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[USEFUL INFO] If You Have Difficulties During Your Trip in Korea, Call 1330
People can’t understand what I want to say, I get lost in a strange place, someone is trying to overcharge you, I don’t know what event will be held during my trip…But you can’t speak Korean. What would you do when you have troubles like them during your trip in Korea? Don’t worry about all of them. Here’s a good solution for you.
1330 Korea Travel Hotline & Complaint Center
Use 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
1330 Korea Travel Hotline is operated by Korea Tourism Organization and this is for foreign tourists who have difficulties during their trips. They provide interpretation services(in English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai and Malay) but also offer detailed information about attractions, events and so on, and services for most regions of Korea. Additionally, if you are in an emergency or have complaints about services for tourists, they can connect you to the 1345 Ministry of Justice Call Center, 119 Emergency Rescue Service, Korean Tourism Organization Complaint Center and other related call centers.
And you know what? The most amazing thing is that it’s a 24/7 service!
How to Use 1330
1. Internet Phone
Just download 1330 mobile application and call them through a button on the app. When you are connected to a Wi-fi zone, it’s free.
2. Landline
If you are in Korea, just press 1330. If you are in your country and want to get some information, use this number +82-2-1330.
[USEFUL INFO] Are You Looking for a Free Trip in Korea? (Sep ~ Oct 2019)
Do you know that you can travel Korea for free or at a dirt cheap price with well-organized programs? This post is about some events which you can travel Korea for free or nearly for free(Note that they are seasonal programs so I’ll update information after October).
Free Trip Programs
in Seoul & Gyeonggi-do
(Sep ~ Oct 2019)
Free or Nearly Free Trip Events in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province
1. Cheongwadae(the Blue House) Sarangchae Road Tour(English)
This is an interesting road tour event operated by Cheongwadae(the Blue House(the presidential residence)) and they have 2 courses; one is that you can enjoy Korean street food with old Korean coins and follow the trace of BTS and TVXQ in Seochon and another one is that you can experience the Buddhist culture.
(1) Date : Sep 19th ~ Oct 18th (every Thursday and Friday)
(2) Course :
① The Amusing Road to Cheongwadae Sarangchae (Thursday)
Start(11:00) → K-Style Hub → Cheonggyecheon Stream → Tong-in Traditional Market(Lunch) → Hanok(traditional Korean house) Cafe → Cheongwadae Sarangchae → Finish(15:10)
② Experiencing the Buddhist Culture on the Road to Cheongwadae Sarangchae (Friday)
Start(11:00) → K-Style Hub → Korean Cuisine Culture Center(Lunch) → Cheonggyecheon Stream → Jogyesa Temple → Korean Temple Food Center → Cheongwadae Sarangchae → Finish(15:20)
(3) Participation Fee : 10,000won (lunch & tour fee included)
※ Only 30 people for each tour and advanced online reservation required. You should check details about it on their website.
2. Free DMZ Tour(English)
Have you heard of DMZ(Korean Demilitarized Zone)? Seoul Global Village Center Yeoksam location(It belongs to Seoul city) will take you there and guide you for free. Note that this tour is for foreigners who are living in Korea.
(1) Date : Oct 1st (13:00~19:00)
(2) Participation Fee : Free (tour fee included)
(3) How to Apply : Refer to the website
※ First come, first served
3. Anseong Baudeogi Festival Tour(English)
This event is hosted by Funday Korea Networks. You can see traditional Korean acrobatics and experience making traditional masks and walking on a rope for free at Anseong Baudeogi festival(This festival is hosted by Anseong city). Note that you are required to write a review on your social media after the event.
(1) Date : Oct 2nd or 3rd
(2) Place : Seoul → Anseong, Gyeonggi-do province
(3) Participation Fee : Free (lunch, dinner(or breakfast), travel insurance, bus, tour fee included)
(4) How to Apply : Refer to the website
4. Global Seocho Culture Experience(English)
Global Seocho Culture Experience is operated by Seocho-gu district of Seoul city. You can experience the Korean culture seeing around Seocho-gu area.
