Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Mongchontoseong Fortress (서울 몽촌토성)

17008 2019-06-25

424, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-410-1114

Mongchontoseong Fortress is an earthen fortification from the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC- AD 660 ). It was built sometime between the 3rd and 4th centuries, using the natural protection offered by a tributary to the Hangang River on one side and wooden barricades for added defense on the other side. The fortress has been designated as Historic Site No. 297, and is currently located inside the Seoul Olympic Park.

Mongcheontoseong Fortress features an overlapping structure of the outer and inner fortifications that were built along the hilly areas descending down from the Namhansanseong Fortress. On display inside the fortress are artifacts excavated from the site that date back to the Baekje Dynasty. The exhibited items include various earthenware and living tools. The site also displays dugout hut and storage pit sites in the state they were at the time of excavation.

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

936463 2019-06-25

37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4160

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture. As Bukchon Hanok Village is an actual neighborhood with people's homes, visitors are advised to be respectful at all times while looking around.

Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage] (종묘 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

239651 2019-06-25

157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0195

Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order. The ceremony was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in December 9, 1995, for its well-preserved ancient customs, such as memorial services and traditional music, which is National Intangible Cultural Asset No.56.

During the Joseon Dynasty, it was held when the season changes and the twelfth month of the lunar year, but was stopped during the Japanese colonial period. Now, it is annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May. Jongmyo Jaeryeak, the musical part of the ceremony, is produced by instruments, songs, and dances that originated over 500 years ago. In May, the Korean Royal Palace Culture Festival is held with a variety of other cultural heritage festivals.

Tapgol Park (탑골공원)

50985 2019-06-25

99, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2843

Tapgol Park is the first modern park to be built in Seoul, and it was originally built as a temple site to house Wongaksa Temple during the 13th year of the Joseon Dynasty. However, the temple was destroyed under the reign of Yeonsangun and remained closed until 1897, when the provincial advisor, Englishman named John Mcleavy Brown, made a proposal to renovate the site into a park. The park contains several national treasures, including Wongaksaji Sipcheungseoktap Pagoda (Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site) and Wongaksabi Stele, and Palgakjeong Pavilion, where the Independence Proclamation was first declared; the independence movement relief plate; and the statue of Son Byeong-hee. The park is of great historical value and national spirit as it was the starting point of the March 1 Independence Movement.

Hongneung Arboretum (홍릉수목원)

36536 2019-06-25

57, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-961-2777

Hongneung Arboretum was the first arboretum in Korea, established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung Royal Tomb, the burial mound of Queen Myeong-Seong. Hongneung Arboretum is managed by the Korea Forest Service, and houses a variety of domestic and international plants for both visitors to enjoy and researchers to study. The arboretum and Forest Sciece Exhibition Hall are open to the public. Student groups can enjoy natural science and forestry experiences with advanced reservation.

Jeonju Kimchi Cultural Center (전주한옥마을 전주김치문화관 )

27790 2019-06-20

29, Eojin-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
+82-63-287-6302

The Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center is a guesthouse facility located in Jeonju Hanok Village. This center gives the unique experience of life in a traditional-style Korean house. The center was originally a royal house that was constructed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is currently enjoyed by many for its traditional lodging facilities. This is a great place for foreigners to experience the rich traditional culture of Korea. The buildings are newly built in the traditional style. They may be lacking somewhat in an antique feel, but offer comfort in a traditional setting.

Visitors can enjoy chopping their own firewood to warm their traditional style rooms. There is a special heating system called "ondol," that was developed to radiate heat throughout the room from under the floor. Here you will sleep on a cushioned comforter on the floor without the worry of staying warm. Visitors can also learn traditional folk songs, as well as participate in traditional tea parties. It is also possible to ride bicycles around the premises. Meals are included in lodging costs.

Riverside Spa Land (강변스파랜드)

42263 2019-06-19

45, Guuigangbyeon-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-455-3737

Riverside Spa Land is a traditional Korean sauna where visitors can experience Korea’s first and best foot massage bath for free. The sauna, located on the second floor basement, offers soft waters known to be good for your skin, while the public jjimjilbang on the first floor basement presents a variety of facilities and cultural areas for your enjoyment, such as a fitness center, aerobics room, movie room, comic book room, sports massage center, nail art center, skin care treatment center, and more. For the convenience of its guests, Riverside Spa has installed a key payment system so guests do not have to carry cash once they are inside.

