Hongdae

Hongdae is the area in front of Hongshik University known for its youthful ambiance. People in their 20s and 30s usually hangout here. Hongdae is popular for its cafes, clubs, wall murals, fashion, music and art festival.



This area is always packed with people and excitement. Idols usually do street performances here too. If you're lucky enough, you might pass by one while strolling around.

here's Crystal Clear or CLC, a newly debuted girl group form Cube Ent.

If not in the streets, they might be at a club. Epik High is one that I know of who performed to such. Here's Epik High performing Don't Hate me at a club in Hongdae.

There are also special streets in this area such as ateliers' street which is for art students preparing for university entrance exams, Picasso's street and Club Street.



You'll surely enjoy to walk through Hongdae! Visit Korea Tourism Organization to get to more of Hongdae.

Land of the Morning Calm

Searching for a good view of the rising sun? Then, you should visit Mt. Ansan, located in the Seodaemun-gu district of Seoul.



Mt. Ansan is the perfect mountain for a casual hike, all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes. The deck trail is only seven kilometers and can be completed in two-an-a-half hours. For those who prefer a more leisurely walk, then you can walk along the base of the mountain or the Ansan jarak-gil or "skirt road" which has gentle slopes, ideal for elderly visitors or parents with strollers.



Would you miss the beautiful sunrise of the Land of the Morning Calm? I would definitely not. There is a reason why Korea is called the Land of the Morning Calm, and the answer could be at the peak of Mt. Ansan. Better write this down on your itinerary on your next trip. :)



courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization

Taejongdae in Busan - 태종대(부산)

Taejondae is one of Busan's most famous tourist attractions. It is known for its rock beach with its highest peak at 250 meters and forests of 200 varieties of trees.

Taejondae was named after the 29th Sila Kingdom, King TaeJong Mu-Yeol (604-661). It is said this is where King Taejong enjoys shooting arrows the most among the many places he had traveled to.

Under the lighthouse, there is a resort called Sinseon rock which was named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. There is a rock figure here called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been to Japan.

Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization \

Free tour program to four of Seoul’s notable palaces!

A special experience program will be offered by Korea Tourism Organization for the upcoming Royal Court Culture Festival Week (May 1-10) for foreign visitors and residents with foreign nationality.


This tour is specially designed to introduce Korea’s traditional attractions and give insights to royal culture by visiting the four most popular palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine, all located in the heart of Seoul. Only 100 lucky applicants will enjoy the free admission to all these sites as well as special gifts.

Moreover, people who collect more than two stamps during the tour will receive exclusive advantages including free tickets to a K-Pop hologram concert, and first-row seats to the media façade show, taking place at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

Applications are being accepted until April 28, 2015. To apply for the event, check out this site http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr

SMTOWN at COEX Artium in Seoul

One of the leading entertainment companies in Korea has recently opened a multi-purpose cultural space that K-Pop fans from all over the world will truly enjoy. 

SM Town at COEX Artium officially opened last January 14, 2015. It is composed of SMTOWN STUDIO, SMTOWN LIVEary CAFE and SMTOWN THEATRE.

This is a must-stop place for K-Pop fans especially of those of SM artists like TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, F(x) and EXO. Not only will you be in cloud nine with stunning photos of your idols, but also, is filled with official merchandises.

With the Hallyu wave continually invading the shores of foreign lands, SMTOWN at COEX Artium will surely be one of the most visited tourist spots in Seoul.

To give you a glimpse of SMTOWN at COEX Artium, check the photos below. (photos aren't mine but are those of their respective rightful owners)

Imagine Your Korea

For more details on visiting SMTOWN at COEX Artium, you can check Korea Tourism Organization's website here: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Classic Trolley Buses in Seoul

Photo from Honeymoon Travels

New trolley buses with a design similar to the old Seoul train was added on April 2, 2015 under the Seoul Panorama course which is a circular bus line travelling to the main attractions in Seoul. 

The new trolley buses will depart from Gwanghwamun near Cheonggye Plaza, making stops at Myeong-dong, Namsan N Seoul Tower, 63 Building, Hongdae and Sinchon, returning to Gwanghwamun to end the trip.

These new trolley buses will surely complete your Korea trip. Would you ride them on your next visit? Click this link for more info. Visit KTO's website for more destinations visitkorea.or.kr

Visit Korea Mobile App

Planning your next visit to Korea? 

Download this App for FREE on your mobile phones and look for the recommended itineraries. 

Make things easier for you and by this, you won't forget to miss a thing. 

Ihwa Mural Village

Ihwa Mural Village is an unlikely attraction in an unlikely setting. Ihwa Mural Village is located at the peak of Mt. Naksan which was set for demolition because of aging and unattractive slum to make way for a new development. Surprisingly, it brought a new life to the city with its majestic art pieces.

The Naksan Project in 2006 was carriedout by the local Public Art Committee to improve the local environment of Ihwa Village. Approximately 60 artists painted the walls for the project.

Visitor can truly enjoy sightseeing and taking pictures in this place with its bueautiful murals and sculptures. Do not miss Ihwa Mural Village if you happen to visit korea!

