Seoul has had a bustling industry of coffee shops, tea shops and cafes in recent years, and now another trend that is setting a new standard is the theme cafe. Relaxing in a cafe often involves sipping coffee and endless chatting, and the uniquely themed cafes take the experience to a new level. These thematic dining establishments show their creativity not just through stimulating the taste buds, but through all the other senses as well.

Here's our list of theme cafes, coffee shops, dessert shops and restaurants that are worth a visit in the areas of Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam!

AIR CAFE (비행기카페)

Air Cafe is an airplane theme brunch restaurant where you can feel the excitement and anticipation of going overseas. Seating is divided into ”economy” seats for parties of two and ”business” seats for larger parties. Also, customers wanting to get the feeling of traveling abroad or even those planning a trip abroad can browse the many travel brochures and books available in the restaurant.

Address: 2F, 42 Dongmak-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

HOHO MYOLL (호호미욜)

Stroll down to Hoho Myoll to get a sense of the bohemian lifestyle of a nomadic traveler. The first thing that stands out is the classic Volkswagen Type 2 van parked inside the store. This adds immensely to the vintage, hippie-esque interior, and will make you want to hop into the driver’s seat and get out of town for a road trip.

The name of the coffee shop comes from the name of the owner’s cat, who is there to greet customers in the store. Hoho Myoll also offers educational programs, such as latte art and coffee blending, although only in Korean.

Address: 50 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

SOMETHING OUT (썸띵아웃)

Something Out is a camping theme coffee shop that also sells camping supplies. Its carefully-designed interior is changed for each season, and is continuously updated to reflect realistic camping trends. On sunny days, you can enjoy coffee and camping meals on the terrace.

Address: 4-13 Donggyo-ro 39-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

NEEDLE STORY(바늘이야기)

Needle Story is a yarn store with a theme coffee shop upstairs where you can get drinks and desserts! The place is decorated with a display section, a learning section and a book section where you can get books to help you learn how to knit. There are a mutiple locations in Seoul, of which this Ehwa branch is the biggest!

Address: 162 Sinchon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

GET& SHOW CAFE (겟앤쇼 카페)

Get & Show Cafe is a Lego theme dessert cafe, one of the branches by Bricks Korea. Families with young children or lego lovers should add this coffee shop to your list of must-see places in Seoul.

The shop is easy to spot, as the giant Lego man above the door and giant Lego characters in the display window make it hard to miss. Inside the store, customers get to browse a vast collection of Lego merchandise, including castles and houses adorned with various Lego characters. This makes the experience a lot more fun.

The shop is also an official Lego retailer, so customers can not only browse but take home their own limited edition Lego sets to put together at home.

Address: 2F, 27 Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

ANDO (안도 카페)

Ando is a calm, relaxing coffee shop located in the heart of Itaewon. It is decorated with antique furniture yet with a modern interior design. Not only do they serve coffee, but many of the furniture items have price tags on them, in which case you can actually purchase many of these vintage items. The shop is perfect for enjoying the sunny weather on a roof top terrace.

Address: 4F, 216 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

BLüTE (블뤼테 카페)

Meaning “flower” in German, this little dining establishment takes on its name with an interior full of bouquets and flowers, as well as orders served with a small bouquet for the table. Customers can really feel the uniqueness and authenticity of the shop, especially its delicious brunch and Gouda cheese sandwich, thanks to the owner’s 15 years of experience living in Germany.

Address: 51 Hannam-daero 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

BANANA TREE (바나나트리)

With a full-on banana concept, they say this cafe Was made popular by a member of the K-pop idol group U-Kiss. Inspired by New York City’s Magnolia Bakery, one of this establishment’s most popular items is their Somsom Latte, a latte with cotton candy-covered banana inside, as well as a banana tiramisu in the shape of a flower vase, enhancing the banana theme with its interior, drinks and food.

Address: 259 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

MOM'S COOKIE (맘스쿠키)

Mom’s Cookie is known for delicious cookies made with environmentally-friendly products. The way the store works is simple: since the store itself is quite small, customers order their cookie set with decorations in advance, and then just go pick them up and decorate them yourself! The decoration sets include a cookie decorating instrument as well as chocolate and vanilla decorations. The sets come with cute packaging for you to put your cookies in once you’re finished decorating them. There is even an easy to read instruction manual for those who are unsure of their artistic cookie-decorating abilities. They also serve drinks at low prices to wash down the cookies later.

