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Cultural Centers
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Marronnier Art
Gallery
Address :
1-130 Dongsung-dong Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
The
Marronnier Art Gallery is located at the inside of the Marronnier
park in Daehakno, where many youths flock. Daehakno is a place where
many couples have their dates and it is a place beloved by the
artisans who use this area as a performance center. The Marronnier
Art Gallery is situated right here. The Marronnier Art Gallrey was
founded by the Korean Culture Promotion Department to flourish and
enrich the Korean arts. Founded in 1979, when there were not many
exhibition spaces for the artists, it was a place of hope of for
many of them. With low general exhibit fees with which they provided
the gallery to the artists and with a relatively important
self-planned exhibit openings, it became a place that contributed
significantly to the development of Korean arts.
The exhibits taking place in The Marronnier Gallery can be divided
into two divisions. One is the General Exhibition and the other is
the Planning Exhibition. The planning exhibitions or the special
exhibitions take place at the small gallery on the 1st floor. Since
the exhibits are admitted through strict screening it is recommended
that you just go and visit them. There are no admission fees for it.
However, usually during August, repair work takes place. You should
try to evade visiting this place during that time or you should call
and inquire about the opening times. On the 2nd floor there is a
family café. There are six computers to use along with refreshments,
so you might want to visit there as well. There many other places to
rest and drink along the Daehakno street. While walking through the
Marronnier Park if there is a specific place you are interested,
just visit those places. Wherever you visit, there is unique
atmosphere of that particular place. During the Christmas season
especially, you may not even find a vacant seat in that area. It is
that crowded and popular.
Directions :
At Haehwa
Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) exit No.2, two minute walk required.
Information :
1. Telephone:
(02)760-4607-8
2. Viewing time: *March-October 10:00-19:00, November-February
10:00-18:00
3. Homepage: http://www.kcaf.or.kr/hk4/fine_art/present_top.htm(Korean)
4. Holidays: Thursday and Friday morning of the week when exhibits
change
5. Admission fee: None
6. Facilities: Internet Café
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Megabox Cineplex
Address :
COEX Mall, 159-1 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Description :
The Megabox
Cineplex is located in the COEX Mall. Many young people come here
because of the availability of 16 theaters. Opened in 2000, the
interior is stylish and luxurious, like the interior of some
spaceship. It has quickly become very popular: in just three months
after opening, it had already had over a million visitors. The
various facilities and events fit its motto well: "The theater
that's more exciting than the movies!" At Megabox, there is an
annual movie festival called "Mega European Film Festival". This
festival is a great chance for Koreans to enjoy European movies they
cannot normally see. The 4D movie theater "Megaride" is another
eye-catching feature of Megabox. The 3D effects you will experience
through the moving chairs, the 3D glasses and the wind effects will
make you feel like you are actually in the movie. If you have some
time to kill after the movie, you need not worry because there are
plenty of places to go to. The restaurants and the cafes, the
shopping mall and the nightclub, the Kimchi Museum and the
super-size aquarium are some of the many places that will keep you
busy at the COEX Mall. The Megabox Cineplex and the COEX Mall are
one of the most prominent places for young crowds to gather. But be
careful not to lose your way around COEX Mall, because it will
probably be one of the biggest shopping malls you have been to.
Directions :
At Samseong
Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) exit 5 or 6.
Information :
1. Telephone:
02-6002-1200/ 1330
2. Hours: First Show 09:00 am/ Last Show 01:00 am
3. Homepage: http://www.megabox.co.kr/ (Kor)
4. Open all year
5. Admission Fee: 7,000 won
6. Facilities: Customer Service Center, Snacks, Telephone, Smoking
Room, Parking Lot
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Mesa
Address : 204
Hoehyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Description :
Mesa is the
best shopping center that lies in the heart of the famous Namdaemun
Market. With many children’s products and the fashion styles of
Dongdaemun, the shopping center targets newlywed females over the
age of 25. The layout of the mall was specifically designed for this
demographic. The first three floors consist of children’s products
essential for any parent. The lobby also includes a free stroller
service. Also, each floor has its own atmosphere; even the bathrooms
are unique. The eighth and ninth floors is the food court and
features over 200 restaurants. The types of food vary from tradition
Korean meals to Italian fusion dishes. The 16th floor highlights the
Sky Garden Lounge and offers a view of Namsan. The 13th floor
provides foreigners with tourist information.
16F: Beer Restaurant (Garden Amethyst)
11F: Game Center
10F: Live Concert Hall
9F: Traditional Restaurants, Fast Food, Cafe
8F: Snack Corner
6-7F: Accessories, Miscellaneous Goods, Glasses
5F: Shoes, Purses, Leather
4F: Men’s Formal and Casual wear
3F: Infant clothing, Parents Room
1-2F: Ladies Formal and Casual Wear, Stroller Service
L1F: Young Casual
B2F: Imported Goods
B3F-B6F: Parking Lot
B8F: Sauna
Directions :
At Hoehyeon
station (Seoul Subway Line 4) exit 7, walk 30 metres.
