Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

7.1Km 2025-07-21

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Paraboot - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (파라부트 한남)

7.1Km 2024-04-23

228-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

7.1Km 2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Golfzon Market - Magok Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골프존마켓 마곡 [사후면세점])

7.1Km 2024-04-22

1-2F, 376, Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul

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Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon (오장동 함흥냉면)

7.1Km 2024-02-22

108 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon originated when grandma Han Hyesun, who migrated from Hamgyeongnam-do to Seoul during the Korean War, began selling Hamheung-style "nongma guksu (starch noodles)," eventually naming it Hamheung naengmyeon (Hamheung cold buckwheat noodles). Its signature dish, bibim naengmyeon (spicy buckwheat noodles), features chewy noodles infused with a tangy-sweet seasoning, showcasing the expertise behind its preparation. Alongside the flavorful broth served as a base, the menu also includes variations like hoe naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish), mul laengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), suyuk (boiled pork slices) and mandu.

Woo Lae Oak (우래옥)

7.1Km 2024-03-07

62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-0151

Woo Lae Oak is a Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles) restaurant established in 1949. Its signature dish is the Pyeongyang naengmyeon, known for their clean and light broth. Alongside the onmyeon (warm noodles), they also serve bulgogi, which complements the warm broth perfectly. The restaurant is renowned to the extent that customers often line up to dine, and it was selected for the Michelin Guide 2023.

Beaker - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (비이커 한남점)

7.1Km 2024-04-18

241, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Rawrow - Kwangjang Market Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (로우로우 광장시장)

7.1Km 2024-04-19

Store #239, Gwangjang Market, 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul National Cemetery (국립서울현충원)

7.2Km 2024-03-07

210, Hyeonchung-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
+82-2-813-9625

Seoul National Cemetery is a national cemetery for individuals who worked or fought for Korea and sacrificed their lives. It encompasses those who fought for Korea's independence from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, those who perished in the Korean War (1950-1953), and former presidents, totaling over 165,000 individuals. There are exhibition halls and parks with related artifacts. Shuttle buses are provided for the convenience of visitors.

Bada Sikdang (바다식당)

7.2Km 2021-05-25

18, Itaewon-ro, 49-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-795-1317

This is a restaurant that sells thick beef bone broth-based Budaejjigae (spicy sausage stew). This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sausage stew.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information