What's Seoul's No.1 landmark? Seoulites say Han River, foreigners pick Gwanghwamun Plaza

Seoul's Han River was picked by the city's residents as the capital's most iconic feature, according to the results of a survey by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday. Foreign nationals, on the other hand, chose Gwanghwamun Plaza as Seoul's top landmark in the same survey. A total of 35,881 South Koreans aged 15 or over, and 2,500 foreign nationals who stayed in the country for at least 91 days took part in the 2023 Seoul Survey. In the poll, in which multiple ans

May 11, 2024

Haeundae Beach to become sand art museum in late May

South Korea’s famous Haeundae Beach in Busan is set to bring wonder to tourists' eyes with stunning sand art, starting May 24 until May 27. The annual Haeundae Sand Festival, started in 2005, displays a wide range of sand art pieces at the country’s popular summer getaway spot and entertains visitors with sand art-related programs. This year, under the theme of “World’s Famous Museums Trip,” the upcoming sand festival will feature sand art versions of Michelang

May 10, 2024

[Photo News] Lotte World Adventure's 35th Anniversary Parade

Lotte World Adventure, one of the most popular theme parks in South Korea located in Songpa-gu, southern Seoul, celebrates its 35th anniversary with the new nighttime parade “World of Light.” The 30-minute parade, which started on April 26, is set to provide a feast for guests’ eyes with dazzling light fixtures and unique performances every day at 8 p.m. “World of Light” is scheduled to run through the end of this year.

May 10, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo unveils special cake DoubleTree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo, located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, is offering a carnation-themed cake in May, in celebration of Parents’ Day. With carnation flowers decorating the top, the cakes are made with raspberry coulis, cream cheese and pink colored buttercream cake sheet. The cakes are offered in two sizes -- a whole cake and mini cake -- which are priced at 65,000 won and 15,000 won, respectively. Reservations are r

May 10, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Spring blooms at Morning Calm Spring blooms are at their peak at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. From plum blossoms and royal azaleas to tulips, daffodils and forsythias, enjoy the sprawling flower beds and shows, which are part of the festivities the garden is hosting through May 26. Flea markets will be held alongside magic shows to liven up the mood three days a week throughout the festival. Admission is priced at 11,000 won for adults with discounts available f

May 10, 2024

Will Daegu get its own panda? Construction of park starts with hopes of hosting the rare animal

Daegu on Wednesday commenced the construction of the Daegu Grand Park in its Suseong-gu district, slated for completion by 2027. The park is to house a range of facilities including a zoo, theme parks and venues for leisure activities and sports. The joint project by the city government and the Daegu Urban Development Corporation centers particularly on the plans for the new zoo, expected to replace the outdated facility currently located inside the Dalseong Park in Jung-gu. Daegu Mayor Hong J

May 9, 2024

Dog goes on incredible journey to make it back home, 41 days after going missing

A one-year-old Korean Jindo recently made headlines here, after the dog traveled a substantial distance to make it back home after going missing 41 days ago. A local YouTube channel on Tuesday posted the story of Jindo dog Hong-min, who lives in the city of Daejeon with his owner Yoon Jeong-sang. Yoon, an avid soccer fan and owner of 10 Jindos, named the dog after Son Heung-min, mistaking the soccer superstar's name for Son Hong-min. The one-year-old dog went missing on March 24, when Yoon

May 9, 2024

Korail unveils Buddhist temple-themed train trips

Korail Tourism Development, a subsidiary of the Korea Railroad Corp., is offering day trips to explore South Korea’s Buddhist temples on June 8. Collaborating with the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism, Korail Tourism Development has prepared a total of eight train trip courses to different regions around the country and their well-known temples. Three trains will head to Banyasa and Yeongguksa in Yeongdong as well as Yonghwasa in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. While the Banyasa and

May 8, 2024

Korail Tourism Development recommends springtime rail bike trips

Korail Tourism Development, a subsidiary of the Korea Railroad Corp., has unveiled four iconic rail bike spots for domestic travelers. With green leaves dancing to the rhythm of the gentle breeze and spring now in full swing, hopping on a rail bike is one of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in the country’s beautiful nature and spring vibes. The highland county of Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, welcomes visitors with a splendid mountain range that can easily be spotted from practica