I love ‪Korea‬ 2015 The Dream Concert

If you are a Kpop fan like me, you might have heard of Dream Concert. Dream Concert as we know it, is a large- scale concert which features Korea's top artists in one stage. As a Kpop fan, I have been anticipating this every year. This year's Dream Concert is already in its twelfth since 1995, proving the legacy of the event.

Dream Concert 2015 will be held at Seoul World Cup Staduim in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 23rd of May. This year's line up include SHINee, EXO, 4MINUTE, INFINITE, VIXX, B1A4, SISTAR, BTOB, T-ara, GOT7, Red Velvet, EXID and more artists to be announced soon. 

On the day of the concert, a lot of events will take place at the main square of the stadium which shall let the concert goers experience hallyu on a whole different level.

Please refer to visitkorea.or.kr for more information regarding this event. #KTO 

International Horticulture Goyang Korea

Adorable, isn't it? If you happen to be in Korea from April 24 to May 10, do not miss the International Horticulture Goyang Korea at Ilsan Lake Park! The event is under the theme "The Grand Collaboration of Flower, Peace and New Korean Wave." It shall showcase flower exhibits from a total of 320 foreign companies from 35 countries on a venue approximately 150,000 ㎡ in size. There will indoor and outdoor areas that will exhibit rare species of flora in a variety of themes. There will also be a lot more activites waiting for you. Do not miss the chance!

For more information regarding this, please refer to visitkorea.or.kr

'AWAKE' G-Dragon Solo Hologram Concert

               G-Dragon will hold his solo hologram concert in Dongdaemun at 7 and 8 pm every day except every Monday starting from April 1. The hologram concert entitled 'AWAKE' shall feature the very surrealistic persona of G-Dragon. 'AWAKE' is the first hologram concert to highlight an artist's love and passion for music.

              A special press preview was held prior to its opening last March 24. Through extraordinary image effects and 3D stereoscopic images not only for G-Dragon but also to the dancers, the audience shall experience an impenetrable media art. It is said that the highlight of 'AWAKE' is during the "Who you?" stage in which, G-Dragon will serenade a fan through the technology called "telepresence".

              It is certain that 'AWAKE' is an amazing project, isn't it? If you happen to be in Korea and wishes to watch Awake in K-Live, check out K-Live Facebook page here and their official site here. 

Story from: Korea Tourism Organization. Visit visitkorea.or.kr.

Imagine Your Korea

If you have ever dreamed of visiting Korea, you probably would have thought where to go and what to do there. Watch how Josh explores Korea through his imagination. 

BTW, Where do you think I could buy the mirror to teleport me to Korea?

The places featured in this video:

Cheongwadae Sarangchae → Suwon Hwaseong Fortress → Traditional Wedding - Korea House → Dongdaemun Design Plaza　→ Garosu-gil Road → Taekwondowon → Jejudo Island

BONUS

Extra video of BIGBANG Imagine Your Korea TVC to VIP out there! *highfive*

#ImagineYourKorea
Visit visitkorea.or.kr
 LIKE their FACEBOOK page for updates facebook.com/koreatourismmanila

22nd Travel Tour Expo with Sandara Park

Last February 15th, I attended the 22nd Travel Tour Expo 2015 in which one of the members of my favorite K-pop girl group 2NE1, Sandara Park is attending to represent the Korean Tourism. 

I arrived early at the venue as I was anticipating the massive amount of Blackjacks and other K-pop fans. Sandara showed up a bit late as the fans couldn't keep calm because of the eagerness to see her up close.

During the event on the first floor, Sandara shared that she recommends Seoul, including Gangnam, to foreigners when they visit in Korea.

(Gangnam)

Although, her favorite shopping district is Dongdaemun which is known for its 24 hour shopping.

(Dongdaemun Shopping Complex)

 She also recommended Shindangdong Tteokbokki Town where the whole street is filled with tteokbokki which is where she usually brings her friends.

 (Shindangdong Tteokbokki Town )

Sandara also shared that when she has free time, she often visits Jeju because its beautiful beaches and resorts remind her of the Philippines.

Were you at this event too? If not, then do not fret. Let us support KTO Manila future endeavors shall we? LIKE their page --> Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office 

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Every April, Korea celebrates the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. It is a cherry blossom festival held annually since 1963 at the naval port of Jinhae to commemorate the spirit of Yi Sun-shin.

Yi Sun Shin is a Korean admiral popularly known for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty. He is highly regarded for his impeccable conduct on and off the battlefield not only by Koreans, but also by Japanese Admirals. He is known as the "Naval Commander of Three Provinces (삼도 수군 통제사)". Yi Sun Shin remains a venerated hero among Koreans today for his valuable contribution to the Korean history.

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival offers a lot of events and activities which includes the Paldo Pungmul Market which takes place on the eve of the festival, art and culture performances and more at Jungmun Rotary. There will also be hand-on activities from trying on a naval uniform to cruise riding and more.

Most importantly, during spring time, Jinhae City, majestically decorated with cherry blossoms will display a special presentation. The petals fluttering and falling in the wind creates a breathtaking scene. A beautiful tunnel should not be missed.

To help you out in your Spring Korean Tour, why not check out this Super Spring Gyeonggi tour?

For more information, visit http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/