Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has reopened the recently renovated Tourist Information Center (TIC) located on the basement level of the headquarter building. The information center now includes a Hansik (Korean Cuisine) Experience Center as well as new displays and facilities in the Hallyu (Korean Wave) Hall.

Hansik (Korean Cuisine) Experience Center

As interest in Korean foods such as Bibimbap and Kimchi grows every year, KTO dedicated a space where foreigners may enjoy genuine Korean food. At the Hansik (Korean Cuisine) Experience Center, an open-run experience program is held where visitors can sample common Korean dishes such as Japchae and Tteokbokki as well as deluxe Korean cuisine. Moreover, visitors may also make their own Korean food in a cooking program taught by a professional chef. Participants can choose from three daily food items which are indicated on the website www.koreafood.or.kr (under construction) on the first day of every month. To join the program, reservations (by phone) are required at least three days in advance. Walk-in participation is available on a space-available basis. Also, the Exhibition and Sales Center for Regional Specialty Products sells special products such as red ginseng, Kimchi, sesame oil, medicinal herb and others at discounted prices. 

Hallyu (Korean Wave) Hall

Hallyu (Korean Wave) Hall was created in 2004 focusing on such famous Korean dramas as ‘Jewel in the Palace’, and ‘Winter Sonata’. A number of international visitors have visited the KTO TIC to enjoy video clips and taking photos with cutouts of Hallyu celebrities. The hall was recently renovated to create a photo zone where visitors may take pictures with new Hallyu sensations such as Girls Generation, Super Junior, Big Bang, 2NE1, and SHINee. The remodeled hall also has K·Star Shop, a souvenir shop with Hallyu celebrity products from such popular Korean dramas as “You are Beautiful”, “Seonggyungwan Scandal” and “Secret Garden.”