Address: 29 Seochojungang-ro 20-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

ASSOULINE LOUNGE (애술린 라운지)

Art, fashion and design are this international publisher’s specialty. With locations in various countries, this branch in Sinsa-dong is its only location in Asia. Assouline Lounge is equipped with a kitchen as well, so you can enjoy French wines and meals as you browse the art display area and its sophisticated interior.

Address: 11 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Who says you can't eat halal food in Korea? If you will go around Seoul, you will see a lot of restaurants, cafes, and retail shops that offer halal food. You'll find a large concentration of halal establishments in Itaewon, Seoul's best-known multicultural neighborhood. As halal food becomes increasingly popular with the number of Muslims visiting Korea on the rise, there is no doubt that more and more restaurants in Korea will offer halal options in the near future. However, distinction should be made between an establishment serving halal food and a halal-certified establishment. For Muslims, you may wish to inquire whether or not the establishment is certified by the Korea Muslim Federation before visiting.

Here are three of some of Halal Restaurants that you can visit around Seoul.

• BabaIndia

    Address: 359 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Conveniently located next to Seoul Subway Line 2 and the Shinbundang Line, BabaIndia serves up delicious Indian food using halal ingredients. The foyer of the restaurant greets customers with the wonderful aroma of Indian spices. The restaurant combines a pleasant dining experience with reasonable prices, quality food, and friendly staff. Order a set menu to try a variety of dishes and experience the best taste of India.

Being located in the heart of Seoul, the restaurant attracts customers from all different walks of life, ranging from business people to groups of travelers. A delicious and budget-friendly lunch menu draws young couples and students to the restaurant as well.

BabaIndia also allows customers to choose their level of spiciness, which helps first-timers who may find it daunting to order Indian or halal food. The homemade naan bread and chapati (unleavened flatbread originating in India), various house specials and desserts are sure to give those with homesickness a great treat.

• Kervan
  
  

                  Address: 190 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Vegeterian isn't the only halal food option in Korea! Located on the main street of Itaewon, Kervan is a Turkish restaurant offering a variety of halal dishes made from beef, lamb and chicken, as well as seafood and vegetables. Prices are a bit on the steep side, but the quality of food is worth the money spent. Those on a tight budget can take advantage of the wallet-friendly lunch menu.

In order to better express the beauty of Turkey, the dishes are served with elegant silverware by the friendly staff. Also, the elegant interior and superior cuisine served by the restaurant will provide you with an excellent culinary experience, and is the reason that it attracts not just Muslim travelers but also locals with an adventurous appetite. Kervan has also opened a second restaurant located in COEX Mall.

• Persian Palace

Address: 9 Seonggyungwan-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Persian Palace is located in the artsy neighborhood of Daehangno, near Sunkyunkwan University's main entrance. The restaurant has an elegant, distinct Middle Eastern dining ambience, and attracts a bustling mix of patrons. Since opening in 2002, the restaurant has focused on creating Persian dishes made from 24 spices, and meals have been developed to complement the Korean palate.

Though kebabs are the specialty, the menu contains seven pages of halal dishes and four separate dishes for vegetarians. The curries are popular for having an authentic taste unique to Persian Palace. Also, the lamb kebabs are tender and carefully roasted, tasting heavenly with freshly baked naan bread.

This restaurant is ideal for Muslim customers, vegetarians, and anyone interested in Persian cuisine. If you find yourself in the area for a theater performance or the well-known hiking trails, stop in at Persian Palace for some of its authentic ethnic cuisine, which will surely leave you wanting to come back again.

Rain will be starting his world tour this November 7, 2015 and first stop is Hunan, China. He will have shows in other part of China such as Shenzhen in Guandong Province, Wuhan in Hubei Province, Guangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu in Sichuan Province and Nanjing. Aside from China, he will also visit his fans in Japan, Thailang, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and America. The  world tour will be from November until next year.

Rain said that he will show passionate performances with experience he has gained until now rather than glamour.

