Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

13.5Km 2025-06-19

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

13.5Km 2024-07-17

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The Royal Culture festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Glam Eyewear - Hongdae Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (글램아이웨어 홍대)

13.5Km 2024-04-18

2F, 23, Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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E-Mart Traders - Gimpo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트트레이더스 김포)

13.5Km 2024-04-22

715, Gimpo-daero, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Fatum (파툼)

13.5Km 2019-12-20

86-5, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-9888

FATUM is famous for its great view of Samcheong-dong. Each floor is decorated with a different theme, from natural rocks on the first floor, comfort on the second floor, and indoor viewing places on the third and fourth floors, and outdoor seats on the fifth floor. The view features beautiful scenery including Bugaksan Mountain, Inwangsan Mountain, and Gyeongbokgung Palace at once, as well as a fantastic sunset from the café.

Haedrin Oriental Medicine Clinic [Tax Refund Shop] (해들인한의원)

13.5Km 2024-04-22

3F, 107, Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Seongbukro (성북로)

13.5Km 2024-02-15

1-2F, 10 Seongbuk-ro 28-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Seongbukro is a café located 15 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage site Changdeokgung Palace. With an elegant atmosphere, the café is structured with three floors and a rooftop. The signature menu is the mandarin latte, featuring a refreshing taste with plenty of tangerines in milk. Additionally, the café is known for making desserts on-site, following the principle of selling them on the same day they are produced. Signature desserts include croissants with milk cream and mont blanc.

Olive Young - Sinchondaero Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 신촌대로)

13.5Km 2024-04-18

121, Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Lens Me - Sangsu Café Street Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (렌즈미상수카페거리점)

13.5Km 2024-04-22

65, Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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B-hind (비하인드)

13.5Km 2020-04-16

18, Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3141-7212

Cafe B-hind typifies a quiet, secluded place located behind the main roads, away from the heart of the city. The cafe aims to provide a space where people can take a break and enjoy conversation. Additionally, the "B-" in the name represents analog, which inspired most of the cafe's design concept. The cafe is decorated with a glass window, large chalkboard wall, a cozy exterior that fits the elegant interior.

"This Month's Sandwich" is also selected every month, providing great tasting sandwiches that add to the overall experience. Wine novices may also indulge themselves in a sweet glass of wine without the worry of being detected as an inexperienced wine drinker. Furthermore, B-hind is located on the streets of Hongik University, where people can enjoy the culture, shopping at the free market, or watching one of many street performances.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information