(1) Date : ~Dec 2019
(2) Course :
① Korean Traditional Culture Experience Course (Every Friday)
Experience the Korea traditional music instruments → The Museum of National Gugak Center → Visiting Daeseongsa (Traditional Buddhist Temple)
② Make a Flower Arrangement in Seocho (Every Friday)
Visiting Flower Market and experience floral arrangements
③ Korean Cooking Class ( Every 1st and 3rd Monday)
Visting Seocho Windhill and experience the Korean cooking class
(3) Participation Fee : 10,000won (tour fee included)
※ 15~20 people per day
(4) How to Apply : Refer to the website
[USEFUL INFO] Is Korea a Safe Country?
For most tourists or foreigners who are coming to Korea, one of the biggest concerns would be safety. Luckily, Korea is well known as a safe country in the world. But I want to talk about it in more detail here.
Is Korea Really Safe?
If someone asks me “Is Korea really safe?”, then I would say “YES”. No pickpocket, CCTVs everywhere, No guns, No robberies on streets, A lot of 24-hour stores, easy access to the police and so on. It sounds unbelievable but it’s all true in Korea. Some days ago, I found an interesting video which a foreign tourist experiments “Safety” in Korea. Let’s see how safe Korea is together.
Well..Now you may think “Oh, it’s absolutely fake.” But it’s true. You can’t still trust me? Then let me tell you a personal story. I have never worried about any dangerous things when I go outside. In Korea, I can leave my bag, laptop or cell phone on a table at a cafe when I go to a bathroom. Why? Because literally nothing happens. Even I sleep on a bus, nothing happens. My cell phone in my hands and my bag is still next to me. No one is interested in your stuff. It’s safe even in the night so I often go to a convenient store in the midnight or drink until late at night. I know it sounds really crazy but I don’t want to exaggerate anything. I say again, it’s all true.
But…
You should know that it’s a relative thing. Wherever you are, it doesn’t hurt to be careful. Especially if you are female, you should keep it in mind. It’s true that Korea is safe but it doesn’t guarantee that there is no crime here. I told you that I can go outside even in the night just now. Actually it depends on circumstances. If there are some people on a street and it’s a big street, I go outside. If not? Of course I don’t go anywhere in the night.
And make sure to lock up when you go to bed or go out. If you are in a danger in a public bathroom or on a street, look at a wall or the bottom of a street lamp. There is a number on it. When you call the police and tell them the number, they will promptly check your current location and come to you.
Seoul city also offers services for women. “서울시 안심이”(Seoul-si Ansimi) is that a guard takes women to their places in the night. If you make a reservation in advance on the app, a guard will take you home safely. Or you can call the police with just shaking your phone.
You can use a parcel keeping service(여성안심택배). You can get parcels to specific places, not your place. After checking locations of the places and their addresses, type them when you order something online. With this service, you don’t need to face delivery men and don’t let them know who live in your place. Here is a link for the places “여성안심택배“. But all the services are offered in only Korean.
Last one. Don’t trust your neighbors. Be careful not to expose a door password. I know now a lot of foreigners use delivery apps. Don’t let delivery men inside your house. You can just tell them to put food in front of your door.
[ENTERTAINMENTS] Seoul Dessert Fair
Do you know that we have a large scale dessert fair in Seoul bimonthly? And do you know that you can not only enjoy unique desserts but also handicrafts there? Today, I’m gonna tell you about Seoul Dessert Fair.
24th Seoul Dessert Fair
(Oct 19 ~ 20)
Seoul Dessert Fair started in 2016 and they have held dessert events bimonthly every year. In the beginning, there were only dessert booths. But recently, Seoul Dessert Fair has enlarged and now they don’t only have dessert booths but handicraft booths and etc. And next month will mark the 24th Seoul Dessert Fair with the various booths on a large scale.
Every 2 months, Seoul Dessert Fair hosts an event based on themes like Chocolate, Strawberry, Mango, Watermelon and etc. The theme for the 24th event is “Halloween & Unique Food”. So you can enjoy Halloween style desserts and handicrafts at the event. And they have 3 zones; Dessert Zone, Handicraft Zone and Food Zone+@. Let me introduce more in detail.