This coming December, he is scheduled to release a new single and probably a concert in Korea. He hopes that his fans support his new step in his career.

They are calling; find all you need at these one-stop shops in Korea!

Located in various suburbs of Seoul, mega shopping malls are reinventing themselves through continued innovation to keep pace with the ever-changing tastes of domestic and foreign consumers. These places are breaking away from the traditional role of shopping malls that simply meet the basic needs of shoppers; they are designed to cater to a broader array of services, such as fine dining, a wide-range of entertainment, and much more! These huge recreation-integrated shopping malls are truly a one-stop destination for all, and have been fervently welcomed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Getting in tune with the latest trend of “malling,” the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) carefully selected four outstanding malls that are setting the standard. Two of them, Parnas and COEX Mall of Gangnam, have been seeing a dramatic rise in popularity among both domestic and international visitors through their multinational fashion brands and premium food and beverage outlets.

In addition to Parnas and COEX Malls, Famille Station, conveniently located between Shinsegae Department Store (Gangnam Branch) and Seoul Express Bus Terminal, carries an upscale feel suited to high-end consumers and has been gaining a reputation among many.

Yeouido IFC Mall, the largest mall in Korea, is situated in the west end of Seoul. After the recent renovation that included a variety of newly opened brands, IFC is now setting the latest malling trends through successfully launching their “total mall experience,” a concept that promotes visitors from all over the world to not just do their shopping, but also find high quality restaurants, entertainment centers, and a wide range of cultural experiences all under one roof.

Last but not least, AK Mall (AK Plaza Department Store - Suwon Branch), located in Seoul’s suburb of Suwon, has been recently nicknamed a “shopper’s paradise” for its perfect integration of first-class premium shops and large discount stores.

Pop-up shops, brand collaborations, and premium outlets draw the attention of those hunting for an impressive atmosphere and a trendy shopping experience. The most popular food and beverage outlets in Gangnam and Shinsegae Department Stores are part of these popular malls in order to entice shoppers.

One of the best parts is that these mega malls are all indoors, meaning good weather is no longer required to have fun all year long. Decorated with an assortment of themes, these malls have garnered considerable popularity even among window shoppers. Why not give yourself some time and go venturing out to these hotspots for the upcoming weekend?

Life is unfolding at COEX Mall

Photo: Main gate of COEX Mall (top left) / Inside view of COEX Mall & Pororo Park Flagship Store

Recently added to the list of Seoul’s landmarks, COEX Mall has been the heart of international conventions. Now the mall is entering a new era on a larger scale, equipped with assorted cultural facilities that are sure to please everyone’s taste. After twenty months of renovation, it has been turned into more than just an art and exhibition hall; it has created a multi-layered concept of shopping, tourism and entertainment, dubbed a “culture platform.”

The venue’s foot traffic now has a more optimized flow and is set to offer a refreshing cultural experience for shoppers who frequent the Gangnam area.

Establishing itself as Gangnam’s top shopping mecca, COEX Mall extends itself more to fashion, accessories, beauty and lifestyle brands that meet the global standard. It is also conveniently connected to the nearest major transportation hubs City Airport Terminal and Samseong Subway Station, as well as InterContinental Hotel, Hyundai Department Store, ASEM Tower, COEX Artium, and more.

☞ Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 or 6. Enter COEX Mall through the connecting passageway. / Bongeunsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 9) Exit 6. Cross the road and walk left (south) for 120 m to reach COEX Mall.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store)

☞ Brand information: Zara Home, Jaju, Mamas & Papas, Lounge P, Kakao Friends, and more

☞ Website: www.coexmall.com (Korean, English, Chinese)

☞ Nearest attractions: COEX Artium, COEX Aquarium, Megabox COEX

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6002-5300

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Parnas Mall, Asia’s largest underground shopping center

Photo: Shops and connecting passage at Parnas Mall

Parnas Mall, located in the underground level of the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel, features culture, shopping and a mass of good eats. In 2003, it claimed the title of largest underground shopping mall in Asia, and with its re-opening in October of 2014 with the renovations at neighboring COEX Mall, it now has extended its scale, being composed of dozens of shops carrying global fashion brands that were previously only available in duty free stores

Parnas is directly connected to Samseong Station, COEX Mall, a casino, and Hyundai Department Store, The mall claims to be a premium casual mall complimented with a sophisticated interior design, not to mention a luxurious and stylish atmosphere Also, cultural events are held regularly in the halls of this complex, which keep visitors pouring in.

