OWL Magazine Korea

Bukchon Hanok Village stands as one of the prominent tourist destinations in the heart of Seoul. Situated east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s conveniently located for visitors exploring the palace grounds. Moreover, its proximity to Insadong to the south enhances its accessibility to major attractions in Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village boasts numerous hanok (traditional Korean houses) so densely packed that it’s ...

Coffee Factory 103 is one of the prominent cafes you can find in Paju’s Heyri Art Village. Starting as a modest café, it soared to fame with its exceptional coffee, eventually constructing a three-story building, solidifying its status as one of the representative cafes in Heyri. Now, you can also explore Coffee Factory 103 in Seoul, including its Ichon branch. ...

In Seoul’s Yongsan district, you can discover the martyrs’ shrine managed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul. The current martyrs’ shrine houses a Catholic memorial cathedral built in the traditional Korean hanok style. Construction began in 1984, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Catholicism in Korea, and was completed after a three-year effort. “Site where Chosun-era Catholics were martyred by the ...

Dakgalbi, a dish famous in Chuncheon, can also be savored in the capital city of South Korea, Seoul. In Yongsan, you can find a restaurant named ‘Ogeunnae Dakgalbi,’ recognized for its culinary prowess to the extent of being featured in the 2018 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand. Thanks to its popularity, you can find not only the original location but also ...

As you head a bit south from Seoul Yongsan Station, you’ll discover a place preserving picturesque views known as ‘Ddaeng Ddaeng Geori’ or ‘Clang Clang Alley.’ The name comes from the sound of the crossing gate coming down each time a train passes along the railway. Finding streets where a railway crosses in most areas of Seoul has become challenging. ...

The ‘Donuimun Museum Village’ is a modern reinterpretation of the area where Seodaemun once stood, preserving the past neighborhood in a contemporary way. This project revives the memories of modern and contemporary history, transforming the entire village into a museum-like space. It recreates the scenes of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, portraying public hanoks and alleyways reminiscent of childhood memories. ...

Jungdong-gil in Seoul has been a central location steeped in history. Especially during the modern era, it has witnessed significant historical events, making it a central street in the modern history of South Korea. Even in contemporary times, the street leads from Deoksugung to Seodaemun, offering glimpses of buildings with a long history. It provides an opportunity to feel the ...

Jungdong-gil, stretching from Seodaemun to Deoksugung in Seoul, is a distinctly Korean street with a nostalgic atmosphere. It exudes a feeling that makes you want to take a leisurely stroll. In the past, it was a place where significant events in modern history occurred, playing a pivotal role in the modern history of South Korea. At the heart of Jungdong-gil, ...

The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is considered a representative office-dense area in the city. It is known for housing various entities, including the Seoul Government Complex, embassies of different countries, media outlets, headquarters of major corporations, and offices of other small and medium-sized enterprises. When thinking about places where many companies gather, Gwanghwamun is likely the first location that comes ...

On July 27, 1999, Starbucks landed in South Korea by opening its first store in front of Ewha Womans University. Initially, there were controversies due to coffee being more expensive than a regular meal, but now Starbucks has firmly established its presence in South Korea. Especially within a 1km radius of Gwanghwamun Square, it boasts the highest number of Starbucks ...

In Seoul, there’s an initiative to provide affordable space rentals through community culture centers compared to private venues. After the opening of Sinchon Lifelong Culture Center in 2012, Chebu Lifelong Culture Center in 2018, and Nakwon Lifelong Culture Center in 2020, Lifelong Culture Center Seogyo has also opened its doors. Located near Hapjeong Station, Lifelong Culture Center Seogyo features a ...

In the hub of transportation in the northwest of Seoul, you can find “Mesena Polis” near Hapjeong Station. Mesena Polis is a complex apartment located in Hapjeong, combining residential and commercial spaces to create a unique atmosphere. Completed in 2012, Mesena Polis stands out with a design reminiscent of a canyon, providing a distinctive experience different from other shopping malls ...