1. Detailed Information
※All rights of the photos and poster here
belong to Seoul Dessert Fair※
(1) Dessert Zone
You can buy a variety of desserts like cookies, cupcakes, drinks, cakes and more. You can also choose desserts from cute things to classic ones. This time, you will be able to see a lot of Halloween themed desserts at the event.
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website 
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website 
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website 
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website 
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website 
ⓒ Seoul Dessert Fair Official Website
(2) Handicraft Zone
They have lots of handicraft booths as well. You can buy handmade earrings, bags, bracelets and etc. I recommend you should see around the booths because you can find unique accessories or items there.
(3) Food Zone
& More
For people who want to have lunch at the event, they also have a food zone. You can see some food trucks there and choose what you want to eat. They sell food like street foods, cubed steaks and noodles. In addition, they have booths for pets and beauty, and there is a zone where you can take a picture with costume players.
2. Event Information
<24th Seoul Dessert Fair>
① Date : Oct 19~20, 2019
② Venue : KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 Hall 9, Kintex-ro 217-60, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 고양시 일산서구 킨텍스로 217-60 킨텍스 제 2전시장 9홀)
③ Admission Fee & Event Schedule :
| Day | Part | Opening Hours | Admission Fee | ※Note |
| 19th, 20th | 1 | 12:00 ~ 14:30 | 4,000won(Online) 5,000won(Onsite) | You can buy a ticket onsite |
| 19th, 20th | Break Time | 14:30 ~ 15:30 | ||
| 19th, 20th | 2 | 15:30 ~ 18:00 | 4,000won(Online) 5,000won(Onsite) | You can buy a ticket onsite |
| 19th, 20th | All day(1+2) | 12:00 ~ 18:00 | 5,000won | You need to buy a ticket online in advance |
※If you buy a ticket online in advance, you can buy it at 3,000won for each part(But the number or the tickets is limited)
④ Contact Info :
▶Tel : 02-6010-8941
▶E-mail : bcf@bookpalcomics.com
▶Twitter : @sdf_event
▶Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/dessertfair
▶Instagram : @seoul_dessert_fair
⑤ Next Event(25th Seoul Dessert Fair) : Dec 28~29 / AT Center, Seoul
※If you want to know their following events, check their social network accounts or website.
3. Tips for You
If you want a certain dessert, I recommend you go to an event venue ahead of time and wait for 1~2 hours. There’s a lot of competitions so if you are late, you couldn’t get what you want or popular desserts.
One more. You should take cash because most of booths don’t accept a credit card or a debit card.
[ENTERTAINMENTS] K-POP Goods Flea Market and Offline Shops for K-POP Plush Dolls
Are you a big fan of K-POP? Do you stan any K-POP groups? If so, here is interesting news for you; K-POP Goods(Merchandise) Flea Market in Seoul.
2019 K-POP Goods
Flea Market (Oct 20th)
If you like K-POP, you may know there are lots of K-POP goods(In Korea, we call merch “goods”) and many people buy and sell them online or offline. For the fans, the first K-POP Goods(Merch) Flea Market is going to be held in Seoul this October. Sellers who signed up in advance are selling their K-POP goods. The goods can be official ones or something fan-made. Anyone can enter the event venue and buy what he/she wants. If you’re interested in buying or looking around various K-POP merch, it would be a good opportunity for you.
Here is detailed information about the event.
<2019 K-POP Goods Flea Market>
① Date : Oct 20th, 2019
② Venue : COEX Hall A, Seoul(513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul)
③ Admission Fee : Free
④ Contact Info :
E-mail : kpopmarket@blankkorea.com
Twitter : @kpopgoodsmarket
Instagram : @kpop_goods_market
※All rights of the posters here belong to K-POP Goods Flea Market.
& More…For Fans Who Have K-POP Plush Dolls
Do you have K-POP plush dolls? And are you looking for clothes for them? Then I want to introduce some offline shops for their clothes in Seoul and Busan.