Information :
1. Location:
204 Hoehyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
2. Telephone: 02-2128-5050
3. Homepage: http://www.ilovemesa.com (Eng,Jap)
4. Closed: Sunday 5:30-Monday 10:00
5. Hours: 10:30am -the following day 17:00
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Museum of Traditional
Music
Address : 700
Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Description :
The Museum of
Traditional Music opened in 1995, and is located inside the National
Center for Traditional Korean Performing Arts. Everything about
traditional Korean music is exhibited here. Step into the central
hall on the 1st floor where you will feel calm when you see the
carefully preserved traditional instruments in glass cases. You will
see the Pyeonjong (gold bell), and the Pyeongyeong (stone percussion
instrument), and various types of drums, which were instruments
played in royal courts and memorial services. While listening to the
soothing traditional music, try going to the Traditional Music
History Hall. There are about 70 exhibits there. You will see
portrait of the old musician Bak Yeon and find many other pictures
describing the performance of traditional music. At the Instrument
Exhibit Hall you can see the instruments that were played in
traditional Korean music. In this exhibit hall there are North
Korean and foreign instruments. You can also watch visual material
of performances. The Myeonginsil is where the possessions of
important artists are exhibited. You can see their instruments,
books, glasses, etc.
Directions :
*At Bangbae
Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) exit 1, take Shuttle Bus No. 02-3,
No.03-3,or No.03-5 and get off at the National Center for Korean
Traditional Performing Arts.
*At Nambu Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) exit 5, take
Shuttle Bus No.01-9 or No.01-7 and get off at the National Center
for Korean Traditional Performing Arts.
*At Sadang Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) exit 1, take Shuttle Bus
No.03-5 and get off at the National Center for Korean Traditional
Performing Arts.
Information :
1. Telephone:
(02) 580-3130 (Kor)
2. Homepage: http://www.ncktpa.go.kr/walk3.htm (Kor)
3. Hours: * November-February - 09:00-17:00
March-October - 09:00-18:00
4. Closed: Mondays
5. Admission Fee: Free
6. Facilities: Wheelchair Lift, Lounge
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Namsan Library
Address :
30-84 Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Description :
Opened in
1922, Namsan Library has a long history. Located in the heart of
Seoul, many people go to search for study materials or to study. The
numerous dictionaries or statistics and other reference sources make
it the representative library of Korea. There are 5 floors in the
library. The supervisor office, exhibit hall, restaurant and snack
bar are on the 1st floor. Note that you can have cheap meals at the
restaurant. The Periodical Room, the electronic information room and
the audiovisual study room are on the 2nd floor. You will find
various magazines and other publications at the Periodical Room. The
lounge and smoking room are also on the 2nd floor. The language room
and the reading room are on the 3rd floor. The corner displaying
domestic and foreign schoolbooks is especially eye catching. It will
be interesting to compare the domestic and foreign schoolbooks. The
Sociology Study Room and the reading room are on the 4th and 5th
floors. If you visit the Namsan Library, try to visit the other
tourist sites nearby. There are plenty of places to go to. There is
Namsangol Hanok Village, where you can see traditional Korean houses
and the traditional life styles of the past. You can have a
wonderful experience of the old Korea here, so try not to miss it.
The Namdaemun Market, patriot An Jung-Geun Memorial, the National
Theater of Korea and the Botanic Gardens are all nearby. Luxury
hotels such as the Hilton Hotel and Shilla Hotel are nearby, so
tourists who will spend the nights here should keep that in mind.
Directions :
* At Seoul
Station (Seoul Subway line No.1) exit No.4, take Bus No.83, No.83-1
or No.79-1.
Get off at Namsan Library stop.
* At City Hall Station (Seoul Subway line No.2) exit No.8, take Bus
No.83 or No.83-1. Get off at Namsan Library stop.
* At Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway line No.5) exit No.1. In
front of the Sejong Center for Performing Arts, take Bus No.83 or
No.83-1. Get off at Namsan Library stop.
Information :
1 .Telephone:
(02) 754-7348, 7338 (Kor)
2. Homepage: http://namsan.lib.seoul.kr/ (Kor)
3. Hours: *Mar.-Oct.: 09:00-20:00
Nov.-Feb.: 09:00-19:00
4. Closed: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, Holidays that are
not Sundays, Special Temporary Holidays
5. Admission Fee: Free
6. Facilities: Parking lot, Lounge, Smoking room, Restaurant, Snack
Bar
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Nanta Theater (Gangnam)
Address : 86
Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Gangnam: South of Hangang River)
Description :
Nanta Theater
is the permanent home of the first Korean non-verbal performance
called 'Nanta'. Nanta is a hybrid artwork, a combination of
traditional Korean folk performance called 'Samulnori' and western
form of performance. On the stage is a giant kitchen, and four cooks
appear and start cooking dishes for a wedding reception. In the
process, they perform Samulnori using the various cooking utensils,
such as pots, pans, and plates, etc. It was a big hit from the
moment it opened, due to the power and speed of the performance.
