New Year in Seoul!

UNESCO World heritage object - Namhansanseong Fortress

The Largest Aquarium in Korea

Welcome to Lotte World Aquarium — a place where the underwater world has finally decided to reveal its full glory without requiring you to don scuba gear or summon the courage of Jacques Cousteau. This massive aquarium, located in Lotte World Mall, rightfully holds the title of the largest in Korea.

Here, you’ll meet fascinating creatures of the deep, each living by its own rules:

• Beluga whales — serene, snow-white philosophers whose smiles will convince you that life is beautiful.
• Seals — masters of relaxation who could teach you a thing or two about achieving a zen mindset.
• Penguins — delightful creatures that prove you can still be funny, even in a formal suit.
• And, of course, fish. Lots of fish. From piranhas that look like they’ve just escaped a horror movie poster to the enigmatic Eastern American paddlefish, a true survival expert and living relic.

Traveler’s Tip: Near the start of your journey, you’ll pass turnstiles and a souvenir shop. Resist the temptation to stop — there’s no turning back. Visit it on your way out, when you’ll have collected enough impressions and will know exactly what you can’t leave without.

What is Lotte World?

Lotte World is not just an amusement park in Seoul — it’s a mini-universe of rides, restaurants, shops, and even its own lake. Every year, 6 million visitors flock here — and for good reason. Beneath a sunlit glass roof lies a whole world of adventures, while the open-air Magic Island brings its own touch of enchantment.

The park operates 365 days a year, so whether it’s rain, snow, or an unexpected solar eclipse, you can still ride the roller coasters. By the way, the ice rink is great, but it’s not included in your park ticket. Decide for yourself if skating sounds fun after a 70-meter free fall.

The Two Sides of Lotte World

• Adventure — the indoor zone where you’ll find rides, souvenir shops, parades, and restaurants serving dishes from around the world. It’s bright, warm, and not the least bit scary… until you set foot on the French Revolution ride.
• Magic Island — an outdoor wonderland featuring a real castle, towering rides, and breathtaking views of Seokchon Lake.

Must-Try Rides

1. Gyro Drop: A climb to 70 meters, followed by a free fall that’ll remind you why gravity exists.
2. Gyro Swing: A giant vortex that spins you around — you’ll never forget this feeling.
   ⚠️ Pro tip: Wear shoes with laces, or go barefoot — there’s no middle ground.
3. Flume Ride: A splashy boat ride down a turbulent river with unexpected twists and turns.
4. Spanish Pirate Ship: A massive ship that swings up to 75 degrees, echoing your screams throughout the park.

Festivals and Shows

• World Carnival Parade: Hundreds of performers, music, and costumes in the finest tradition. Check at the entrance for the schedule (expect it to start around 2 PM).
• Evening Parade: A dazzling parade with twinkling lights takes place in the evening, typically around 8 PM (confirm the time!).
• Laser Show: Around 9 PM (time may vary!), the park transforms into a spectacular display of lights and music, creating pure magic that stays with you.

Good to Know

• Plenty of food options let you taste cuisines from around the world.
• Souvenir shops ensure you don’t leave empty-handed.
• Traveling with kids? There are many safe and colorful rides tailored just for them.

Lotte World is a place where you’ll find not only adventure but a touch of magic, too. Traveler’s Tip: Start with the Gyro Drop to set the adrenaline bar nice and high.

A guided tour through the biggest museum in Korea that covers Korean arts and history, as well as the arts of some other Asian countires.

In the heart of Seoul stands Jogyesa — the head temple of Korea’s largest Buddhist order.
Small in scale but rich in atmosphere, it changes with the seasons: lotus lanterns in spring, bright chrysanthemums in fall, and peaceful stillness in winter.
No matter the time of year, it’s a place of quiet reflection.

Insadong is famous for the abundance of souvenir shops, traditional restaurants and tea houses, boutiques.

Insadong-kil Pedestrian Street is the central street of the area.

Often you can see street performances - traditional Korean samul-nori percussion quartet or martial arts tekkyon, taekwon-do or performances of youth groups in the fusion style, etc.

Temple of Bongeunsa is located in close proximity to the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center.

Originally named Gyeongseongsa, it was built by King Wonseong of the Silla Kingdom in the 10th year of his reign (794 AD).

In 1498, thanks to Queen Jeonghyeon, it was renovated and expanded to the east of King Seongjong's tomb, and at that time it was given its new name - Bongeunsa.

The iconic view of COEX is visible from the Maitreya Buddha statue on the temple grounds.

The complex of the central Gwanghwamun Square in front of the Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace, which is the compositional center of the capital of Korea, offers amazing views of Seoul: on one side is the main residence of the kings of the Joseon state (now a museum). But along the  Sejong-daero Avenue, departing from the square, there are high-rise modern buildings: government, embassies, Kyobo - the largest bookstore in Korea. Further down the avenue we can see the Seoul City Hall and still further - the Great South Gate of Namdaemun (National Treasure No. 1).

