Euphoric Laugh.

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding temple stays and Buddhist meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as talking time with a Buddhist monk, tea ceremonies, and more for a more in-depth look at Korean Buddhism. 

Activity Information Leaflets and reservation service for all Templestay programs are available. (free)* Hands-on program (free)- Talking with a monk over tea, making lotus flower, printing program* Culture products sales‘Von Di Na’ (a brand of Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism): Cultural asset replica, etc. 

Address:
56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 우정국로 56 (견지동)

Website: www.templestay.com (Korean, English)

In ancient times, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place, with the present reenactment ceremony being based on historical records for authenticity.

The reenactment of the original ceremony began from 1996. The gate guardsmen serve their sentry, perform the changing of the guards, and hold a parade. The guards' uniforms, weapons, and accessories as well as their strict ceremonial procedures catch the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists. Since it is hard to experience traditional events in such a big city like Seoul, the change of the guards ceremony is a great opportunity. It takes place every day except Tuesday.

Performance Times:
Sumunjang (Royal Guard) Changing Ceremony: 10:00, 14:00 / 20 minutes per ceremony 

Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance: 11:00, 13:00 / 10 minutes per ceremony

Sumungun (Gatekeeper) Military Training (outside Hyeopsaengmun Gate):  09:35, 13:35 / 15 minutes per ceremony

The main character! :)

Do you remember the first Korean drama that captured your heart? The hallyu or korean wave continues to take us by storm and it won't stop anytime soon! 

National Folk Museum of Korea

Spring is beautiful in Korea!

Royal Family :)

• ☞ Address: 4-6F, 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• ☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Walk for about 5 minutes. / Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 3. Walk for about 9 minutes.
• ☞ Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
  ※ Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays & Christmas.
• ☞ Admission: Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers & Children 3,000 won / Infants 2,000 won
  ※ Additional fees apply for experience programs, reservation at least four days in advance by e-mailing to museum@pulmuone.com is required to participate.
• ☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6002-6456, +82-2-6002-6477, 02-2223-2573 (Korean, English, Chinese)
• ☞ Website: www.kimchikan.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

There are various activities available to experience Korea’s traditions; the most popular of these experiences among international tourists is pottery-making. Visitors can make their own work, starting from a simple ball of clay and turning it into a beautiful piece of art with their own personal design. The city of Icheon in Gyeonggi-do is famous for ceramics, leading to the creation of many programs relating to ceramics. Visitors can learn about the history and culture surrounding traditional pottery, as well as experience making their own item. Participants can take their final products home that day, or have them airmailed later for an additional fee.

Icheon Traditional Ceramic Experience

• Address: 46, Dojayesul-ro 6beon-gil, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 이천시 신둔면 도자예술로 6번길 46 이천 전통 도자기 체험)
• Directions: Take a taxi from Icheon Bus Terminal for approx. 14 min.
• Programs: Ceramic culture lesson & ceramic-making, decorating professionally made ceramic
  * Visitors can also add Icheon rice meal or tour of nearby attractions after experience programs.
• Experience fees: Standard ceramic-making 30,000 won / Decorating professionally made ceramic 50,000~100,000 won (fee for one person, VAT not included)
• Website: www.ichontour.com (Korean, English, Japanese)
• Inquiries: +82-70-8232-2299, +82-10-4283-3393 (Korean, English) / E-mail ichontour@ichontour.com (Korean, English)
• 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)