Though mainly consisting of rhythm and beats, its clever plot makes
it enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. It received
high praise for its performances in other countries, and now has
about 70-80% of its audience from foreign countries. A theater was
built exclusively for Nanta in Gangbuk in 2000, but a second one was
built in Gangnam due to the overwhelming number of patrons. The
Gangnam Theater was opened on April of 2002. The Gangbuk Theater has
a capacity of 291, while the Gangnam Theater has a capacity of 293.
Directions :
At
Gangnamgucheong Station (Subway Line No.7), take the Exit No.4 (10
minute walk).
Information :
1.Telephone:
02) 739-8288 (Office)
2. Homepage: http://www.nanta.co.kr (Kor/Eng/Jap/Chi)
3. Performance Times:
Gangbuk: Tues.-Sat. 16:00, 20:00 / Sunday and Holidays 15:00,
18:00
Gangnam: Tues.-Fri. 16:00, 20:00 / Sat. 16:00, 20:00 / Sunday
and Holidays 15:00, 18:00
4. Closed: Monday (North)/Tuesday (South)
5. Admission Fee:
North: R seats 40,000 won/ S seats 30,000 won
South: VIP seats 50,000 won/ R seats 40,000 won/ S seats
30,000 won
6. Facilities: Parking Lot, Restrooms, Cafe, Arcade, Fast-food
Restaurants, Theater, etc.
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Nanta Theater (Gangbuk)
Address : 22
Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (Gangbuk: North of Hangang River)
Description :
Nanta Theater
is the permanent home of the first Korean non-verbal performance
called 'Nanta'. Nanta is a hybrid artwork, a combination of
traditional Korean folk performance called 'Samulnori' and western
form of performance. On the stage is a giant kitchen, and four cooks
appear and start cooking dishes for a wedding reception. In the
process, they perform Samulnori using the various cooking utensils,
such as pots, pans, and plates, etc. It was a big hit from the
moment it opened, due to the power and speed of the performance.
Though mainly consisting of rhythm and beats, its clever plot makes
it enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. It received
high praise for its performances in other countries, and now has
about 70-80% of its audience from foreign countries. A theater was
built exclusively for Nanta in Gangbuk in 2000, but a second one was
built in Gangnam due to the overwhelming number of patrons. The
Gangnam Theater was opened on April of 2002. The Gangbuk Theater has
a capacity of 291, while the Gangnam Theater has a capacity of 293.
Directions :
At Seodaemun
Station (Subway Line No. 5), take the No. 5 exit (5 minutes walk).
At City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2), take exit No.1 or No.12
and follow Deoksugung Palace stone walled path toward Gyeonghyang
Sinmunsa (12 minute walk).
Information :
2.Telephone:
02) 739-8288 (Office)
3. Homepage: http://www.nanta.co.kr (Kor/Eng/Jap/Chi)
4. Performance Times:
Gangbuk: Tues.-Sat. 16:00, 20:00 / Sunday and Holidays 15:00,
18:00
Gangnam: Tues.-Fri. 16:00, 20:00 / Sat. 16:00, 20:00 / Sunday
and Holidays 15:00, 18:00
5. Closed: Monday (North) / Tuesday (South)
6. Admission Fee: North: R seats 40,000 won/ S seats 30,000 won
South: VIP seats 50,000 won/ R seats 40,000 won/ S seats 30,000 won
7. Facilities: Parking Lot, Restrooms, Cafe, Arcade, Fast-food
Restaurants, Theater, etc.
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National Folk Museum
Address : 1-1
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
The National
Folk Museum displays the lifestyle of ancient Koreans. There are
20,000 vestiges, with a total of 4000 folk relics. In the Center
Hall there are traditional culture or folk related exhibits. The
“Hall of Korean Lifestyle” shows the lifestyles of Koreans from
pre-historic times to the Joseon Period (1392-1910). You can compare
the cultural characteristic and vestiges by period and you can see
the development of pottery, agricultural implements and prints. The
2nd Exhibition called ‘Hall of Koreans at Work‘ displays tools for
farming, hunting, fishing, along with clothes and houses. It
includes handicrafts, accessories, dishes, kimchi and jangdokdae.
