Discover South Korea Without Chef

Starfield COEX Mall, containing COnvention centers, EXhibition halls and many malls, is an underground shopping mall in Gangnam-gu Seoul, South Korea.

The concept of cultural appropriation can be confusing and is often mistaken for cultural appreciation or exchange. While some see a distinct separation between the two, the lines can also easily become blurred. The main difference between appropriation and appreciation is maintaining respect for the culture in question. (If you’re ever unsure, politely ask – people are often happy to share their heritage with those who are genuinely interested!)

A common example of this fine line is donning traditional or national clothing.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, located north of Gwanghwamun Square, is one of the most iconic sights in all of Korea thanks to its long and storied history. Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Expanded over time, Gyeongbokgung was the center of power during the Joseon Dynasty until the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598. During this time, the palace was destroyed by fire and left in ashes. One fire was started by slaves trying to destroy legal status records. The ruins of Gyeongbokgung were abandoned for the next 270 years. 1868, Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt and restored as an icon of Korea with help from Heungseon Daewongun, also known as Prince Regen.

Cheonggyecheon (Hangul: Korean pronunciation: is a 10.9-kilometre-long (6.8 mi) modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul, South Korea. The massive urban renewal project is on the site of a stream that flowed before the rapid post-war economic development caused it to be covered by transportation infrastructure. The US$335 million project initially attracted much public criticism, however, since its opening in 2005, it has become popular among residents and tourists.

Since our first performance in 1997 at the Edinburg Fringe Festival NANTA received it’s first award for best performance. This now world famous nonverbal performance 8,100,000 people the largest audiences in Korean history. Since its first debut NANTA performance has been on the road of success around the world. In 2004 NANTA finally made an appearance on New York’s Broadway. This opportunity opened up new doors for Korean culture and performances. Now about 7,000,000 people around the world are enjoying NANTA’s spectacular performances. NANTA performances can also be seen at three different theater locations within Korea. NANTA also received an award for Best Urban program in 2009 and is also being highly recommended by tourist and locals alike. “This is a must see performance” As 750,000 foreign visitors per year come to Korea to enjoy NANTA and Korean culture.

Demilitarized zone is a place one must visit to gain an understanding into the Korean psyche, which has largely been formed through the occupations, wars and division the nation has suffered over the years. Even with its past, the area is quite safe for travelers and is one of the most fascinating day trip options from Seoul.

DMZ Peace Train

Overcoming the pain of history and focusing on the greatness of nature and life, the DMZ train is introduced with three cabins, each with a theme of peace, love and harmony respectively. Seats with great views of the outside, cafe, photo-zone, photo gallery and many other services are provided in this tourist train. Passengers can enjoy great scenic views on the DMZ train as it bypasses the renowned Imjingang Railroad Bridge.

Dorasan Station

Dorasan Station is one of the northernmost railway stations on the Gyeongui Line, connecting Seoul to Sinuiju. The station was visited by previous Korean President Kim Daejung and pervious American President George H.W. Bush. The station has become a symbol of the efforts for a unified Korea.

Dorasan Peace Park

Dorasan Peace Park is an ecopark featuring a pond in the shape of the Korean peninsula with a boardwalk around it. The park’s exhibition hall teaches about the history of Dorasan Station and presents information and materials on the ecology of the DMZ.

Dora Observatory

Dora Observatory is the northern-most observatory on the Western section of the DMZ. The binoculars offer views of the city of Gaeseong, Songaksan Mountain, and the Statue of Kim Il-sung in North Korea. The area just beyond the observatory is within a military outpost command, so photography is strictly prohibited here. In addition, the observatory is located within the Civilian Control Line, so visitors must join the Dorasan Security Tour to visit.

3rd Infiltration Tunnel

Discovered in 1978, the Third Infiltration Tunnel was dug by the Northern army to spy on their Southern counterparts. The tunnel is 1,635 meters long, with a height and width of 2 meters. It is estimated that over 30,000 soldiers would have been able to pass through the tunnel in just one hour. It has become an all inclusive tourist attraction, with a DMZ video hall, representative sculptures, gift shops and more.

The N SEOUL TOWER, a complex culture space in Seoul, is where the clouds seem to meet with Namsan Mountain. It shows visitors the harmony of Namsan's nature, the 21st century state of the art, resting with leisure, and various cultures. The N SEOUL TOWER, which is a symbol of Seoul now, was established at the highest point to glance at the most beautiful images of Seoul. It is also Korea’s first general radio wave tower from 1969, delivering TV and radio broadcasting in the metropolitan area. 48% of the national audio population watches broadcasting through this transmission tower. Since the N SEOUL TOWER was opened to the general public in 1980, it has become a resting place for the citizens of Seoul as well as a touristic attraction for foreigners with the living nature of Namsan. As a complex cultural space representing Seoul, the newly born N SEOUL TOWER is a proud landmark of Seoul.

The area of Gwanghwamun Square has a long history, and by the Joseon Dynasty it had become the central point of Seoul. The square began to suffer from neglect during the Japanese colonial period, faced damage during the Korean War and then was used as a 16-lane roadway in the 20th century. A new pedestrian-friendly, open urban space intended to restore the square was first announced in February 2004, along with projects for Namdaemun and Seoul Plaza, forming part of the city's urban renewal plans for environmentally friendly renovation projects. In December 2006, further plans for the square were announced. The project, in conjunction with the restoration of Gwanghwamun, was carried out by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea and scheduled for completion by August 2009. Construction of the square was originally scheduled to begin in February 2008, however it was delayed because of opposition from the National Police Agency, who were concerned that the square could be abused as a venue for mass protests. Construction commenced on 23 April 2008, after the Government decreed it a demonstration-free zone.