that Korea, a nation with thousands of years of history behind it, should have a long musical tradition. It was during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C.-A.D. 676) that major advances in Korean music were made as musical influences poured in from China. Legend has it that King Gashil of the Gaya Confederation, a small kingdom located along the Nakdong River valley between great rivals Silla and Baekje, invented the gayageum in the sixth century, while later, the great maestro Ureuk composed music for it atop Chungju's Tangeumdae (literally, "Zither-Plucking Hill") as he lamented the fall of his kingdom. Another staple of Korean music, the geomungo (another kind of Korean zither), was invented by Wang San-ak, the prime minister of the Goguryeo Kingdom, sometime around 550.

With the fall of the Silla Kingdom in 935 and the rise of the Goryeo Kingdom, Korean music would further develop. In particular, Korean court music would begin to take shape. Korean court music would differentiate into three forms. The first was aak, a ritual music form imported from China 1116 which survives today in the ritual music occasionally performed before Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine. Secondly was Dangak, which as the name would suggest was court music imported from Tang China. Hyangak, meanwhile, was a more indigenously Korean form that was often accompanied by dances.

The Joseon Kingdom would oversea further developments in Korea music. During the early and middle years of the kingdom, the primary emphasis was on court music, while the later years saw the emphasis switch to folk music. In 1493, King Seongjong commissioned the Akhakgwebeom, or Illustrated Text on Traditional Music. The book categorized and standardized musical instruments and musical forms, even detailing which clothing should be worm with which performance. Even that great monarch, King Sejong, got in on the act, commissioning improvements in musical instruments, new forms of musical notation, and new songs.

Music was not confined to the court and a few aristocratic families, however, and as popular culture began to develop in the latter half of the Joseon Kingdom, so did folk music. Broadly speaking, three forms of folk music developed. The first was nongak, or farming music. This form of music was primarily percussive and played in groups of 20 or 30. Pansori, meanwhile, was a two-man affair centered on a singer and drummer. Pansori performers sing from a repertoire of five stories, although the performer individualizes the story and often encourages the audience to participate as well. Lastly, Sanjo are entirely instrumental, usually coupling percussion instruments with a melodic instrument such as the daegeum or gayageum.

Decline of Gugak

Korea's contemporary history, however, would not be kind to gugak. When Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries from the West first arrived in Korea in 1885, they introduced Western classical music and Western hymn music to Korean ears. The musical style stuck, and by 1919, violinist and composer Hong Nan-pa had composed Korea’s first Western-style piece. Korean students who studied in Japan learned the ways of Western music, which was then becoming all the rage as Korea (and Japan) rushed to acquire all those things that were "modern" (read: Western). Koreans would master the art of Western classical music, producing noted composers such as Ahn Eaktay and Yun Isang and countless virtuosos on the world music scene such as pianist Chung Myung-Whun and opera singer Cho Sumi. Korean students began flocking to major musical schools like the Julliard School of Music in the United States.

With the coming of the Japanese imperialists, however, another form of pseudo-Western music would develop, namely, "trot" (short for "foxtrot." Trot music bears a striking similarity to and, depending on whom you ask (controversial subject that it is), was highly influenced by Japanese enka music, a melodramatic form of singing that combined Japanese scales with Western harmonies. Up until the 1930s, trot and pansori (the latter still actively recorded by Japanese music companies) held sway over the Korean music-buying public, but the ideology of modernization (and, one might suspect, Japanese cultural policies) was too much for pansori to withstand.

By the 1980s, the Korean music scene was overwhelmingly Western. Korean artists were finding inspiration not in the music of their ancestors, but rather in the music of the West, particular the United States and Japan. Trot music held sway over much of the public, with American pop music and American-style folk music enjoying a wide following. Korean traditional music, it seemed, had shared the fate of much of the rest of traditional Korea - it was something you read about in history books, or something you on occasion saw a recreation of, but it had ceased, for all intents and purposes, to be a living part of Korea's cultural being.

Not quite dead yet

Not all was lost for Korean traditional music, however, as a handful of intrepid artists strove to preserve and reinterpret Korea's musical traditions against a backdrop of seemingly unstoppable Westernization. Representative of this group is Kim Duk-soo, who in 1978 introduced the world to samulnori, a reinterpretation of Korea's traditional nongak farming music played on four instruments. Samulnori took root in a nation that, by the 1988 Seoul Olympics, had begun the process of rediscovering its cultural roots. Gayageum soloist Hwang Byung-ki, meanwhile, has kept alive the music of that wonderful instrument and has been busy composing new pieces of traditional Korean music, a discipline known as changjak gugak ("creative" gugak).