The main palace of the Joseon dynasty — rebuilt more than once, but never lost its grandeur.

Its perfect symmetry, royal guard ceremony, and the chance to wear a hanbok turn your visit into a journey through time.

Winding lanes, wooden hanoks, hidden cafés — this is where time slows down.
Samcheong-dong charms with its hills and galleries, while Bukchon preserves the everyday beauty of Joseon-era homes.
Together, they offer a quiet, romantic escape — a walk through history lined with soft light and gentle stories.

What is Everland?

Everland is the largest theme park in Korea, nestled in the picturesque city of Yongin, just outside Seoul. It’s a place where adrenaline, enchanting landscapes, and family-friendly entertainment come together to give you a day packed with unforgettable experiences.

The park is open 365 days a year and features five themed zones, each a unique little universe. From thrilling roller coasters to safari adventures with real animals and vibrant seasonal festivals, Everland has something for everyone.

The 5 Worlds of Everland

1. Global Fair — Your adventure begins here. This zone offers souvenir shops, restaurants, and street performances to set the tone for an exciting day.
2. American Adventure — A trip back to 1950s America, complete with classic music, a rebellious spirit, and exhilarating rides.
3. Magic Land — A paradise for kids (and kids at heart), filled with carousels, whimsical characters, and magical decorations.
4. Zootopia — The crown jewel of Everland. A safari experience where you can see tigers, bears, giraffes, and even white lions in a natural habitat — all from the comfort of a bus or jeep.
5. European Adventure — A charming area with beautiful flower gardens, European-style restaurants, and the iconic T Express wooden roller coaster.

Top Attractions and Experiences

1. T Express: Korea’s first wooden roller coaster. With a 77-degree drop and speeds over 100 km/h, it’s a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
2. Safari World: Get up close with lions, tigers, and bears while riding a safari bus.
3. Lost Valley: A jeep safari that brings you face-to-face with exotic animals, including giraffes, just a few meters away.
4. Hurricane: A giant pendulum ride that will get your heart racing.
5. Amazon Express: A water ride down a wild river, complete with unexpected splashes.

Festivals and Parades

Everland is a master of transformation, changing with the seasons:

• In spring, enjoy the Tulip Festival with stunning flower gardens.
• In summer, cool off with refreshing water shows.
• In autumn, the park becomes a spooky Halloween wonderland with themed quests and eerie decorations.
• In winter, Everland transforms into a fairy tale land, complete with dazzling lights and Christmas parades.

Good to Know

• Everland offers a wide variety of dining options, from Korean specialties to European delicacies.
• The souvenir shops ensure you can take a piece of the park home with you.
• The park is enormous, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for an exciting, action-packed day.

Traveler’s Tip: Start with Zootopia to enjoy the safari before the lines build up, and head to T Express while your courage is still intact!

The first and largest Korean folk village in terms of area and exposition.

There are more than 260 buildings in the village, including houses of representatives of different classes, government agencies, pharmacies and mills, and craftsmen's workshops.

The village recreates in detail the atmosphere of rural life of the Joseon era. Buildings were brought from all regions of Korea: here you will also find houses made of volcanic tuff from about. Jeju (and the famous black pigs from there, by the way!), And thatched houses from the southern provinces of Korea, and the house of the provincial governor, and the Confucian village school. You can taste traditional Korean dishes at the village market.

The journey begins with a fascinating walk through the narrow streets surrounded by traditional Korean houses - hanoks. Each house is a living museum that reflects the unique style and architecture of ancient times.

Travelers hungry for knowledge can discover the craftsmanship of folk artisans.

But that's not all! This wonderful complex offers unique shows and concerts featuring traditional Korean dances, music and rituals.

Each show and concert is organized with love for details and leaves a unique impression. You will be delighted with beautiful costumes, incendiary rhythms and incredible talents of artists. The atmosphere will be filled with energy and delight, and you will find yourself a real witness to the beauty and splendor of Korean culture.

The temple was founded in 1970 by a monk who lost his homeland due to the Korean War (1950-1953). Thus, the architecture and internal philosophy of the temple expresses the desire to unite the two Koreas.

In addition, the temple is the first temple in Korea belonging to the direction (sect, order) of Nirvana.

This temple cannot please lovers of antiquity, due to its young age; but beauty lovers are a must! There are more than 3,000 statues on the territory of the temple, the most famous of which is the huge head of the Buddha, which greets you almost at the entrance to the temple.

In the temple you will see the world's largest (got into the Guinness Book of Records) Buddha statue made of wood. The Unification Pagoda, made from stones brought by temple visitors from holy places around the world.