visitseoul.net

This newsletter, issued by Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!

Did you know that tradition is still very much alive in every corner of Seoul?

Even amid Seoul’s vibrant city life, the elegance and spirit of its past endure, preserving a rich and thriving tradition and culture.

Experience healing through a temple stay, immerse yourself in hands-on folk culture, savor a glass of Seoul’s own traditional liquor, or enjoy a special day strolling the city streets in beautiful hanbok.

In this newsletter, we’re excited to introduce you to the authentic charm of traditional culture—something you can only experience in Seoul.

Ready to discover tradition in the heart of the city? Let’s begin!

Tucked away in the heart of bustling Seoul is a quiet refuge—Jogyesa Temple.

Located in Jongno and just a short walk from the nearest subway station, Jogyesa is one of Seoul’s most iconic and accessible temples.It’s a healing sanctuary we highly recommend to anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life.

Jogyesa Temple is especially renowned for its stunning lantern displays. The vibrant lanterns that fill the temple grounds feel like works of art in their own right. As you stroll beneath the gently swaying lights, you may find a sense of calm that lifts the spirit—even in the heart of the city.

While the lanterns are undeniably beautiful, to truly immerse yourself in Jogyesa Temple, you should definitely try the Temple Stay experience. Beloved by both locals and international visitors, this unique program offers a rare opportunity to experience Korean Buddhist culture up close.

● Day Program – A guided tour of the historic Jogyesa Temple where you can create your own traditional lotus lantern
● Rest Program – A two-day stay designed to offer deep rest and space for personal reflection
● Experiential Program – A temple stay where you can step into the daily rhythm of the temple and reconnect with your inner self

One of the greatest selling point is the flexibility to choose a program that suits your schedule. Options include a day program (2–3 hours), an overnight program (1 night, 2 days) focused on rest, and an experiential program for deeper immersion.

From lotus lantern making and 108 prostrations to tea ceremonies, offerings, and tea conversations with monks, each activity is thoughtfully designed to bring calm and clarity to the mind.

Jogyesa Temple Stay is a welcoming space for anyone seeking rest and inner peace. Open to all—whether you're a Buddhist practitioner or simply a curious traveler—it offers an inclusive experience without barriers.

Recently, it has become especially popular among vegan travelers, thanks to its wholesome, vegan-friendly temple meals.

So why not discover unexpected tranquility and a unique cultural experience right in the heart of the city? This is a rare opportunity to pause, recharge, and reconnect—with yourself and with tradition—without leaving Seoul.

Due to its growing popularity, making reservations is highly recommended!

If you're looking to explore the traditional side of Seoul more deeply, don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience

Located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers an immersive look into both traditional and modern aspects of Korean daily life. A long-time favorite among international visitors, the museum features a wide range of educational and hands-on programs themed around Korean customs and everyday experiences—allowing guests to deeply connect with the richness of Korean folk culture.

The museum features three permanent exhibition halls.

The first exhibition, titled “The Beginning of K-Culture”, tells the story of Koreans as they create useful tools to make life more convenient, harmonize with nature in pursuit of a natural lifestyle, and build communities rooted in togetherness.

The second exhibition, “A Year in Korea,” highlights how people in Korea, a country where the differences in the four seasons are distinctly felt, have lived in tune with the rhythms of the seasons.

The third exhibition, “Korean Life Passages,” presents the significant milestones of life, showing how even though the forms may evolve over time, the values and moments we cherish remain constant.

The second and third exhibition halls are especially popular among international visitors.

All exhibitions provide detailed information not only in Korean but also in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the museum comfortably. Guided and audio tours are available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Both regular and reservation-based guided tours are offered, so why not add depth toyour experience by joining one?

And don’t forget to visit the special exhibition hall, which features rotating themes throughout the year.

At the museum’s outdoor exhibition area, visitors can explore a recreated 19th-century traditional village as well as the nostalgic “70s and 80s, Streets of Memories,” which showcases Seoul’s streets from that era. This space also offers hands-on experiences with traditional folk games, making it an ideal spot to enjoy with family and friends.
 

Step into Seoul’s tradition and everyday life at the National Folk Museum of Korea, where the city’s living heritage truly comes to life!

How much do you know about traditional Korean liquor?
A visit to The Sool Gallery will reveal just how rich and diverse Korea’s traditional spirits truly are!

The Sool Gallery is a popular destination for both international visitors and Koreans alike. It serves as a vibrant space that celebrates the rich flavors, artistry, and cultural heritage of Korean traditional liquor.

The gallery also acts as an information hub, offering a wide range of insights about traditional liquors that are often hard for both consumers and tourists to find elsewhere.

Korea is home to a far greater variety of traditional liquors than many people realize. At The Sool Gallery, you can explore an impressive selection all in one place — from liquors crafted by masters designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage, to regional specialties, and even award-winning entries from the Korean Sool Awards.

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the gallery hosts special themed exhibitions throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover!

You can also purchase selected traditional liquors at the gallery, making it a popular spot for finding special keepsakes or gifts.

For those who have no idea what to buy, the Sool Gallery offers regular tasting and experience programs.

Reservations are required, and the programs are available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese, so international visitors can enjoy them with ease.

For group tours or travel agencies, customized tasting and experience sessions can be arranged with at least two weeks’ notice, so why not plan ahead? Once you learn the stories behind each drink, you’ll find that its flavor and aroma become even richer!  Come discover your favorite traditional Korean liquor through this interactive experience!

Discover the world of Korean liquor—crafted with care and steeped in tradition—at The Sool Gallery.

If you want to truly experience Korean culture in Seoul, trying on hanbok is a must.

Wearing a beautiful hanbok and strolling through historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung will feel like stepping back to the Joseon Dynasty. Thanks to this trend, Seoul’s streets bloom with colorful “hanbok flowers” all year round, even if it isn’t spring.

Many tourists want to stroll Seoul’s streets in hanbok, soaking in the romantic atmosphere, but often worry about where to rent one.

For those looking for a trusted option, we recommend “Hanbok That Day,” a hanbok rental and hanok photo studio located in a traditional Korean home with 50 years of history!

“Hanbok That Day” isn’t just a hanbok rental shop — it’s a unique space where you can enjoy hanbok experiences, hanok culture, and photo sessions all in one place.

Strike a pose at one of the many photo zones inside a hanok and capture your next unforgettable shot! Outdoor photo shoots at palaces like Gyeongbokgung are also available, so why not take some amazing photos outdoors too?

Travel agencies or groups of 10 or more can enjoy special discounts with advance booking!

Be sure to slip into hanbok and step back in time to the Joseon Dynasty—right here in Seoul!