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

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

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

5.2Km    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.

Standard Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (스탠다드안경원)

Standard Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (스탠다드안경원)

5.2Km    2024-06-27

134, Dongjak-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

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Yeouido Hangang Park (여의도한강공원)

5.2Km    2024-10-29

330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0561

Situated in Yeouido, the heart of politics, media, banking and finance, Yeouido Hangang Park is easily accessible via public transportation. The park hosts many exciting events, from the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in spring to the International Fireworks Festival in fall, as well as concerts and marathons throughout the year. Well-preserved natural areas such as Bamseom Island and Yeouido Saetgang Tributary provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about nature and ecology. In addition, thanks to the Hangang Renaissance Project, the park is full of new attractions: the Water Light Square, waterside fountains, a riverside stage, a yacht marina, and more.

Yeouido Hangang Park Outdoor Swimming Pool (한강시민공원 여의도수영장(실외))

5.2Km    2019-07-30

330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-785-0478

Six of the city's Hangang Parks have outdoor swimming pools, including Yeouido Hangang Park. Supported by meticulous water quality management, they are not only safe, but also an inexpensive alternative to private facilities. Excellent amenities include swimming equipment rentals, food, and beverages.

Spring Walk Seoul (스프링워크서울)

Spring Walk Seoul (스프링워크서울)

5.2Km    2025-03-18

330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4705-2008

Spring Week Seoul is a simple and easy walking event open to anyone. Taking place at Yeouido Hangang Park, walkers can enjoy the spring flowers and breeze along the course. 

Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival (한화와 함께하는 서울세계불꽃축제)

Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival (한화와 함께하는 서울세계불꽃축제)

5.2Km    2024-09-13

330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-02-519-9778

Hanhwa Seoul International Fireworks Festival, a large festival in Korea, is an annual event organized by Hanwha Group since 2000. Every year, major fireworks teams are invited to perform fireworks displays and to light up the night sky of Yeouido. The event is also filled with various subsidiary events during the daytime.

Seoul Color Park (서울색공원)

Seoul Color Park (서울색공원)

5.2Km    2021-06-23

330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0561

The Seoul Color Park spans over 9,000 ㎡ of land next to the Hangang River under Mapodaegyo Bridge. It features a large wave-shaped sculpture, as well as bar code graphics and benches painted with 10 different colors that have been designed as the Colors of Seoul. The streetscape is designed with images and Colors of Seoul that includes “Dancheong” red, “Kkotdam” red brown, “Namsan” green and more. Sculptures and art works using the Colors of Seoul can also be seen at Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul History Museum.

Hangang Summer Festival (한강몽땅 여름축제)

Hangang Summer Festival (한강몽땅 여름축제)

5.2Km    2022-12-28

Online
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-120

Started in 2013, the Hangang Summer Festival, also called Hangang Mongttang Festival, is the representative summer festival of Seoul. The festival aims to provide a platform for urban culture and fun for citizens, organizations, artists, and more. The festival includes many different programs, including water activities, movies, concerts, circus acts, eco experiences, yachting, bike-riding, and more.

Davich Optical - Sinchon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다비치 신촌점)

Davich Optical - Sinchon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다비치 신촌점)

5.2Km    2024-04-18

1F, 37, Sinchonnyeok-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Himart - Sangdo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 상도점)

Himart - Sangdo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 상도점)

5.2Km    2024-04-22

237, Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

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