Two prominent exhibits are underway till April 21. In Memory of Landscape I Have Never Seen, a high-profile collection from the National Gallery in Prague showcases 107 pieces of carefully selected paintings from 28 different Czech artists. A group of modern masterpieces from Korea is also on display, featuring Lee Jung-sup, Park Soo-keun, and Kim Whan-ki,among many other artists. Admission is 12,000 won and free, respectively.

EAT>
Ohyang Jokbal 오향 족발 (T. 02-753-4755) serves five-spice pigs trotters that are immensely popular due to its secret recipe, which seeks to reduce the intense smell of the meat using five different spices.

BUY>
The nearby Jongno area is a major shopping district, and Namdaemun Market is within walking distance.

SEE>
The museum is part of Deoksugung Palace, which vividly contrasts modern Seoul with traditional Korea. Built during the mid-15th century, it is the smallest of Seoul’s palaces.

FYI>
www.moca.go.kr
T. 02-2188-6000
(102 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 서소문동 102)

GO>
City Hall Station 시청역 (Line 1, 2), Exit 8

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Red Bean Bread from JSP

A white, fluffy steamed bread stuffed with sweet red bean paste is a fine way to start a day of palace trekking. JSP also has great steamed kimchi pork dumplings.

JSP | JSP왕만두

FYI>
Cost: 1,000 won
T. 02-741-1114
(Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 낙원동)

GO>
Right outside of Jongno 3-ga Station 종로3가역 (Lines 1, 3, and 5), Exit 5

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[box_dark]Lunch[/box_dark]

ⓒ chubbyj.egloos.com

Dosirak Lunch at Tongin Market

After a visit to Gyeongbukgung Palace, go to Tongin market, get a dosirak lunch box and meal tickets, and then go to the different vendors to pick out a sampling of different dishes (banchan). They have a nice café to get some soup and rice and then have your lunch.

Dosirak Café | 도시락카페

FYI>
Cost: 6,000 won
Mon–Sat, until 4pm
(Tongin Market: 44 Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 통인동 44)

GO>
Tongin Market: Gyeongbokgung Station 경복궁역 (Line 3), Exit 2

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[box_dark]Dinner[/box_dark]

© Seoul Selection

Samgyetang at Kuryeo Samgyetang

Perhaps after visiting Deoksugung and a long day of walking, you will need something a bit hearty. I recommend a fi lling bowl of chicken and ginseng soup (samgyetang). If you need an extra boost, add abalone or mountain ginseng.

Kuryeo Samgyetang | 고려삼계탕

FYI>
Cost: 19,000–35,000 won
10am–10pm
T. 02-752-9376
(55-3 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 서소문동 55-3)

GO>
City Hall Station 시청역 (Lines 1, 2), Exit 10

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[box_dark]Dessert[/box_dark]

© Seoul Selection

Barlin

You might need a beer after your day, so get a large frosty mug of Krombacher at Barlin. They have authentic German sausages and other German dishes as well.

Barlin | 베어린

FYI>
Cost: 10,000 won
11:30am–11:30pm
T. 02-722-5622, www.baerlin.co.kr
(85 Susong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 수송동 85)

GO>
Somerset Palace Seoul:  It’s a five-minute walk from either Exit 1 or 6 of Anguk Station 안국역 (Line 3) or the Gwanghwamun gate of the Gyeongbukgung Palace.

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© Namsangol Hanok Village

Seollal (Lunar New Year) 설날

Seollal, the first day of the lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea and falls on Sunday, February 10 this year. This family-oriented traditional holiday marks a rare occasion for Koreans to engage in a variety of folk games. However, you do not need to feel left out, as Seoul’s royal palaces will remain open and set the folk game stage for visitors during the 3-day holiday period. Namsangol Hanok Village 남산골한옥마을 (T. 02-2264-4412) operates a year-round program from Tuesday through Saturday that begins at 4pm and provides patrons with opportunities to dress in Korean traditional costume, experience Korean tea culture, and attend a traditional music concert. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Visitors can also only try on Korean traditional costumes and drink Korean tea for a fee of 15,000 won throughout the year.

FYI>
http://hanokmaeul.seoul.go.kr, www.royalpalace.go.kr, www.deoksugung.go.kr

GO> 
Namsangol Hanok Village | 남산골한옥마을
(84-1 Pil-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울시 중구 필동2가 84-1)

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