Premium pensions designed by renowne architects offer special weekendsCity life for Kim Young-kwan, a 60-year-old former executive at a construction company, was exhausting, boring and empty. He felt that he was like a hamster in a wheel all day long ― working on weekdays and shopping at department stores on weekends. Eight years ago, he decided to leave the city and pursue a new life, starting with building the house he had dreamt of.Kim requested Min Qu-am, one of the country’s leading archite

Suncheon, a scenic city in South Jeolla Province, will host an environmental festival next week. The Suncheon EcoGeo Festival will feature a variety of events ― music, arts and family activities ― along with some nature-themed events intended to raise environmental awareness. Suncheon is globally recognized for its ecological value with its wetland Suncheon Bay, home to migratory birds and species like mudskippers and mud crabs. The weekend festival, which runs from May 25-27, also aims to attra

HONG KONG ― India has the Taj Mahal. In France, of course, it’s the Eiffel Tower. Russia has Red Square and South Africa has Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Each a treasure, and each reason enough for a pilgrimage.In Hong Kong, the sight to see is not a single monument or even a majestic natural vista. It is the city’s glittering homage to the modern skyscraper ― a breathtaking skyline with verdant Victoria Peak as the picture-postcard backdrop.Still, when I arrived in Hong Kong for a long weekend l

Travel destinations near  Expo venue await local and foreign visitorsMake the most out of your precious time while staying at Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea: alluring travel destinations await for your visit, not so far from the Expo venues. Most of the must-visit spots are lined up along the southern coast that connects Boseong, Suncheon and Sacheon cities as well as Yeosu. The expo’s Organizing Committee gathered 83 recommended one-day tour routes along the coast. Here

HEXHAM, England ― A bone-chilling rain swept over the moors on the October day we hiked to the top of the ruins of Hadrian’s Wall, a few miles south of the Scottish border.Gusts of wind, scouring the tumble-down ruins of the Second Century Roman barracks built on the summit drove most sensible people indoors. But the dark clouds and lowering sky, pelting the armory, shrine and sleeping quarters with rain, set the mood as nothing else could have done. Shivering in my summer-weight parka ― a last-

LONDON ― Between the Olympics and a certain queen’s Diamond Jubilee, expect plenty of airport delays here this summer. That could mean napping with the masses in the vast open seating areas of Heathrow.But here’s a tip. Tucked away in Terminal 4 is a futuristic little place called the Yotel, where for as little as 32 pounds, or $51, for a single, you can grab a few hours of blissful shut-eye and a hot shower in something that looks like a deluxe cabin on a federation starship.My wife and I flew

Experience the thrill of yacht racing in HwaseongThe mercury is rising and it feels like summer is already here. Those looking for a place to cool off might consider doing so out at sea. While Korea, with its islands and coastline, is ideally situated for yachting as a leisure activity, the culture is only now slowly taking root across the country.If you want to experience the sheer thrill of yacht racing, consider visiting Jeongok Marina in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, this month.One can fully