The 3rd Exhibition is called the ‘Hall of a Korean Life Cycle‘ and
presents the life of an ancient Korean from birth to marriage to
death. Outside the museum is more interesting than inside. The
Jejudo Island sculptures such as Dolharubang, windmills, treadmills
and sheds are displayed outdoors. The National Folk Museum hold a
‘Korean Folk Concert’ every Saturday at the auditorium. The National
Folk Museum designates the first Sunday every month as ‘Visit the
Museum’ Day in admission fee is waived.
Directions :
-
Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line No.3) Exit No.5, walk 10
minutes.
- Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line No.5) Exit No.2, walk 15
minutes.
Information :
1. Address:
1-1 Jongno-gu, Seoul
2. Phone: (02)734-1346 (Kor)
3. Homepage : http://www.nfm.go.kr (Kor/Eng/Jap/Chn)
4. Hours : *(Mar.-Oct.) : 09:00-18:00
(Nov.-Feb.) : 09:00-17:00
5. Closed: every Tuesday and January 1st
6. Admission Fee: *over 25 years old : 700 won
7-24 years old : 300 won
under 6 years old : free
7. Facilities: handicapped facilities, children’s playground,
parking lot.
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National Library of
Korea
Address : San
60-1 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Description :
The National
Library of Korea is where various books and theses are collected and
preserved. It is presently holding approximately 4.3 million books,
and 220 thousand books and theses are collected yearly. Library
users can look for the books and materials they need. From time to
time, feature art exhibitions are held in the exhibition room on the
first floor. Surrounded by Seocho Park, the scenery outside is
beautiful and the atmosphere is calm and comfortable. If you would
like to have a fun time doing other activities, take a ten-minute
walk to the Express Bus Terminal nearby. You can do many things at
Central City where a shopping center and theater are connected. You
can also go to different provinces from the bus terminal. But it
would be nice to visit the library and spend some time reading
before going on a trip out of Seoul. At the National Library of
Korea, classical concerts are held for the library users. Concerts
are held on the last Friday of each month, except for January and
August. Anyone who comes to the library can come to the concert for
free. The Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor
Geum Nan-Sae perform for the audience, and he also describes the
meaning of the songs as well. Do not miss the chance of going to a
free-of-charge but wonderful concert that you can enjoy in the
relaxing surroundings.
Directions :
* At Seocho
Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) exit No.5 (Seocho Police Station
direction), walk for about 15 minutes.
* At Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 7) exit No.5
(National Library of Korea direction), walk for about 10 minutes.
Information :
1. Telephone:
02-535-4142-5 / 1330
2. Homepage: http://www.nl.go.kr (Kor/Eng)
3. Hours: * Mar.-Oct. : 09:00-18:00
Nov.-Feb. : 09:00-17:00
4. Closed: Every 2nd*4th Monday of the month, non-Sunday Holidays
5. Admission Fee: Free
6. Facilities: Lounge, Restaurant, Auditorium, Seminar Room,
Dispensary
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National Museum of
Korea
Address :
1-57 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
The National
Museum of Korea is the premier institution of Korean National
Culture exhibits. There are approximately 135,000 relics, about
5,000 of which are exhibited to the public. It is very impressive
due to its magnificent structure and flawless facilities. It is a
world-class museum with an Image Room, Image Information Guide, and
other guidance facilities. Guidance information is given in
different languages (English, Japanese, Chinese) at different times,
so stay alert for messages in your language of choice. In the 1st
floor there is the Goryeo Celadon Gallery, Joseon Buncheong Ware
Gallery, Joseon White Porcelain Gallery, etc. Also on the basement
floor there are eight galleries, including the Buddhist Statues
Gallery, and Metal Work Gallery. You can experience and study Korean
folk culture in each gallery. Besides the relics, they have books
and images of traditional Korean culture. There are 145 classes of
images such as Korean earthenware, weapon parts, samulnori, etc.,
and approximately 26,000 books about traditional Korean culture. The
shopping center, library, and halls are some of the facilities and
events available for your convenience. The National Museum of Korea
will be rebuilt in Yongsan, and will open in a state-of-the-art,
ultra-modern building at Yongsan Family Park. The new National
Museum of Korea (http://www.new-museum.go.kr) will be reborn more
than simply as a medium for exhibitions, but as the ultimate
cultural center for all Koreans and foreigners.
Directions :
At
Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line No.3), Exit No.4 or No.5, walk
for 5 minutes.
Information :
1. Telephone:
02)398-5000, 5241 (Kor)
2. Homepage: http://www.museum.go.kr (Kor/Eng/Jap/Chi)
3. Hours:
Mar.-Oct.:09:00-18:00 (-19:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and
Holidays)
Nov.-Feb.:09:00-17:00
4. Closed: Mondays, New Year’s
5. Admission Fee:
Ages 25-64 : 700 won
Ages 19-24 : 300 won
First Monday of every month: Free
6.Facilities: Parking Lot, Shopping Center, Handicap Access,
Library, Information Desk, Lecture Hall etc.
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