(1) Idolllook(아이돌룩), Seoul Location
① Tel : 070-4170-9109
② E-mail : overseas@idolllook.co.kr
③ Opening Hours : 11:00 ~ 21:00 (No day off)
④ Location : Hongik-ro 6gil 74, Mapo-gu, Seoul(서울특별시 마포구 홍익로6길 74)
※It’s located in Hongdae area
(2) Idolllook(아이돌룩), Busan Location
① Tel : 051-806-0012
② E-mail : overseas@idolllook.co.kr
③ Opening Hours : 11:00 ~ 21:00 (No day off)
④ Location : Idolllook, Jeonpodae-ro 209bungil 39-8 3F, Busanjin-gu, Busan(부산광역시 부산진구 전포대로209번길 39-8 3층 아이돌룩)
※It’s located in Seomyeon area
(3) Sopumgongjang(소품공장), Seoul Location
① Tel : 070-7643-6900
② Opening Hours : 12:00 ~ 21:00 (Closed on only New Year’s Day, Seollal(The Lunar New Year’s Day, 설날), Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving day))
③ Location : Jeongmyeong Bldg. 6F, Wawoosan-ro 21gil 31, Mapo-gu, Seoul(서울특별시 마포구 와우산로21길 31 정명빌딩 6층)
※It’s located in Hongdae area
(2) Sopumgongjang(소품공장), Busan Location
① Tel : 070-7643-6901
② Opening Hours : 12:00 ~ 21:00 (Closed on only New Year’s Day, Seollal(The Lunar New Year’s Day, 설날), Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving day))
③ Location : Shincheondae-ro 50bungil 65 4F, Busanjin-gu, Busan(부산광역시 부산진구 신천대로50번길 65 4층)
※It’s located in Seomyeon area
[USEFUL INFO] Some Useful Tips for Learning Korean in Korea
Today I’m going to tell you about some useful tips for people who are studying in Korea. I’ll post about free Korean classes, tips for intermediate, advanced learners and people who want to take TOPIK in Korea.
Useful Tips for
Learning Korean
in Korea
Free Korean Classes
There are some free Korean classes in every part of Korea. But you need to pay 1,000won as tuition fee or buy a textbook for some classes.
(1) Seoul Global Center, Busan Foundation for International Cooperation, Gwangju International Center, Daejeon International Center, Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation, Suwon Center for International Cooperation, Jeollabuk-do Center for International Affairs
Each of them has Korean classes and their tuition is very cheap or free.
(2) Galwol Community Welfare Center (Seoul)
Korean volunteer teachers teach you Korean for free.
(3) Sookmyung Korean Education Volunteers (Seoul)
Trained Sookmyung Women’s University students teach you Korean. Not free but dirt cheap.
+ More
If you are a college student, you can find Korean classes for students in your school. Or there is an international student support program for each school. If you’re not a student, you can find free or cheap Korean classes on a website of your city or district. I attach the link of my post with more information about it here. Check it out!
Tips for Intermediate & Advanced Learners
If you are an intermediate or advanced learners, I recommend you follow the tips as below;
- If you are a student, look for a school volunteer club which matches a Korean student who support exchange students with you. You can not only talk with him/her in Korean but also be supported when you have difficulties for living in Korea.
- Or you can contact an administration office of your school and tell them that you are looking for a Korean student who wants to exchange languages.
- Find a language exchange partner on language exchange websites like Conversation Exchange. You can make an appointment with your partner and practice Korean in person. But you need to be careful in this case.
- This is what I frequently use when I study English. If you want to check if a certain word or a sentence, go to Twitter or Naver(most-used Korean search engine). And write the word or sentence. Then a search result will show you if Korean people really use it in real life or not. This is very powerful because even though they are wrong, you can find a correct word or sentence.
Are You Applying for TOPIK in Korea?
