A Cultural Discovery of South Korea and Japan

Dongdaemun Design Plaza was built in 2014, designed by world famous architect Zaha Hadid. Also known simply as the DDP, it is is located in the center of the Dongdaemun area and has become the newest iconic landmark of Seoul after N Seoul Tower. Its sweeping neofuturistic shapes house large exhibition and art spaces, numerous shops and the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park which was made around historic remains uncovered during construction.

The 19km-long Bugak Skyway runs along the northeast ridge of Bugaksan Mountain. Opened in September 1968, the road quickly became known as one of Korea’s most scenic driving routes with lovely views of Bibong and Munsubong peaks on one side and Namsan Mountain on the other side. Trees line the roadside and different flowers bloom each season. The skyway leads to an octagonal pavilion at the top called Palgakjeong, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the city.

The Korea Furniture Museum offers a fascinating overview of Korean antique furniture and craftsmanship in a beautifully restored traditional house that hosts over 2,000 pieces.

Built in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site which contains a number of Korea’s most revered national treasures. Close by is the Seokguram Grotto, built in the same period as Bulguksa, which contains a monumental statue of the Buddha surrounded by realistic depictions of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, and is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East.

A number of larges, ancient burial mounds of kings and noblemen of the Silla Kingdom can be seen around Gyeongju at the Daereungwon Tomb Complex. The most famous of these is Cheonmachong which was excavated in 1973.Dating to the 7th century, Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia.

Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond was the secondary palace site which was used by the crown prince. It also served as a banquet site for important national events and important visitors. After the fall of the Silla dynasty, the site was abandoned and forgotten. The pond was referred to as Anapji during the Goryeo and Joseon period. In the 1980s, pottery fragment with letters Wolji (a pond that reflects the moon) carved onto it was found, revealing the true name of the pond. After the discovery, the site was renamed to the current Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

Visit some of Ginza’s famous department stores, heading down to their basement floors called ‘depachika’ which house high-end food courts where Tokyoites buy their delicacies.

You will visit one of the best craft-beer bars offering many varieties of beer, all crafted by small operating breweries using the highest quality malts, hops and yeasts and traditional techniques.

Climb up to the Roppongi Hills observation deck located on the 52nd floor of the same building, where you can enjoy amazing 360 degree view of Tokyo. There are two relaxed cafés where you can take a break enjoying the sweeping sights over the metropolis.

This museum takes an open attitude in introducing the newest art forms from all over the world, with its key emphasis placed on the concepts of being contemporary and international.

Visit the ancient Higashiyama Geisha District. Built in 1820, it is reminiscent of feudal times with wooden lattice fronts on the old geisha houses. Visit the teahouse at Kaikaro to learn more about the history and traditions surrounding geishas.

Visit the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, an architecturally striking building and one of the most successfully-run museums in Japan. The museum focuses on integrating the design of its space with the program and features many up-coming Japanese artists, as well as permanent installations by renowned international artists, such as Leandro Ehrlich and Anish Kapoor.

Visit the Kinkaku-ji ‘Golden Pavilion’ temple. Built in 1397 to serve as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Kinkaku-ji served as the inspiration for the Ginkaku-ji the Silver Pavilion which was built by the Shogun’s grandson.

We then continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple which is celebrated for its rock garden, comprised of nothing but clay walls, raked sand and 15 rocks.

You’ll be brought to Sanjusangendo Hall where we’ll feel the serene atmosphere of the temple. Famed for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess mercy, Sanjusangendo was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266.

Kodaiji Temple, a temple of the Rinzai (Pure Land) school of Zen Buddhism which was founded during the Momoyama-period by the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful general who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century. Kodaiji is interesting for its formal gardens and bamboo grove that leads to two famous teahouses.

A narrow shopping arcade only 400 metres in length with just over 100 vendors, Nishiki market is the perfect place for you to discover Kyoto’s distinctive culinary delicacies and be surprised by the sights, the sound and the smells. Aritsugu, which features a variety of excellent kitchen tools, is a recommended shop to visit.