More info

☞ Address: 521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 or 6. / Bongeunsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 9) Exit 6. Cross the road and walk left (south) for 120 m to reach COEX Mall. Follow signs through connecting passageway to Parnas Mall.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Brand information: [Fashion] Allsaints, Il Bisonte, Parsons. W, Millefiori, etc. / [Food and beverage] Junior’s Bakery & J’s Coffee, KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn, Ramen Hansungmungo, etc.

☞ Website: www.parnasmall.com (Korean, English, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-559-7089

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

A must stop for K-Pop fans! SM Town@COEX Artium

S.M. Entertainment, one of Korea’s largest entertainment companies, unveiled the building to immense fanfare in 2015 following the re-opening of COEX Mall.

Boasting itself with its scale of 8,000 square meters, SM Town took the first step into this uncharted territory by inventing a multi-purpose hallyu culture space never before done. At the first floor’s “Welcome Zone,” visitors are welcomed by top SM celebrities and offered a variety of fun experiences as they walk up to the top for some shopping at SUM, a store filled with celebrity-related merchandises, then on to becoming a K-Pop star at SM Town studio, and finally winding down with some sweets or beverages at SM Town’s LIVErary Cafe. On the fifth and sixth floors is SM Town Theater, the first hologram theater in Korea, and is set to dazzle all its visitors with futuristic visual presentations.

SUM Cafe on the fourth floor, is a must-see spot for all who wish to visit SM Town. It features limited edition desserts inspired by SM artists in collaboration with a famous dessert brand, as well as showcases SM artists’ personal items. You can also create your own jukebox by recording your favorite songs here. Try not to lose track of time as you cruise along the lavish exhibit spaces and browse through the assortment of products.

More info

☞ Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 & 6.

- Walk through the connecting passageway (Located next to COEX mall)

☞ Hours: 11:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours are subject to change.)

☞ Inquiries: +82-1644-0180 (Phone number differs by floor.)

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Famille Station, the place to dine and drink

As an affiliate of the Shinsegae brand adjacent to Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Famille Station opened its doors to the public in November 2014 after a three-month renovation. To its credit, the area has now become more modernized and organized, as it houses famous food chains, allowing diners to cruise along the street and entertain great dining choices from the famous restaurants of Garosu-gil and Sinsa-dong, exclusive picks from restaurants and bars in Gyeongnidan-gil and Itaewon-dong, and hidden gems brought from Sangsu-dong in Mapo-gu. They are so irresistible that you won’t be able to leave the place on an empty stomach. For this reason, Famille Station it’s a common site to see heavy influxes of people making long lineups during lunch or dinner times.

A variety of cuisines are available throughout Famille Station, everything from buffet-style Korean dining and Hamburg steakhouses to those looking for health-food options. The amount of options for customers is the reason so many don’t mind waiting an hour or two to sit down for a bite at this gourmet paradise.

The mall is also situated in a convenient location, as it’s directly connected to Express Bus Terminal Subway Station, where Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9 intersect, making it even more appealing to tourists who look for a one-stop-for-all shopping experience.

More info

☞ Address: 205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9) Exit 3. Follow signs through connecting passageway to Famille Plaza.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6282-0114 

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Enjoy smart, global trends at Yeouido’s IFC Mall

Located in Yeouido, the home of the National Assembly, various broadcasting corporations and financial institutions, IFC Mall is an international-style shopping mall containing various global brands.

On basement level 3 is a restaurant area with a European theme called Food Empire, where shoppers can satisfy their appetites with any kind of cuisine, including Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, American, Japanese, and European. Across from Food Empire is CJ FoodWorld, owned and operated by CJ Group Across the street from IFC Mall is Yeouido Park, an excellent little haven to feel like you’ve escaped from the bustle of city life. And, if you walk just a little further, you will reach the Hangang River, an ideal place for family picnic.

More info

☞ Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (23, Yeouido-dong)

☞ Directions: Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5, 9) Exit 3. Follow signs through the connecting passageway to IFC Mall.