If you have a plan to apply for TOPIK in Korea, you should know this. YOU MUST HURRY OR YOU CAN’T TAKE THE TEST. There’s a lot of competition for an application for TOPIK. When I applied for TOPIK for my friend, there were around 5,000 people before me. Can you believe me? And after me? There were more than 10k people. It sounds crazy but it’s true. And you know what? Even if I accessed the application page, I couldn’t select a location where I was going to choose. Because it was already closed 😦
So..make sure that you should hurry and be ready on time if you want to take TOPIC in Korea.
[PLACES] Traditional Style Cafe “Hyemindang”(혜민당)
Today I’m going to introduce one of my favorite cafes in Seoul. After you finish reading this post, I’m sure that most of you may love it too!
Cafe “Hyemindang”(혜민당)
Cafe Hyemindang(혜민당) is a traditional style cafe in Seoul. Its name originates from Hyeminseo(혜민서) which was medical authorities in the Joseon Dynasty. Heo Jun, the greatest doctor in Korean history, cured people in Hyeminseo and Hyemindang was built on the exact site where he saw people in Hyeminseo. Anyway now you can enjoy coffee, tea and desserts like other cafes in Hyemindang.
But they are different from others. That’s why I like it there and I’m writing about it now. Let me tell you how different they are.
Unique Order System
In a narrow alley, there are 2 buildings which face each other. One is Hyemindang and another is “Coffee Hanyakbang”(커피한약방). But both are Hyemindang. You want to order drinks at Coffee Hanyakbang and choose desserts at Hyemindang. But you can have drinks and desserts in any of them.
You can order desserts and bread here.
ⓒ DoUKorea
You can order drinks here.
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea
Tasty Drinks & Delicious Desserts
Their drinks and desserts are one of the best things I’ve ever had. They don’t only look awesome but also are delicious. Especially they offer Korean-Western fusion desserts like Omija(Korean berry. Omija means “5 flavored berry”(sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter tastes)) Mousse and Yuja(Korean citron) Fromage. They also have some bread and cookies. Whatever you choose, they won’t let you down(My suggestion is Omija Mousse tho! This is a very personal story but I took my mother and foreign friends to Hyemindang and they loved Omija Mousse so much. Additionally, it’s the best menu item).
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea 
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea
Exotic Interiors
After you order drinks and desserts in Coffee Hanyakbang and Hyemindang, you can choose where to sit. You can have your food on the second floor in any of the buildings. The point is that you can see exotic interiors inside them. They are not 100% traditional Korean style but they are so unique. For that reason alone, it’s worth visiting.
ⓒ DoUKorea
ⓒ DoUKorea
“Watch Your Step” 🙂
ⓒ DoUKorea
How to Get there
It’s in a narrow alley so you may have trouble finding it. You should get off at Euljiro3ga St.(Line 2, Exit 1), go straight and turn right at the first corner. Keep going straight and then you can see an intersection. Turn right and you can find a narrow alley on your right side. If you find a poke restaurant in the alley, you are in the right place. Look to the right there!
