Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Namgyeseowon Confucian Academy [UNESCO World Heritage] (남계서원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2024-01-08

8-11 Namgyeseowon-gil, Sudong-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Namgyeseowon Confucian Academy was established in 1552 as the second Confucian academy in Korea after the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy located in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Seowon refers to a private educational institution of the Joseon period founded to perform Confucian rituals and nurture talent. “Namgye” is named after the Namgyecheon Stream flowing in its front. It was destroyed by in 1597 during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1612. Located on a low hill, it provides an open view of Gaepyeong Hanok Village beyond the field and the stream.

F1963

2024-01-05

20 Gurak-ro 123beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan

F1963 is a representative cultural complex and an emerging landmark in Busan. This factory produced wires in the past for about 45 years from 1963 to 2008. 2016 Busan Biennale was a turning point for this building as the building was transformed into a space for art and culture; various cultural events take place and it has an art library, exhibition hall, and concert hall. The base design and framework from the old factory were preserved during the renovation, leaving traces of the old building that give its unique atmosphere. Regenerated architecture and walking trails outside the space are designed to offer a pleasant walk. Visitors can also enjoy food, drinks, and activities inside the building from renowned branch stores such as Terarosa, a famous cafe in Gangneung; Boksoondoga, where one can taste the essence of traditional Korean fermented makgeolli (unrefined rice wine), and Hwasumok Flower & Garden, where visitors can take gardening and flower classes.

Busan Healing Forest (부산 치유의 숲)

2024-01-05

101 Cheolmacheon-ro, Gijang-gun, Busan

Busan Healing Forest is the first “healing forest” to be founded in the Gyeongsang-do region. This place is where visitors can reflect on emotions and relax through various wellness programs surrounded by nature and healing energy. Busan Healing Forest is 153ha in size, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around the central trail starting from the visitor center at the entrance. Programs tailored to various audiences are operated in multiple places found along the central trail: the Forest Library, Mind Sharing Site, Forest Healing Yard, Forest Meditation Site, Pine Wind Bathing Site, and Prenatal Education Forest.

Ocean Spa Cimer (오션스파 씨메르)

2024-01-05

296 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Ocean Spa Cimer is famous for its scenery where the open sky meets the emerald sea, like its name, Cimer, which combines the French words "ciel" meaning sky, and "mer" meaning sea. Cimer’s seawater hot spring, along with the gentle sea breeze and the view over the horizon, offers a relaxing experience that allows one to forget all about their woes. Another secret to this attraction’s popularity is the several unique pools, such as two 40-degree hot pools, a lavender flower theme pool, and an infinity pool, leaving no time to be bored. It also has convenient facilities such as locker rooms, sunbeds, and a snack bar.

Hackberry Tree in Bukbu-ri (창원북부리팽나무)

2024-02-15

102-1 Bukbu-ri, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hackberry Tree in Bukbu-ri is the most famous “celebrity tree” in Changwon. It became famous after appearing in episodes 7 and 8 of the popular drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022).” The tree sits on a hilltop, allowing visitors to enjoy the cool breeze and the panoramic view of Changwon's old neighborhood. Bukbu-ri village entrance has signposts leading to the hackberry here and there with drawings of dolphins symbolizing the drama (the drama protagonist’s favorite animal), making it convenient for tourists to reach the tree. The hackberry tree is estimated to be over 500 years old, and its size and scale cannot be captured with a camera in one frame. It is a protected tree designated by the state, visitors are advised to refrain from touching or getting close to the tree.

Changwon Arboretum (창원수목원)

2024-01-05

San 9-1, Samdong-dong, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Changwon Arboretum is an urban park located near Changwon City Hall. It has 14 themed gardens, including Sky Garden, European Garden, Forest of Children's Songs, Flower Hill, and Rock Garden, as well as exhibition halls and landscaping facilities such as a cactus greenhouse, Byeokcheon Fountain, a pond, and a rest area. Visitors can enjoy rare plants in the greenhouse, where 6,621 cacti and various subtropical plants are growing. In addition to descriptions of the 14 themed gardens, including the Textbook Botanical Garden and Forest of Children's Songs, the greenhouse offers a free guided tour covering the history of the forest and the role of the arboretum.

Cheongil Jogyeji Stairway (청일조계지 경계 계단)

2025-05-20

Seollin-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon

The border stairs of the Sino-Japanese Concession (an exclusive residential area set up for foreigners to live freely in ports opened for foreign trade) are located on a steep hill southwest of Jayu Park. It is a meaningful attraction with a history of about 120 years. The concession areas are divided into the Qing Dynasty concession on the left and the Japanese concession on the right with the stone stairs in the center. The buildings on the left and right clearly show each country's architectural styles and characteristics of the past.

Hanjungwon (한중원)

2024-01-04

12 Chinatown-ro 59beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

Hanjungwon is a Chinese-style garden built to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, making it a great place to rest after looking around Chinatown. It was created with the motif of the garden style of the Suzhou region in the mid and late Qing Dynasty. Plants native to China are planted, such as bamboo, roses, and peonies, giving it an exotic atmosphere. There are human figures wearing traditional Chinese costumes on both sides of the entrance, making it a famous photo zone.

Amore Seongsu (아모레 성수)

2024-01-05

7 Achasan-ro 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Amore Seongsu is an experiential store presented by the cosmetics brand Amorepacific Corporation. The building was renovated from an old car repair shop and presents a unique vibe. Visitors can test products on their skin and purchase products from over 30 brands released by Amorepacific Corporation. Recommended items include the Puzzlewood Hand Cream and Vegan Brush, made using a vegan recipe and a certified-vegan. A pop-up store is operated every month in collaboration with brands from various fields worldwide, providing trendy and extraordinary experiences such as exhibitions and product testing.

Seoul Upcycling Plaza (서울새활용플라자)

2024-01-05

49 Jadongchasijang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Saehwaryong is a Korean term for upcycling, a process of redesigning or recycling discarded resources or materials to give them a new value or purpose. Seoul Upcycling Plaza operates upcycling-related exhibitions, upcycling practice education and experience programs, design studios, upcycling stores, workshops, and more. It is a great place to look around for ideas and inspirations on how to use products for longer periods of time. The plaza demonstrates the first step to creating a resource-recycling society.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information