Recently, however, there has been a striking resurgence in Korean traditional music in a variety of forms and instrumentation. Western instruments playing Korean music. Korean instruments playing Western music. Korean instruments and Western instruments coming together to produce exciting and new harmonies. One look no further than the blockbuster historical drama "The King and the Clown”: throughout the film, your ears are treated to the rich sounds of Korean traditional instruments coupled with Western ones. In one scene, for example, the breathy tone of the daegeum harmonizes with rich tones of a Western string orchestra.

Lee Byeong-woo, the guitarist who handled the music for "The King and the Clown," told the Dong-A Ilbo, "Because the film, which is set during the Joseon Kingdom, is being seen by a 21st century audience, rather than use just East Asian music, I expressed things through tasteful 'crossover's music."

Fusion Gugak

All of this points to a definite trend in Korean traditional music: "fusion gugak." Leading this trend is the growing number of gayageum ensembles, which are sprouting like mushrooms across the country. In 2006, two major gayageum ensembles were composed, the 25-man Seowon Gayageum Ensemble and 11-man Hyeon ("String"). Both groups performed, among other things, pieces by Beethoven and other leading Western classical composers. In 2001, the gayageum trio Aura played Prokofiev's Toccata, the first of many Western classics the group has played. The gayageum quartet Yeoul - known as much for their good looks as their music - rolled out a gugak rendition of Led Zeppelin’s "Stairway To Heaven." And if that wasn’t enough, the group has even appeared at hip-hop clubs!

The gayageum isn't getting all the fun, however. SIA, for example, is a six-woman group featuring a two gayageum, a geomungo, two haegeum (a Korean fiddle) and a daegeum. The group performed with globally renowned pianist Suh Hai-kyung in a performance in 2006 to mark the opening of the newly restored Cheonggyecheon (Stream). On the male side of the equation, the fusion quartet Vinalog mixes Korean instruments with Western ones such as guitar, bass and accordion. Their repertoire includes standard jazz, acid jazz and even electronica.

Not Everyone Happy

There is some discussion, however, about whether this modernized gugak really constitutes gugak. Where are the lines between "world music" and gugak drawn? The fusion craze does raise interesting questions about the identity of gugak and the direction in which it is heading. Especially when one listens to a gayageum being played like a harp, losing the distinctive musical character that made it such a unique instrument in the first place.

The most interesting criticism made of the future of gugak was made by music critic Lee Sora in the book "Survival and Freedom," which ponders the ways to make gugak once again accessible to the masses. Lee notes that the problems facing contemporary gugak start with the lack of "on-the-spot" creativity by performers. Western classical music, in which performers strive to remain faithful to what's written, makes a very clear distinction between the creator of the music and its performer. Not so in traditional Korean gugak. Korean musicians are supposed to improvise in accordance with place and occasion. Unfortunately, even students in university gugak departments rely on Western musical notation, indicating the gugak, or traditional gugak at any rate, was loosing the creativity and spontaneity that once characterized it.

http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0003001004010&p=04&art_id=42541&lang=en

The Seoul Balancing Expert

2011-01-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

You might not be able to become a balancing expert, but with i Tour Seoul to guide you, you can become an expert of Seoul!

Visit http://www.visitseoul.net to get all the essential information you need to navigate your life in Seoul. Make reservations, set up detailed plans for your trip, get the inside scoop on the most popular attractions, restaurants, performances and events, join the community to get help from other travelers, and more!

The Seoul Boomerang Expert

2011-01-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

You might not be able to become a boomerang expert, but with i Tour Seoul to guide you, you can become an expert of Seoul!

Visit http://www.visitseoul.net to get all the essential information you need to navigate your life in Seoul. Make reservations, set up detailed plans for your trip, get the inside scoop on the most popular attractions, restaurants, performances and events, join the community to get help from other travelers and more!