[ENTERTAINMENTS] Basic Information and Special Events of Korean Royal Palaces
Basic Info & Events of
Royal Palaces
If you visit Seoul, I think most of you are going to royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. They are not only worth visiting but also have lots of special events.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours :
| Period | Opening Hours |
| Jan ~ Feb | 09:00 ~ 17:00 |
| Mar ~ May | 09:00 ~ 18:00 |
| Jun ~ Aug | 09:00 ~ 18:30 |
| Sep ~ Oct | 09:00 ~ 18:00 |
| Nov ~ Dec | 09:00 ~ 17:00 |
※ The last entrance is 1 hour before closing
- Closed : Every Tuesday
- Admission Fee : 3,000won(Adults), 1,500won(Youth(7~18)), Free(Children under 6 and adults over 65)
※ Admission fee is FREE for people wearing Hanbok(traditional Korean clothes) or on Culture day(the last Wednesday of every month) - Subway : Get off at Gyeongbokgung St. (Line 3, Exit 5) and walk 5 minutes / Get off at Gwanghwamun St. (Line 5, Exit 2) and walk 10 minutes
- Bus :
① Blue bus 109, 171, 272, 601, 606, 710
② Green bus 1020, 7025
③ Green(Village) bus Jongno 11 - Free English Guided Tour (1 hour ~ 1.5 hours)
| 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 |
(2) Events & Special Programs
- Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Royal Cuisine Experience, Gugak(traditional Korean music) performance at night
Every first half of the year & second half year / Advanced online reservation required(Auction Ticket) - Royal Dessert & Tea Program : Suragan Sisikgonggam(수라간 시식공감)
Royal Dessert & Tea Experience, Gugak(traditional Korean music) performance
Every first half of the year & second half year / Advanced online reservation required(Auction Ticket) - Saenggwabang Experience(생과방)
Saenggwabang is a place where royal tea and desserts were made. You can experience royal dessert & tea at reasonable prices
Every second half year, Some free special programs like making royal desserts require advanced online reservations - Changing Ceremony of the Royal Guards
10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 - Royal guards’ training performance
9:35, 13:35 - Gugak Music Concerts(Day & Night)
Every spring and autumn - Traditional Tea Ceremony
Every first half of the year & second half year - Interior spaces of Gyeongbokgung Special Tour Program
Every second half year / Advanced online reservation required
2. Changdeokgung Palace
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours :
| Area | Opening Hours |
| Changdeokgung Palace Building Area | 09:00 ~ 18:00(Feb~May, Sep~Oct) 09:00 ~ 18:30(Jun~Aug) 09:00 ~ 17:30(Nov~Jan) |
| Secret Garden | 10:00 ~ 17:30(Mar~May, Sep~Oct) 10:00 ~ 18:00(Jun~Aug) 10:00 – 17:00(Feb, Nov) 10:00 – 16:30(Dec~Jan) |
- Closed : Every Monday
- Admission Fee :
| Location | Type | Individual |
| General Admission (Changdeokgung Palace Building Areas Only) | Adult (age 19~64) Youth (age 7~18) ※ Admission fee is FREE for people wearing Hanbok(traditional Korean clothes) or on Culture day(the last Wednesday of every month) | 3,000won 1,500won |
| Secret Garden | Adult (age 19~64) Adult (age 65 or over) Youth (age 7~18) | 8,000won 5,000won 4,000won |
※Admission to the Secret Garden is limited to 100 people per session (On-line reservations of 50 people, on-site purchases of 50 people on a first-come, first-served basis). Online or on-site reservations are required for the Secret Garden tour.
- Subway : Get off at Jongno3ga St. (Line 1, 3, 5 / Exit 6) and walk 10 minutes / Get off at Anguk St. (Line 3, Exit 3) and walk 5 minutes
- Bus :
① Blue bus 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272, 601
② Green bus 7025
③ Green(Village) bus Jongno 01, Jongno 12
④ Airport limousine bus 6011 - Free English Guided Tour
| Location | Hours |
| Changdeokgung Palace Building Area | 10:15, 13:15 (Jan ~ Dec) |
| Secret Garden | 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 (Feb ~ Nov) 10:30, 11:30, 14:30 (Dec ~ Jan) |
(2) Events & Special Programs
- Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace
Guided tour(90min), Traditional Shadow Play, Royal Herb Tea Experience and more.
