Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Marronnier Park (마로니에공원)

2021-07-14

104, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4158

Marronnier Park was given its name due to the marronnier trees, or horse chestnut trees, growing within the area. The location where Seoul National University's College of Liberal Arts & Science and School of Law once stood, it is now a park dedicated to culture and arts open to the public. In addition to a variety of outdoor performances that take place throughout the area, exhibitions and cultural centers create a romantic atmosphere unique to the park.

Myeong-dong (명동)

2024-05-17

66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-0333

Myeong-dong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. The two main streets meet in the center of the block with one beginning from Myeong-dong Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 4) and the other from Lotte Department Store at Euljiro. Many brand name shops and department stores line the streets and alleys. Common products for sale include clothes, shoes, and accessories. Unlike Namdaemun or Dongdaemun, many designer brands are sold in Myeong-dong. In addition, several major department stores have branches here, including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore, Noon Square and M Plaza. The department stores carry many premium labels and other fashionable goods at reasonable prices.

Myeong-dong also has family restaurants, fast food, plus Korean, Western and Japanese dining options. Many restaurants in Myeong-dong specialize in dongaseu (pork cutlet) and kalguksu (noodle soup). Other businesses in the area include hair salons, banks and theaters.

Ganghwado Island (강화도)

2023-03-24

Ganghwa-daero, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-7500

Ganghwado Island, off the west coast, is the fifth largest island in Korea. The island was connected to the mainland in 1970 with the construction of the Ganghwagyo Bridge. Another larger bridge, Ganghwadaegyo Bridge, was built in 1997, making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul and Incheon areas. The island is home to Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on the southern coast. This is said to be where Dangun Wanggeom offered sacrificial rites to the heavens. Another important item of note on Ganghwado Island is the collection of stone dolmens, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage.

Ganghwado Island has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa ginseng and hwamunseok, a mat woven with flower patterns. Hwamunseok is famous also as a representative traditional Korean product for its intricate handwork and designs.

Ganghwasanseong Fortress (강화산성)

2020-03-16

San 3, Gukhwa-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-5464

Ganghwasanseong Fortress was originally earthen mountain walls, built during King Go Jong’s 19th year of reign (1232), after he moved to Ganghwado. It was built to repel attacks from the Mongols. The inner castle was destroyed when the capital was moved to another place, and at the beginning of the Joseon Era (1392-1910) the wall was again rebuilt with mud.

It went through much restoration until finally being rebuilt with stones. Ganghwasanseong Fortress originally had interior and exterior walls, but only the interior wall remains today. It has an approximate circumference of 1.2km. The exterior mud wall was approximately 9km in circumference with 8 gates. The huge exterior wall was built along the side of the east channel of Ganghwa, but no longer exists today. From 1977, the interior wall has been rebuilt many times over, but the east side of this wall has yet to be reconstructed.

There were four main gates in the wall. To the south, Anparu; to the east, Cheomhwaru; to the west, Manghanru; and to the north, Jinsongru. At the west gate, the historic Yeonmudang still remains. This area was where the soldiers used to train, and was also the place where the Korea-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity (or Treaty of Ganghwa Island) was signed in 1876.

With its aching history left behind and beautiful scenery, Ganghwasanseong Fortress serves as an ideal place for a brisk walk or refreshing drive.

Wolmido Island (월미도)

2023-11-08

36 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
+82-32-765-4169

Wolmido Island has very few historical records, despite being the location of a temporary palace, built in 1653 during the reign of King Hyojong. The palace was built on the eastern side of the island, but it is impossible to find traces of it now. From the late 1920s until the '30s, the island was transformed into a resort, a very popular destination at the time. Wolmi Culture Street opened in July 1989 and helped improve the area's fame.

On weekends and holidays, people flock to Wolmido Island to enjoy coffee and fresh seafood at the cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea. Despite being 1 kilometer off the coast, Wolmido is no longer an island, being connected to the mainland through modern construction techniques. It is now an easily accessible retreat for locals and tourists alike.

Suncheon Songgwangsa Temple (송광사(순천))

2024-10-08

100 Songgwangsaan-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-755-0107

Songgwangsa Temple is a temple located to the west of Jogyesan Mountain and is known as one of the three priceless temples along with Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon and Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. It was founded during the Silla dynasty and boasts cultural assets including four national treasures and 26 treasures, along with over 80 buildings including the Daeungbojeon Hall. Additionally, it operates the Buddhist Museum exhibiting temple cultural assets, a Buddhist university, and templestay programs.

Ganghwa Manisan Mountain (Ganghwa Section) (마니산 (강화))

2021-02-19

18, Manisan-ro 675beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7068

Manisan Mountain is located on the southern end of Ganghwado Island, at the mid-point of the Korean Peninsula between Hallsan Mountain and Baekdusan Mountain. At the top of Manisan Mountain is Chamseongdan Altar, known to have been used by Dangun to hold sacred rituals. The 1988 Paralympics torch was lit at the top of the mountain as well as the torch for the Korea national sports games each year. If you walk up the trail with 918 stone steps, an amazing view of the west sea and Jeongsusa Temple to the east can be seen. The pine tree forest full of phytoncide is perfect for hikers to relieve their stress.

Baengnyeongdo Island (백령도)

2021-04-23

Baengnyeong-ro, Ongjin-gun, Incheon
+82-32-899-3510

Initially known as Gokdo Island, the name was changed to the current Baengnyeongdo Island based on its appearance as having white wings. It is the eighth largest island in Korea, and the closest to North Korea. Due to its vantage point, visitors must undergo a security process before touring the island.

Baengnyeongdo Island is famous for an array of attractions and fresh seafood, with many fish varieties living in the area. The mighty sea cliffs of Dumujin are said to be the last masterpieces of an old god. Additional attractions of the island include the two-story high Simcheonggak Pavilion; Mulgaebawi Rock, the only place in Korea to see seals; and Sagot Coast, one of only two places in world with diatomacheous earth, strong enough to drive on and for military planes to use as a runway.

Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

2024-07-09

45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, a designated Historic Site, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Ganghwa Jeondeungsa Temple (강화 전등사)

2024-11-01

37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-937-0125

Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samnangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built in 381 by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea. The temple was originally called Jinjongsa Temple, but changed to the current Jeondeungsa Temple during the Goryeo period.

Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works. Decorated with delicate carvings, the temple buildings are superlative examples of the architecture of the mid-Joseon dynasty. Visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon Hall. These soldiers fought against the French Navy and wrote their names in Jeondeungsa to pray to Buddha for good luck in war.

There are ten other structures of historical significance at the temple including Yaksajeon Hall, Beomjong Bell, and Yangheonsu Victory Monument. The compound is also home to many ancient trees.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information