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

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

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

1.9Km    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.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

1.9Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Goldria - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골드리아 종로3가)

1.9Km    2024-04-19

1F, 50, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Charles & Keith - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (찰스앤키스 눈스퀘어)

Charles & Keith - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (찰스앤키스 눈스퀘어)

1.9Km    2024-04-18

2F, 14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Myeongdong Beer Festival (명동맥주페스티벌)

Myeongdong Beer Festival (명동맥주페스티벌)

1.9Km    2025-05-20

14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8670-2182

Myeongdong Beer Festival provide a chance to find one's preference through beer. Enjoy the cool fall weather with fun people all around.

Åland - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에어랜드눈스퀘어점)

Åland - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에어랜드눈스퀘어점)

1.9Km    2024-06-27

14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Redtable Inc (주식회사 레드테이블)

1.9Km    2025-10-23

10F, SIGNATURE TOWER(WEST),100,Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

We are a Google partner in Korea that provides services for searching, inquiries, consultations, bookings, and payments related to hospitals, wellness centers, and aesthetic services on Google. 

We focus on attracting global tourists from English-speaking countries, Japan, and other Asian regions.

Additionally, Redtable Inc is an official agency of Meituan-Dianping (the largest integrated platform in China), specializing in marketing and promotions for the Chinese market.

E-Mart 24 - The Bank Of Korea Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트24 한국은행)

E-Mart 24 - The Bank Of Korea Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트24 한국은행)

1.9Km    2024-04-18

9, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Anthropolis 1 : Prolog/Dionysos(안트로폴리스 1 : 프롤로그/디오니소스)

1.9Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 중구 명동길 35 (명동1가)

Wondang Gamjatang Myeongdong (원당감자탕 명동)

Wondang Gamjatang Myeongdong (원당감자탕 명동)

1.9Km    2024-03-11

1F, 35, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-7612

Located in Myeongdong, a central and tourist area of Seoul, Wondang Gamjatang offers gamja tang (pork backbone stew) as their signature dish. Patrons have the option to other delectable menu such as bulgogi, jokbal bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with braised pigs' feet). It's popular with both Koreans and foreigners. As it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, one can visit anytime.