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

2.4Km 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.

Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사)

2.4Km 2023-03-13

120, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-3007

Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.

“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.

Ewha Womans University Museum (이화여자대학교박물관)

2.4Km 2022-09-14

52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3277-3152

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.

Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Since 1996, the museum also held special exhibitions that focus on other themes related to cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.

A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.

Ewha Welcome Center (이화웰컴센터)

2.4Km 2022-09-13

52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3277-3277

Ewha Welcome Center opened in 2013 as the first promotional center and visitor center of its kind on a university campus in Korea, comprised of an information desk, exhibition lounge, and gift shop. The information desk offers useful information to help visitors get the most out of their Ewha campus experience. The exhibition lounge introduces the history, traditions, and vision of the present-day and future of the university year-round. Visitors can purchase university gear at the gift shop. Furthermore, foreign visitors can take part in a range of campus tour programs in English and Chinese for an enriching experience.

Cheongpa Mansion (청파맨션)

2.4Km 2021-03-29

20, Cheongpa-ro 47na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-706-9093

You can enjoy coffee roasted by a professional barista. This cafe is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is americano.

Onmaeul (온마을)

2.4Km 2021-03-22

127, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-4231

A place that sells dishes made with beans, which are good for the health. This restaurant's signature menu is pureed soybean stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

2.4Km 2019-09-16

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.

Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

Mibo Jewelry (미보 주얼리)

2.4Km 2021-06-15

183, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2273-7622

Mibo Jewelry carries a wide selection of necklaces, rings and earrings made with gold, silver and precious gemstones like diamond, ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc. The most popular items include diamond rings, luxury watches, gold rings and necklaces. Moreover, at Mibo Jewelry, customers may custom order their personalized jewelry.

Obok Dakhanmari - Euljiro Branch(오복닭한마리 을지로)

2.4Km 2021-04-15

32-3, Eulji-ro, 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2285-4578

This is a Korean cuisine located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. It sells boiled chicken in clear broth. The best menu at this restaurant is noodle soup with chicken.

Goobok Mandu (구복만두)

2.4Km 2017-01-25

10, Duteopbawi-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-797-8656

Operated by Korean husband and Chinese wife, it offers traditional authentic Chinese dumplings in a small place. Its signature menu, dumpling, passed down to the owner by her grandmother, features different tasty and texture comparing with Korean-style dumpling.

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