Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs
UNESCO World Heritage royal tombs housing King Seongjong (9th king of Joseon Dynasty), his second wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (11th king). These 500-year-old tombs offer a peaceful green oasis in bustling Gangnam, with traditional stone sculptures, ancient pine trees, and walking paths that provide insight into Joseon Dynasty burial customs and Confucian principles.
Kyobo Bookstore Gangnam
The flagship branch of Korea’s largest bookstore chain, located in the basement of Kyobo Tower. This massive bookstore offers an extensive collection of Korean and foreign books, magazines, music, and stationery. Features dedicated sections for K-literature, Korean learning materials, traditional crafts, and a comfortable reading cafe.
Korea Cultural House (KOUS)
A cultural center dedicated to preserving and showcasing traditional Korean arts and performances. Regular programs include gugak (traditional music) concerts, folk dance performances, craft workshops, and cultural experiences like hanbok wearing, traditional tea ceremonies, and Korean cooking classes. The venue features both indoor theaters and outdoor performance spaces.
Gangnam Cultural Heritage Walk
Discover the cultural and historical gems hidden among Gangnam’s skyscrapers. From ancient Buddhist temples to royal tombs and traditional performances, experience the fascinating contrast between old and new Korea.
Bongeunsa Temple
A 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple located in the heart of Gangnam, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. Founded in 794 during the Silla Dynasty, it houses important Buddhist scriptures, beautiful Buddha statues, and offers temple stay programs. The temple is especially beautiful during lotus lantern season and provides meditation classes for visitors.
Tapgol Park
A historic urban park with profound significance in Korean independence history. Site of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on March 1, 1919, sparking nationwide protests against Japanese colonial rule. The park houses a beautiful 10-story marble pagoda from 1467, designated as National Treasure No. 2, along with monuments and reliefs depicting the independence movement. A peaceful retreat popular with elderly locals playing baduk (Go) and chess.
Sejong Village Museum
A small but fascinating museum dedicated to King Sejong the Great and the history of the Seochon neighborhood. The museum showcases the creation of Hangul (Korean alphabet), displays artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty, and tells the story of how this area became home to middle-class interpreters and technical officials. Interactive exhibits make Korean history accessible to all visitors.
Native Korean and Sino-Korean Counters
Counting things and people in Korean is slightly different with most western languages in that a "counter" word needs to be added after the number; the counter to use depends on the nature of the object or person talked about. The list below lists all the counters encountered in most situations.
There are two types of counters in Korean: counters that are used with native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) and counters that are used with Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼...); the associations between each counter and the corresponding numeral system need to be memorized (counters used with native Korean numbers can have a Chinese origin, and counters used with Sino-Korean numbers can have a Korean origin).
Jongno Heritage & Culture Day Tour
Journey through Seoul’s historical heart, from majestic palaces to traditional neighborhoods. Experience centuries of Korean culture, savor authentic cuisine, and explore artisan streets that have preserved their charm through the ages.
Doryang Restaurant
A cherished neighborhood restaurant specializing in authentic Korean home-style cooking. Located in a quiet alley near Gyeongbokgung Palace, this intimate eatery is known for its carefully prepared seasonal dishes, generous portions of banchan, and warm hospitality. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring traditional recipes passed down through generations.