☞ Hours: IFC Mall 10:00-22:00 / IFC Street Mall 10:00-21:00 (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Website: www.ifcmallseoul.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6137-5000

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Urban Entertaining Lifestyle Center

Located at Yeongdeungpo Station on Seoul Subway’s Line 1, Times Square serves the city of Seoul as a fully-equipped entertainment and culture space, with the Courtyard Marriot Hotel, Shinsegae Department Store, CGV Movie Theater, E-Mart, Kyobo Bookstore, Amoris Wedding Hall, as well as countless clothing stores and over 200 restaurants. Times Square also houses the world’s largest movie theater screen, as recorded by Guinness World Records.

Is the largest open space of its kind in Asia, and extends all the way to the roof. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can enjoy, and the venue also holds numerous launch events for global companies. You can also often find famous celebrities holding autograph sessions, and even TV broadcasts being filmed here, making it a place where shopping is only the beginning.

More info

☞ Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). Leave the station through Lotte Department Store. Cross the street and continue (northwest) for 150 m. Turn left and Times Square will be on your left after another 200 m.

☞ Hours: 10:30-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Website: www.timessquare.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2638-2000

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

From luxury shoppers to penny pinchers, Suwon AK Plaza

has it all!

AK Plaza, located at Suwon Station, has been Gyeonggi-do’s top shopping ground and one of the city’s landmarks. Since its opening in 2003, the shopping center has received much attention from both local and international visitors. AK Plaza embarked on a new plan to take another leap in December of 2014 after a huge renovation to offer even better shopping experiences for all. At the head of its renewal effort was the opening of the trendy AK &, AK Town and Novotel Ambassador Hotel, which has definitely added extra value and attracted additional visitors to the center.

This latest fashion district that also has dining establishments and many entertainment facilities, including a movie theater, lead to its shopping and culture image. It also makes it a popular place for young adults and teenagers to hang out. In particular is the basement level’s food street, which was designed to look like 1970s Korea, where you can check out all the cool retro artifacts after enjoying your lunch in a restored 1970s bus or train car.

More info

☞ Address: 924 Deogyeong-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (18, Maesanno 1-ga)

☞ Directions: Suwon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). Follow the passageway connected to the second floor of the plaza.

☞ Website: www.akplaza.com (Korean only)

☞ Inquiries: +82-31-1661-1114

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do, known as a beloved hideout for artists, is a romantic travel destination throbbing with artistic sensibility. The city is filled with a variety of attractions, including alleys adorned with beautiful flowers and trees, a charming mural village, heartwarming traditional markets, and more. Recently, the street of Changdong has been drawing an ever-increasing number of visitors with the installation of "Sangsang-gil." Literally meaning "Imaginary Road," it is a newly built tourist zone with the names of Korean celebrities and international tourists engraved on its sidewalk. Head off on a trip to Changwon this fall to explore this gorgeous city of artistic delights!

SANGSANG-GIL (IMAGINARY ROAD) (BULJONGGEORI-RO)

Sangsang-gil road, the only street of its kind in the world, is filled with names of the general public. This street was made possibly by a special campaign launched by the Korea Tourism Organization. Millions of international applicants entered, among which 23,000 lucky winners were selected to have their names engraved on the road.

Although scheduled for completion in October 2015, there was recently a grand opening ceremony. The road is expected to perform as a special attraction for visitors coming to the area. In particular, the winners of the campaign will be delighted to find their names just below their feet. Taking pictures as a keepsake of this special experience will add more fun in exploring Korea's southern region.

Address: 28, Buljonggeori-ro, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

CHANGDONG ART VILLAGE

Changdong Art Village was created by redeveloping Changdong Street, a declining yet once thriving downtown of the old Masan city (now consolidated into Changwon City). As ateliers, cafes, and galleries took over the vacant stores, the empty town has been transformed into a street of art, characterized by its distinctly romantic ambience.

A great number of unique murals and popular photo spots hide behind every corner, offering a joyful experience of exploring the alleys. The Changdong Art Village Art Center, easily spottable during one's tour of the village, displays an array of artworks by international artists, and also provides tourist information. The center is open from 11:00 to 18:00, and is closed every Monday and on the day of Chuseok.

