187.5M 2025-06-25
99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.
204.9M 2024-03-12
134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755
Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience.
229.0M 2022-12-14
110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-0300
Seoul Library provides access to a wide range of documents and materials about Seoul Metropolitan City. Visitors will find diverse resources related to the city including history, culture, urban planning, transportation, environmental issues, administration, reports on outbound visitors, research documents, video clips, and e-data.
278.1M 2024-06-19
61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2124-8800
The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a space for all to meet and experience the joy of art. Located in the center of Jeong-dong, a district that retains traces of Seoul’s modern and contemporary history, the museum integrates the historical facade of the former Supreme Court with modern architecture. In addition to various programs―encompassing exhibitions, educational outreach initiatives, screenings, workshops, performances, and talks, communal spaces including SeMA Cafe, the artbook store, the open space lobby, and the outdoor sculpture park SeMA WALK provide a rich range of ways for visitors to experience art.
346.8M 2024-06-19
43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-1500
Jeongdong Theater is located along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and serves as a cultural hub for local citizens. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant as it was established to restitute the legacy of Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong Theater features numerous critically-acclaimed productions, such as “Traditional Art Performance,” “Masters Exhibition,” and “Art Frontier,” as well as programs like “Art Stage at Noon” that are geared toward the general public. As a result, Jeongdong Theater has become one of Korea's representative traditional arts performance theaters and was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage in 2015.
The theater successfully held the performance “Miso” in 2010, featuring the traditional musical "Love Songs from Chunhyang," written and created by Jeongdong Theater. The musical attracted many international visitors from all over the world, passing on Korean cultural values and beauty, as well as gaining the attention of critics worldwide. In addition, the theater also produced "The 2nd Story of Miso: Baebijang-jeon," offering a modern interpretation of the fundamental values found in Korea's culture and art.
353.6M 2024-02-20
14 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Cheongsongok is a jangteo gukbap (rice soup) restaurant that opened in 1984. The signature menu is jangteo gukbap, a rice soup with green onions and radishes in beef bone broth. The kimchi served with the gukbap is homemade, known for its spicy flavor and crisp texture. Nearby is Deoksugung Palace, and the Seokjojeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace presents a picturesque landscape harmonized with the garden, making it a popular spot for photography.