Every first half of the year & second half year / Advanced online reservation required(Auction Ticket) - Interior spaces of Changdeokgung Special Tour Program
Every first half of the year & second half year / Advanced online reservation required - Rice Planting Program
The first half of the year
3. Deoksugung Palace
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours : 09:00 ~ 21:00
※ The last entrance is 1 hour before closing
※ Daehan Empire History Museum : 9:30 ~ 16:30(1F, 2F), 9:00 ~ 18:00(Basement)
※ Jungmyeongjeon Hall : 10:00 ~ 17:00 - Closed : Every Monday
- Admission Fee : 1,000won(Adults), 500won(Youth(7~18)), Free(Children under 7 and adults over 65)
※ Admission fee is FREE for people wearing Hanbok(traditional Korean clothes) or on Culture day(the last Wednesday of every month) - Subway : Get off at City Hall St. (Line 1, Exit 2 / Line 2, Exit 12)
- Bus :
① Blue bus 103, 150, 401, 402, 406, N16, 172, 472, 600, 602, N62, 405, 400, 471, 101, 603
② Green bus 1711, 7016, 7022, 7019
③ Green(Village) bus Jongno 09, Jongno 11
④ Airport limousine bus 6005, 6701 - Free English Guided Tour
| 10:45, 13:30 (Tue ~ Sun) |
(2) Events & Special Programs
- Changing Ceremony of the Royal Guards
- Sungnyemun Gate Guard Performance
- Deoksugung Pungnyu
Thursday (May~Oct, Every year), 19:00~20:00 - Diplomatic Reception for Envoys to the Korean Empire
The first half year, the second half year - Seokjojeon Music Concert
Culture day(The last Wednesday of every month), 19:00~20:00 / Passport or Alien Registration Card required - Afternoon Music Concert
The first half year, the second half year - Interior spaces of Deoksugung Special Tour Program
Every first half of the year / Advanced online reservation required
4. Changgyeonggung Palace
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours : 9:00 ~ 21:00
※ The last entrance is 1 hour before closing. - Closed : Every Monday
- Admission Fee : 1,000won(Adults/Age 25~64), 1,000won(Foreigners/Age 19~64), 500won(Youth(7~18)), Free(Children under 6 and adults over 65)
※ Admission fee is FREE every Saturday, Culture day(the last Wednesday of every month), National holidays - Subway : Get off at Hyehwa St. (Line 4, Exit 4)
- Bus :
① Blue bus(Hyehwa Roundabout → Honghwamun Gate)
100, 102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 140, 143, 150, 151, 160, 162, 171, 172, 272, 301, 710
② Blue bus(Wonnam-dong Intersection → Honghwamun Gate)
151, 171, 172, 272, 601
③ Airport limousine bus 6011 - Free English Guided Tour (1 hour)
| 11:00, 16:00 (Tue ~ Sun) |
(2) Events & Special Programs
- Intangible Cultural Heritages Performance
The first half year, the second half year - Gugak(traditional Korean music) Concerts, Royal Sword & Fan dances
Sep to Oct, every year - Traditional Lantern Rental Service(Free)
You can borrow a traditional lantern at information centers at night
5. Gyeonghuigung Palace
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours : 09:00~18:00
- Closed : 1st Jan, Monday
- Admission Fee : Free
- Subway : Get off at Seodaemun St.(Line 5, Exit 4) and walk 10 minutes
6. National Palace Museum of Korea
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours : 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Open until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- Closed : New Year’s Day, Seollal(Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving Day)
- Admission Fee : Free
- Subway : Get off at Gyeongbokgung St. (Line 3, Exit 5) and walk 5 minutes / Gwanghwamun St. (Line 5, Exit 1) and walk 10 minutes
- Bus : Nearest stops to the museum are ‘Gyeongbokgung Palace’, ’ Gyeongbokgung Station’, and ‘Sajikdong Community Service Center’.
① Blue bus 109, 171, 272, 601, 606, 700, 701, 706
② Green bus 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 7212
③ Red bus 9703
④ Airport limousine bus 6011 - Free English Guided Tour
| Mon ~ Thu | Fri ~ Sun |
| 11:00, 14:00 | 14:00 |
7. Royal Cultural Festival
(1) Basic Information
Every year, from April to May, Royal Cultural Festival is held in 5 palaces(Gyeongbokgung palace, Changdeokgung palace, Changgyeonggung palace, Deoksugung palace, Gyeonghuigung palace) and Jongmyo shrine.
