Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인)

4.7Km 2024-04-22

236-1, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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

4.7Km 2025-01-17

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.

Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park (여의도샛강생태공원)

4.7Km 2021-06-14

48, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0570

Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in central Seoul was the first ecological park in Korea, opened on September 25, 1997. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including kestrels (Natural Monument No. 323), herons, and minnows. There is a 6 kilometer-long promenade that crosses the park, and information signs explaining various flower and plant species throughout the park.

Yeonji-dong Sundubu (연지동순두부)

4.7Km 2021-03-22

10, Daehak-ro, 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-0593

This place sells a variety of soft tofu dishes. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is seafood and soft bean curd stew.

Darakjeong (다락정)

4.7Km 2021-03-26

131-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-725-1697

Darakjeong has been popular for a long time because of the simple taste of its traditional Mandu (Korean stuffed dumpling). Since its opening in 1991, tasty soup and scrumptious Mandu have been served. A fist-sized Mandu is fully packed with seasoned meat, bean-curd, and various vegetables. Its thick dough makes it chewy and delightful. For one person, “Manduguk”(boiled dumpling soup) is a good choice. The delicious and nourishing taste of Mandu goes well with the sweet, spicy, and fresh taste of the soup. Manduguk is served in a brass bowl which keeps the food warm while eating. For a large-size group, “Mandujeongol” cooked with various vegetables in a casserole is recommended. There are two types of Mandujeongol that have different tastes. The main characteristic of “Kimchi Mandujeongol” is its spicy flavor, which reminds people of the refreshing taste of Kimchi soup, and “Tojang Mandujeongol” expounds on the savory taste of bean-paste soup. Tojang means folk soybean-paste. “Nokdujeon”(a Korean pan-fried dish with green mung bean) is another famous dish at Darakjeong, which is pan-fried with a very light seasoning to emphasize the original taste of Nokdu (green mung bean). Salted oysters with hot pepper are served with Nokdujeon instead of soy sauce, which is a perfect match.

Sujeong Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (수정약국)

4.7Km 2024-04-22

1F, 195, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Swiss Grand Hotel (formerly GrandHilton Seoul) (스위스 그랜드 호텔(구 그랜드힐튼 서울))

4.7Km 2020-04-02

353, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3216-5656

Located 7km northwest of Seoul City Hall, Swiss Grand Hotel is situated beside Baekryoensan Mountain, offering fresh mountain air and a beautiful natural view.

The hotel is located 40 minutes away from Incheon International Airport, 15 minutes from Seoul City Hall and 10 minutes from World Cup Stadium.

Always August Roasters (올웨이즈 어거스트 로스터스)

4.7Km 2023-07-04

서울특별시 마포구 망원동 415-53
+82-507-1384-1622

Located near Mangwon Market, this cafe is sandwiched between tranquil residential buildings, so it is a good place to enjoy a cup and some desserts in peace. The joint serves great coffee and desserts, which go even better together. Its placement on the first floor means that one can get some sun and feel the tranquil atmosphere of Mangwon-dong, a different side of Seoul as a city. Note that this place also offers alcoholic beverages in the form of wine, so if you are up for a longer stay, you can indulge in the wine card curated by the management.

Nunnamujip (눈나무집)

4.7Km 2020-06-16

136-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-6742

Nunnamujip is famous for a North Korean dish called, “Kimchi mari guksu”, which is a noodle dish in cold kimchi soup containing toasted laver, a boiled egg, and sesame. The soup is refreshingly cold and a little spicy. For “Kimchi mari bap”, a bowl of rice is put into cold kimchi soup instead of noodles. The taste is very unique. In addition to Kimchimari, “Tteokgalbi” is a popular dish on the menu as well.

The main restaurant is located in the basement, which has only limited seating capacity with a few tables. As a result, many people usually wait in line for lunch or dinner. A second franchise has opened in a three-story building across the street. To enjoy a quaint atmosphere, the first establishment is better, but the new one’s interior design is much more modern and fancier, giving it a fresh altering look.

Buam-dong (부암동)

4.7Km 2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인) - Area information - Korea travel information