May 6, 2024

[Drama Tour] Try ‘Thirty-Nine’ cafe tour in Seoul

For visitors from overseas, it would be impossible to not note the proliferation of coffeehouses here; there seems to be more than just one around every corner in any Seoul neighborhood. This abundance of coffee shops has led Koreans to be discerning when it comes to choosing a cafe. Among the many different coffeehouses that beckon with unique concepts -- think animal cafes, vinyl record coffee shops and even a “chimmuk cafe” where patrons must remain quiet and conversation is prohi

May 5, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Green Barley Festival, Gochang The annual Green Barley Festival will run through May 12 at Hagwon Farm in Gochang County, North Jeolla Province. “Nongak,” a traditional Korean performance art, as well as classical music and jazz will be performed on the main stage set up in the middle of the vast farmland, which sits next to fields of canola flowers. Children can take part in activities like treasure hunts. Admission, including parking, is free. For more information, visit tour.g

May 3, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Grand Hyatt Seoul unveils driving program for kids Grand Hyatt Seoul, located in Yongsan, central Seoul, is offering a new kids program “Hi Little Hyatt” to celebrate the upcoming Children’s Day. Children’s Day, which falls on May 5, is usually celebrated by parents taking their kids to enjoy a special treat. From May 5 to 7, “Hi Little Hyatt” allows children under six to ride the electric vehicles along the driving experience zone and head to the hotel&rsq

May 3, 2024

Media art introduces Korean culture at Incheon Airport

Travelers arriving at Incheon Airport's Terminal 1 can look forward to an introduction to traditional Korean culture through new media art as they make their way toward immigration. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation have displayed the Traditional Culture Media Wall at the airport since 2021 with the aim of promoting Korea's traditional culture to international and domestic passengers. Videos entitled "K-Heritage," "K-Nature,&q

May 1, 2024

Namhae to extend beer festival period

The Namhae German Village Oktoberfest, which takes place in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, has decided to extend its festival period to four days for the first time since its launch in 2010. The village, long known for its distinctly foreign ambience in South Korea, has garnered local travelers' attention with its annual beer festival based on Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The decision to extend the festival period, previously held for two to three days, was made in response to its ri

April 30, 2024

'Moon of Seoul' balloon ride prepares to take flight in June

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday that it has commenced preparations for installing the "Moon of Seoul" tethered helium balloon ride at Yeouido Hangang Park, with operation set to start in June. Basic landscaping will precede the installation of the moon-shaped balloon, which is currently under construction in France. The balloon will then be brought to Seoul to undergo safety inspections following the Aviation Safety Act. "Safety is our priority in installing (Moon of

April 29, 2024

Refresh, unwind away from the tropical heat

MANILA, Philippines -- Traveling overseas brings unusual excitement for holidaymakers, driving them to explore new things, even if it means spending a lot of energy and effort. After days jam-packed with activities and new experiences in a foreign land, taking a much-needed break is just as important. For those who have spent several days discovering Manila's bustling city life and tourist attractions, spending your last night at the Marriott Hotel Manila is perfect for a refresh before h

April 27, 2024

Legoland Korea Resort to open until 9 p.m.

Legoland Korea Resort, a theme park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, announced that it will extend its operating hours so as to allow guests to enjoy its rides and attractions at night. The theme park will stay open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays in May. It will also stay open until 9 p.m. on May 5, Children's Day. Visitors will be treated to a stunning nighttime view of Chuncheon at the theme park’s 43-meter observatory for the first time, according to the theme park official. A Dance perf

April 26, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Guided Han River tours Free tours making stops at historic sites near and around the Han River will run through November. The tours will start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, with each tour lasting about two hours. Reservations need to be made five days in advance for individuals and a month in advance for groups, at visit-hangang.seoul.kr. Text messages will be sent when reservations are made or if a tour is canceled. Each tour requires at least three participants, as well as good weather with

April 26, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul unveils new summer delicacy The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, located in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, will serve three types of South Korea’s favorite iced dessert “bingsu” featuring Jeju apple mango, red bean and green tea. Bingsu is a national summer delicacy made with shaved ice, milk and condensed milk, and is often topped with sweetened red beans or fruits. The dessert will be available every day from May 1 to Sept. 30 at the lobby lounge. While the apple

April 26, 2024

7 new train trip programs coming in May

Korail Tourism Development will launch seven new railway travel programs discovering different parts of Korea to celebrate the month of May. May, known as “family month” here, is when many Koreans schedule trips to enjoy public holidays and occasions like Children’s Day, Parent’s Day and Couple’s Day. All seven different railway travel programs leave on May 3 and 4. Two of them are overnight trips in North Gyeongsang Province under the concept of "rest." T

April 25, 2024