Hanwoori (Korean restaurant)

2011-01-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hanwoori (Korean restaurant)

Los pyeonchae made a great beef meat, tenderloin, gravy-rich dishes and the younger is known is decided. Across the country to get as Dokdo and Mt Green vegetables, the taste of food, clean eowooreojineun with grass, eating noodles, hotpot with munggeun kkeulyeoju behind the bamboo has excellent tasty.

(Not sure they do have plate for vegetarian)

Get more detail and other Korean restaurant at Seoul

Korea Top News 2010

2010-12-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

Korea Top News 2010

Surprise golds at Vancouver

Coming off a dominating 2009-2010 International Skating Union season, Kim Yu-na blew away her competition once again at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in March with a record-setting performance.

Kim delivered Korea’s first Olympic gold medal in figure skating by scoring 78.50 in the short program and 150.05 in the free-skate program, for a combined total of 228.56 points a world record under the new scoring method.

Korea also got several surprise performances from its long-track speed skaters in Vancouver, Canada. A powerhouse in short-track, Korea had failed to win a single gold on the long-track since the country started competing in the 1948 St. Moritz Winter Games.

A trio of Korea National Sport University students changed all that. Mo Tae-bum (500 meters), Lee Sung-hwa (500 meters) and Lee Seung-hoon (10,000 meters) each won a gold to help Korea to its best-ever finish at the Winter Olympics with six gold, six silver and two bronze medals.

Free trade deals with EU, U.S.

Korea signed free trade agreements this year with two of the world’s largest trading blocs, the European Union and the United States, putting it well ahead of other Asian countries in gaining access to key export markets.

The EU deal is considered the more important of the two because the EU is a larger market and average EU tariffs on Korean products are much higher than in the U.S. Korea’s trade with the EU already exceeds its trade with the United States and is expected to grow further in such sectors as autos, which are now subject to a 10 percent EU tariff. The FTA will go into effect on July 1 next year after it was signed in October.

The agreement with the U.S. amounts to a revision of the original FTA that was signed in 2007 but was then stalled by the U.S. Congress. It is generally considered that Korea gave up the most in reaching the deal in early December because it conceded to U.S. demands on auto imports while gaining only minor concessions in return. But the trade pact, which must still be approved by the legislatures in both countries, is likely to benefit both sides in the long-term.

Smartphone mania

As if we couldn’t get more distracted by technology, smartphones took Korea by storm in 2010, ensuring countless hours of thumb-tapping and finger-sliding for the foreseeable future. Apple’s iPhone was the catalyst, despite its belated entry into the local market at the end of 2009. Koreans, with their tech-savvy lifestyle and high levels of mobile phone and broadband usage, went gaga for the gadget.

In just over a year, it’s fair to say that smartphones have changed the way Koreans live, work and socialize. Sure, you can still place a call on them, but that’s just so 2007. Whether it’s checking the day’s headlines or doing some online shopping and keeping tabs on Twitter, smartphones in Korea have become about as ubiquitous as aggressive ajumma. Just look up from your phone the next time you’re on the subway: you’re not alone.

Smartphone fever also served as a clarion call for Korea’s IT companies. Samsung and LG Electronics - the world’s No. 2 and No. 3 mobile phone makers - had been asleep at the wheel. But they caught up, making their debuts seem less like tardiness and more like an act of being fashionable. Samsung’s Android-based Galaxy S has mounted the strongest challenge to the iPhone with more than 2 million units sold in Korea and 10 million worldwide.

GNP routed in local elections

Liberal opposition candidates trounced the conservative ruling Grand National Party in the June 2 local elections, derailing the Lee Myung-bak administration’s drive for key reforms and expensive development projects. Although incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the Grand National Party managed re-election against his Democratic rival, it was a razor-thin victory.

The Grand Nationals won six of 16 mayoral and provincial governor posts, while the Democrats won seven. The conservative minority Liberty Forward Party took the Daejeon mayor’s office, while independent candidates won in South Gyeongsang and Jeju.

The GNP’s defeat was seen as a rebuke to Lee and his ruling party for what voters perceived as the government’s high-handedness. Pushing through unpopular infrastructure and development projects had prompted serious public criticism before the elections, and analysts said the elections were more of a defeat for Lee and his administration’s domestic agenda and governing style than a victory for opposition parties.

A return of liberal politicians who had close ties with the late former President Roh Moo-hyun was also a key factor. They scored victories in many key races, even those that were traditional strongholds of the conservatives.