Yongheunggung Palace (용흥궁)

8983 2019-06-19

16-1, Dongmunan-gil 21beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (r. 1849-1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (Korean traditional half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns. The palace was built in the tradition of dwelling houses such as the Yeongyeongdang and Nakseonjae houses in Changdeokgung Palace, so the palace buildings give off a simple and plain atmosphere. Within the precincts of the palace are a memorial stone and a monument house indicating that the palace used to be the old home of King Cheoljong.

Ganghwa Anglican Church (대한성공회 강화성당)

5155 2019-06-19

10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

Ganghwa Anglican Church was consecrated in 1900 by Charies Jone Corfe, the First Bishop of the Church as the St. Peter and St.Paul’s Church. The church has since undergone several restorations, but the design remains true to the original.

The two-story 4x10 rectangular building is characterized by traditional Korean construction style on the outside while the interior is a Western Basilica style symbolizing the beauty of harmony and Korean tradition. It was first designated as Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 154 and then became Incheon Tangible Cultural property when Ganghwa was included in Incheon Metropolitan City. In January 2001 it was designated as Historic Site No.424 of Korea.

Chamseongdan Altar (강화 참성단)

19062 2019-06-19

San 42-1, Heungwang-ri, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

Located on the northside of Manisan Mountain peak, Chamseongdan Altar is where Dangun (founder of Korea) is said to have offered sacrifices to the heavens. The story of Dangun reads that he made sacrifices over 4,000 years ago, making this relic a historical treasure.
Chamseongdan was renovated in 1270 under Goryeo Wonjong’s and after being renovated several more times. To this day it has remained the same way and kept the same appearance. Chamseongdan is a natural stone 5 meters in x_height, circular in shape at the bottom and rectangular at the top. Because it is in the middle of Baekdusan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, you can see the islands of the West sea and the inland scenery. It is symbolically a very important place. It is said that in the past, the kings of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla Kingdoms all offered sacrifices to the heavens here. This form of ceremonial sacrificing continued prevailed until the Joseon Period (1392~1910). Visitors can see from scattered relics how Korea’s ancestors revered and feared the heavens. Even now, on Gaecheonjeol Day, Koreans offer sacrifices to Dangun here, and for national athletic events, a sacred flame for the games is ignited here.
Manisan Mountain is 495m above sea level, which makes it the highest mountain in Ganghwa. The entire area was designated as a National Tour Site in 1977. Climb to the summit and you can see the entire Gyeonggi area. The path leading up to Chamseongdan especially has a wonderful view of the mountain and the sea, and is a favorite of the climbers.

Roe Deer Observation Center (제주 노루생태관찰원)

15240 2019-06-19

520, Myeongnim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-728-3611

Roe Deer Observation Center, opened in August 2007, offers a place where visitors may observe and watch over 200 roe deer romping around the field. Also, the park has a theatre in which you may learn about the life of a roe deer. A wide variety of programs are offered to visitors including eco-life experience program and feeding roe deer. The observation center grounds also include walking paths up Geochinoreum Volcanic Cone.

Jeju Jungmun Resort (중문관광단지)

90910 2019-06-19

38, Jungmungwangwang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-739-1330

Jungmun Resort is the largest resort in Korea. It is located on the seashore of Jungmun area in Seogwipo-si. Its facilities blend in beautifully with the surrounding nature, and in 1978, it was designated an International Tour Site. There are several attractions within the resort property, such as Pacific Land, Yeomiji Botanic Garden, a fishing village for tourists, Seonimgyo Bridge, Cheonjeyeon Falls, and Jungmun Beach. Internationally famous hotel branches, such as The Shilla Hotel, Lotte Hotel, and Hyatt Hotel are situated here, allowing visitors to enjoy the utmost comfort while taking pleasure in Jeju's nature.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information