Seoul
Namsangol Hanok Village
Address: 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Type: Old Houses/ Birth houses/Folk Villages
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-2-2261-0500, +82-2-2266-6928, +82-2-2263-0854, +82-2-2261-0513, +82-2-2266-6923
Homepage: hanokmaeul.or.kr
Introduction
Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, traditional garden, performance art stage and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from the bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394.
The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in different neighborhoods, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty as well as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.
Some of the noteworthy programs and activities to participate in include wearing hanbok, folding hanji (traditional Korean paper), writing in Korean, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school and herbal medicine experience. There are also taekwondo demonstrations and other various performances held around the village. Visitors can also try traditional games such as yunnori (traditional board game), or understand more about the area through a guided tour.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-2-2153-0000
Homepage: www.ddp.or.kr
Introduction
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has a meaning of Dream, Design, and Play. It holds various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other domestic and international events. The building complex is divided into sections, which are named Allimteo, Beaumteo, Sallimteo, DDP Design Museum, Design Market & Eoullim Plaza, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building's exterior attracts the attention of many photographers with its delicate curves and bold shapes.
Samsung D’light
Notices: * Temporarily closed until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Address: 11, Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-2-2255-2277
Homepage: www.samsungdlight.com
Introduction
An exhibition space located within the Samsung Electronics building in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Samsung D'light showcases the latest product lineup by Samsung Electronics. Visitors can get a sneak peek at the possibilities inspired by future technology.
Gyeonggi-do
Samsung Transportation Museum
Address: 171, Everland-ro 376beon-gil, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-31-320-9900
Homepage: www.stm.or.kr
Introduction
Samsung Transportation Museum, the nation’s first automobile museum, is located near Everland. It serves as a children’s traffic safety learning space. The museum displays a collection of over 700 world-famous pieces including 50 cars, 15 motorcycles, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and other transportation-related articles such as vehicle prototypes, parts, hood ornaments, souvenirs, and artwork. There are many hands-on programs for visitors to learn about transportation safety.
Gangwon-do
Jeonggangwon - Traditional Korean Food Culture Experience Center
Address: 2010-13, Geumdanggyegok-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-33-333-1011
Homepage: www.jeonggangwon.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Introduction
Jeonggangwon - Traditional Korean Food Culture Experience Center was established in order to preserve, research, distribute and promote the values and merits of traditional Korean food culture in the world. There are various hands-on facilities for traditional food culture such as an exhibition hall, cooking room, and a fermentation room. The center is a great place for anyone who wants to learn more about traditional Korean food culture and take part in various experiences.
Chungcheongbuk-do
Medicinal Herb Tea Therapy Center
Address: 56, Bio valley 1-ro, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-43-644-1126, +82-70-4849-1125
Homepage: www.teaterra.co.kr (Korean only)
Introduction
Relax your mind and body with a cup of tea
Tea therapy is used to relieve the symptoms of diseases or boost one's energy with teas. In the Medicinal Herb Tea Therapy Center, visitors can enjoy teas made with medicinal herbs and can experience aromatherapy by checking their physical condition with aromas. An aroma foot massage and making medicinal herb teas are recommended as well.
Chungcheongnam-do
Geumsan Ginseng Museum
Address: 30, Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-41-750-2621
Introduction
Geumsan Ginseng Museum was founded to spread the excellence of Korean (Geumsan) ginseng across the nation and the world. Ginseng cultivation implements and models, efficacy, foods, and other products containing ginseng are on display in this museum. Visitors can also watch ginseng-related videos to gain a better understanding of Korean ginseng.
Daejeon
Yuseong Hot Spring
Address: Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-42-611-2076
Homepage: www.yuseong.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Introduction
Yuseong Hot Springs is located at the center of Daejeon. The hot spring is known to be effective in countering many kinds of maladies. The water here contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, and potassium, sulphur, carbonic acid, silicic acid and radium.
An especially high concentration of radium is found here. Such alkaline hot springs are known to be good for treating neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Nearby are large accommodations with many convenient facilities, which make it easy to visit here while touring.
Yuseong Hot Springs has long been associated with cranes. During the final days of Baekje Kingdom, a man who was the only son and heir of a family for seven generations was seriously wounded during a war with Silla. His mother worried greatly over her son’s wounds.
One day she saw a crane with a wounded wing dip itself into a hot spring in the midst of snow covered ground and healed. She took her son there and his wound was healed as well so the legend goes. Perhaps because of this legend, the Yuseong Hot Springs is famous for its incredible healing properties.
Jeollabuk-do
Wanju Samrye Culture & Arts Village
Address: 81-13, Samnyeyeok-ro, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-63-290-3862~3
Homepage: www.samnyecav.kr
Introduction
Samrye Culture & Arts Village is an art village also referred to as "Samsamyeyemimi." Once used as a granary and an official residence during the Japanese administration, it has now become a village of art. The village consists of Design Museum, Visual Media Art Gallery, Kim Sang-rym Carpentry Shop (Wood Works), and Book Museum and offers a variety of programs during exhibition events and art festivals.
