OWL Magazine Korea

One of the historically significant places representing Gangneung is “Ojukheon.” Ojukheon is both the birthplace of the renowned scholar Yulgok Yi-I and the ancestral home of his mother, the distinguished Shin Saimdang. Shin Saimdang’s image is featured on the current 50,000 KRW bill, while Yulgok Yi-I is depicted on the 5,000 KRW bill, marking a unique case where both mother ...

After President Yoon Suk-yeol’s election in 2022, Cheong Wa Dae became open to the public. Cheong Wa Dae, originally used as the office and residence of the President of South Korea, also included the Yeong Bin Gwan building, which was initially planned to be open to the public but was partially opened due to occasional government use for diplomatic purposes. ...

“Hwangudan” is a place where ceremonies are held to offer sacrifices to the heavens. The ritual ceremonies in Korea are believed to have begun with the development of agricultural culture, and it is thought to have been a national ritual ceremony since the Three Kingdoms period. This altar is dedicated to the Heavenly Emperor and the Five Directions, which are ...

The story of Byeongjahoran and Namhansanseong Fortress has gained popularity as a historical novel, and it has even been adapted into a movie. In the 14th year of Injo’s reign (1636), the Qing Dynasty’s Taizong led a 100,000-strong army and personally attacked Joseon, initiating the Byeongjahoran. Injo, who resisted while staying at Namhansanseong, eventually could not hold out. He surrendered ...

Ngong Ping Village, located at the heart of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, sits atop a hill. It’s here that you can find the once-largest statue in the world, the “Tian Tan Buddha.” While it was once the largest, other colossal statues have been constructed, and the Tian Tan Buddha now holds the third place globally. Nonetheless, it still exudes ...

In the historic district of Macau Peninsula, you’ll discover Guan Yu Temple. In Chinese culture, Guan Yu is revered as a god of martial prowess and prosperity, particularly esteemed by merchants. Being a part of the Chinese cultural sphere, Macau has its own temple dedicated to the worship of Guan Yu. Known as Guan Tai Temple or the Intersection of ...

In Senado Square, Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can explore various cultural treasures. Alongside the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Monte Fort, you’ll find Na Tcha Temple among other UNESCO-designated sites. As you ascend from Senado Square towards the direction of Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll come across a prominent yellow building. This structure, too, is one ...

Adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, which can be found within Senado Square, the Monte Fort is located, making it a focal point of the old town in Macao. This fort is known for being the site where Macao resisted the Dutch fleet in 1622. “Former Jesuit Headquarters – Monte Fort” Originally, Monte Fort served as the headquarters for ...

In the heart of Macao Peninsula, which encompasses the old town of Macao, when you walk a bit northwest from Senado Square and pass through the beef jerky street, you’ll find yourself heading towards a prominent historic site. The most renowned historical site in Macao, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the Ruins of St. Paul’s, commonly ...

In the area of Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, one can still find old buildings constructed in the architectural style of the Victorian era, preserved and standing to this day. These buildings hold a history of over 100 years, dating back to the time of British colonial rule in Hong Kong. “The Building Formerly Used as the Marine Police ...

Frequently featured in 1990s Hong Kong films, it has become an iconic symbol of Hong Kong. It is the world’s longest outdoor escalator, known as the ‘Mid-level Escalator’. “Hong Kong, with its many hills, naturally offers many inclined paths. Many buildings are constructed on steep slopes, and you can find many buildings perched on hilltops. Due to the abundance of ...

In the heart of Central, Hong Kong, lies a small square named “Statue Square,” known as “황후상 광장” in Korean. This square can be easily found upon exiting from Exit K of the MTR Central Station, nestled between Hong Kong Park and Chater Garden. “Once Home to Queen Victoria’s Statue” The square earned its name from the presence of a ...