Address: 24, Odongseo 6-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

CHANGWON GAROSU-GIL

A quiet neighborhood of Yongji-dong is the new up-and-coming hot spot for Changwon residents to meet and gather, thanks to its metasequoia tree road. Dubbed as the "Garosu-gil of Changwon" (after the famous Sinsadong Garosu-gil in Seoul), the area is dotted with cozy coffee shops, galleries, and art shops that draw a constant stream of visitors, especially young people. The metasequoia-lined road and the revamped buildings give off an exotic vibe, for which it is an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll with take-out coffee in hand or enjoy tea-time on one of the cafe terraces. On weekends, a flea market is held here, adding to the fun of exploring the area.

Address: 24, Odongseo 6-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

GAGOPA KKOBURANG-GIL MURAL VILLAGE

Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village can be reached by walking through the alleys leading down from Changwon City Museum. It is a small village, the walls of which are decorated with mural paintings illustrating the old landscape of Changwon, such as its sea and port, as well as other diverse themes like animals, flowers, pop art, and more.

Some of the meaningful places in the village, including its 100-year-old well and the senior citizen center have been turned into photo zones for visitors to capture the colorful murals. Climb up the stairs flanked by these mural drawings to get a magnificent birds-eye view of Masan Port. The village is a must-visit destination in Changwon, but it is also a residential area for locals, so visitors are advised to look around quietly.

Address: 15-8, Seonghoseo 7-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

CHANGWON CITY MUSEUM (MOONSHIN ART MUSEUM)

Changwon City Museum is an art museum dedicated to the internationally recognized artist Moon Shin (1923–1995), who spent a good part of his life in France. Moon is most well-known for his 25 meter-high stainless steel artwork on display at Olympic Park in Seoul.

The art museum was completed after 14 years of construction under the guidance of the artist himself, who also designed the building. It is comprised of three exhibition halls housing around 290 works, including this artist-slash-founder's own sculptures and oil paintings that each display a great deal of artistry. In addition, the museum is situated on the hill overlooking Masan Bay, so visitors to the museum can also take in the great scenery.

Address: 147, Moonshin-gil, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

THE HOUSE OF CHANGWON

The House of Changwon is the place to go if you want to experience Korean traditional culture. This hanok (traditional Korean house) complex was set up on a wide stretch of land around 200 years ago to preseve the time-honored houses and traditional culture. The complex consits of 14 buildings, which include a guesthouse, a main building, and an octagonal pavilion called palgakjeong.

On display inside the buildings are farming tools that were once used by Koreans, and beeswax figures reenacting scenes from the Joseon dynasty, thereby offering visitors a chance to travel back in time. Popular among photographers for its well-kept garden and architectural beauty, the House of Changwon offers use free of charge for couples holding a traditional wedding here.

Address: 59, Sarim-ro 16beon-gil, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

BURIM MARKET

Connected to the alley of Changdong Art Village, Burim Market is Changwon's major traditional market in addition to being a famous wedding market. The market sells a diverse assorment of goods, such as clothes, fruits, and vegetables, but it is especially popular among customers who come to rent or purhcase tailored hanbok(traditional Korean dress) at affordable prices. In fact, you can often spot couples here searching for hanbok to wear to their upcoming wedding ceremonies.

The market is also widely-known for its tasty Myeongmul tteok-bokki (spicy rice cakes), which is served on a plant stand and makes for a budget-priced, hearty meal.

Address: 352, 3•15-daero, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

MASAN FISH MARKET

Masan Fish Market is the largest of its kind in Korea with over 250 years of history. The market houses more than 1,200 stores selling fresh seafood caught in the waters surrounding Masan, Tongyeong, and Geoje. It is divided into several sections, each specializing in different items, such as salted seafood and dried fish. The most popular section is the one lined with hoetjip (raw fish restaurants), which is always bustling with people who come to taste fresh raw fish. This arcade-style market provides clean facilities and rest areas for visitors' convenience.

In addition, Lotte Department Store is located right next to the market, which makes the area an ideal shopping destination. The annual Masan Fish Market Festival, held in the fall, draws a large number of visitors each year as it offers much to eat and enjoy.

Address: 7, Bogyori-ro, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/