Jeollanam-do
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation
Address: 763-65, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-61-852-4540
Homepage: dhdawon.com - www.boseong.go.kr
Introduction
Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation produces high-quality green tea and is a popular tourist attraction year-round thanks to the vast rows of tea trees that line the hillside like a deep green carpet. Despite being located on a small peak at just 350 meters above sea level, the observation deck at the summit offers views of the sea on clear days. The entrance to the tea plantation is also lined with tall cedar trees, adding a unique aspect to this plantation. Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation has been featured as a filming site in dramas such as “Summer Scent (2002),” “Legend of the Blue Sea (2017),” and “The Rebel (2017).”
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Mungyeongsaejae Open Set
Address: 932, Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-54-571-0709
Homepage: www.gbmg.go.kr/tour (Korean only)
Introduction
Mungyeongsaejae Open Set has been used for a variety of historical publications, including “Taejo Wang Geon (2000),” “Dae Jo Yeong (2006),” “Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010),” “Moon Embracing the Sun (2012),” “Jeon Woo-chi (2012),” and “Masquerade (2012).” In 2008, the Goryeo Dynasty set was dismantled and redesigned into a Joseon-era set. Visitors can get a glimpse of life in the past through the replica houses and various structures throughout the open set.
Daegu
Donghwasa Temple
Address: 1, Donghwasa 1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu
Type: Temples/ Religious Sites
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-53-980-7900
Homepage: www.donghwasa.net (Korean only) www.templestay.com (Korean only)
Introduction
Donghwasa Temple is located on the south side of Palgongsan Mountain, about 22km northeast of Daegu. It was built by Monk Geukdal in the 15th year of King Soji’s reign (AD 493). The original name of the temple was Yugasa Temple, but Simjiwangsa rebuilt the temple under King Heungdeok (r. AD 826-836) and named it Donghwasa Temple, which means even during the winter season, the paulownia tree still blooms. The present temple was built in 1732.
When you turn the corner, the first thing that catches your eye is the Seolbeopjeon Hall. To the left of Seolbeopjeon is Daeungjeon Hall, the main building, and a path to the right leads to Geumgang Stairs. If you turn left in the direction of Daeungjeon you will see Bongseoru Pavilion, aptly named to signify a phoenix (bonghwang in Korean) with its tail pointed downward. Past Bongseoru are stairs that are typical of the ones leading into Daeungjeon, called "Nugak Stairs". On either side of the stairs are railings in the shape of a dragon, and in the middle of the stairs, there is a round stone marble that resembles a dragon orb, a ball often associated with dragons.
Donghwasa’s Daeungjeon is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. It includes the statues of Seokgamonibul, Amitabul, and Yaksayeoraebul inside. If you walk down the stone stairs beside Bongseoru and walk along the cement road for a while, you will find the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. Created as a prayer for reunification, this large Buddha statue is 17m high. The stone tower, stone light, lion statue, and the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size. Behind the statue are also stones arranged in a circular form, resembling a beautiful scroll painting. These are world-class size stone artifacts.
Gyeongsangnam-do
Goodday Museum
Address: 22, Bongamgongdan 2-gil, Masanhoewon-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) For more info: +82-70-7576-2017
Homepage: www.gooddaymuseum.co.kr
Introduction
Goodday Museum is a liquor museum in Changwon founded and operated by Muhak, a Korean beverage company that specializes in soju production. With 3,000 different alcoholic beverages on display and a soju tasting area, visitors can enjoy the site tour as well as try different types of soju. Goodday Museum also offers open viewing, special night viewing, concerts and other various events.
Ulsan
Hyundai Motors Ulsan Plat
Address: 700, Yangjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Ulsan-si
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-52-280-2232~3
Homepage: tour.hyundai.com (Korean only)
Introduction
Hyundai Motors Ulsan Plant is the world's largest single plant. It is made up of five independent factories, with approximately 32,000 personnel producing an average of 5,800 vehicles per day. Another surprising feature of this complex is the 600,000 trees planted within the area, making the plant a factory surrounded by a forest. Visitors to the plant can tour the vehicle manufacturing plant and the port that houses 76,000-ton ships; reservation in advance is required for the tour.
Busan
Busan Cinema Center
Address: 120, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-51-780-6000
Homepage: www.dureraum.org
Introduction
Busan Cinema Center is a film culture complex showing performances and films across all genres. The facility is comprised of large and small theaters, cinematech, sky theater, indie plus, as well as the 4,000-seat outdoor theater which serves as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of Busan International Film Festival.
Samjin Fish Cake History Museum & History Hall
Address: 36, Taejong-ro 99beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-51-412-5468
Homepage: cafe.naver.com/samjinfood
Introduction
Fish cakes are one of the most popular snacks in Busan. Among many fish cake makers in the city, Samjin Fish Cake is the oldest fish cake producer. Its main store in Yeongdo looks like a bakery shop. Visitors can choose among a variety of fish cakes and there is a separate space in the store where they can eat purchased fish cakes. The experience hall on the second floor provides a chance for visitors to make their own fish cake.
Jeju
Jeju Aerospace Museum
Address: 218, Nokchabunjae-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Type: Industrial Tours
Inquiries: 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info: +82-64-800-2000
Homepage: www.jdc-jam.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Introduction
Jeju Aerospace Museum is the largest aerospace museum in Asia. The museum not only offers information and exhibitions related to aerospace as well as astronomy, but it also integrates education with entertainment to provide an enjoyable learning opportunity for both kids and adults. The view from the museum’s second floor is another sight not to be missed.