(2) Events & Special Programs
During this period, you can enjoy various cultural programs every day. Some programs of 2019 Royal Cultural Festival are like;
- Royal guards’ training performance
- Royal herb tea and dessert making experience
- Gugak(traditional Korean music) concerts
- Royal cosmetics & make-up experience
- Traditional ceremony of assembling the King’s guards performance
- Royal arts experience
- Magic show
- Traditional tea experience
- Traditional mask dance performance
- Media performance and more
8. Jongmyo Shrine
ⓒ UNESCO World Heritage
(1) Basic Information
- Opening Hours : 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Feb ~ May, Sep ~ Oct), 09:00 ~ 18:30 (Jun ~ Aug), 09:00 ~ 17:30 (Nov ~ Jan)
※ The last entrance is 1 hour before closing. - Closed : Every Tuesday
- Admission Fee : 1,000won(Adults), 500won(Youth(7~18)), Free(Children under 7 and adults over 64)
※ Admission fee is FREE every Saturday, Culture day(the last Wednesday of every month), National holidays - Subway : Get off at Jongno3ga St. (Line 1, Exit 11 / Line 3, Exit 8 / Line 5, Exit 8) and walk 5 minutes
- Free English Guided Tour (weekdays/Sundays)
| 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 |
(2) Events & Special Programs
- Jongmyo Jaerye (The Royal Ancestral Rite, 종묘대제)
Annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May - Jongmyo Jaeryeak (The Royal Ritual Music Performance Night, 종묘제례악)
Weekdays before Jongmyo Jaerye - Jongmyo Chuhyang Daejae(The Royal Ancestral Rite in Autumn, 종묘 추향대제)
Annually reenacted on the first Saturday of November
More : King Jeongjo’s Royal Parade
King Jeongjo’s Royal Parade is with around 5,000 participants in a 59km-long parade. This event is held every autumn. You can enjoy the parade, traditional cultural performances, drawing performance, royal meal (thin rice porridge) serving performance, food markets and etc.
[PLACES] Do You Want to Experience Farming or Country Life in Korea?
I guess most of you are living in big cities in Korea or want to visit famous cities in Korea. But I want to say it’s also worth visiting and experiencing Korean country villages 🙂
Farming & Country Life
1. Visit Korea Official Website
In my opinion, Visit Korea is the most useful tour website. They provide all information about traveling Korea. Visit Korea introduces country villages you can experience farming things and stay there like Sheep farms, herb farms and traditional Korean farms.
<How to Find Country Villages on Visit Korea>
“Travel” menu →
“Destinations by Region” category →
Choose a region →
Go to “Theme” menu and click an arrow →
Choose Village Experiences
But, sadly, websites of most of villages which Visit Korea introduces are written in only Korean but there are also websites in English. I’ll tell you about them here.
- Yongin Hobak Dungbul (Pumpkin & Lantern) Village (용인 호박등불마을) – Yongin, Gyeonggi-do
- Pocheon Herb Island (포천 허브아일랜드) – Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do
- Sangsoo Herb Land (상수허브랜드) – Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do
- Seocheon Dalgogae Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Village (서천 달고개모시마을) – Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do
- Pyeongchang Uiyaji Wind Village (평창 의야지 바람마을) – Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
If you can’t speak Korean, don’t worry. We have useful translation hotline 1330 which the Korean government operates. If you have any queries or want to make a reservation, call 1330. Then they will offer translation services for you.
2. NH FarmStay Website (Only in Korean)
Farm visit tours here are operated by NH(Agricultural Cooperatives). They suggest various country villages based on themes or locations. Each village offers their own village and farming experience. You can check your favorite villages and make a reservation in advance. You can also enjoy a one-day tour pack. They offer a lunch, a shuttle bus(It departs from Seoul), farming activities and a local village tour with only 20,000won to 35,000won. But you should know that they offer all of the services in Korean.
3. Online Shopping Mall (Only in Korean)
If you can speak Korean, you have more options to choose. You can find hidden tour packs(Sheep farm tours, Alpaca tours and etc.) with locals at a cheap price(around 29,000won ~ 40,000won) on online shopping malls like Tmon and Coupang. They have similar tour packs with NH but are a little bit different. Because NH has only tour packs with departures from Seoul but they provide tour packs with departures from other cities like Daegu or Busan. And they don’t offer a lunch and free entrance services. But you can enjoy more diverse tours than NH. Like NH, you should speak and understand Korean if you use their services. Here are some examples for tour packs from major online shopping malls.
