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

2.6Km 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.

Whale forest (고래의숲)

2.6Km 2021-03-18

136, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7543-3313

A restaurant serving Korean-style western dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is house-made pork loin cutlet. This is a Japanese cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul.

PAULIN PANCAKE - Daehakro Branch(폴인팬케이크 대학로)

2.6Km 2021-04-15

136, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-332-8952

Souffle pancake is a popular dessert in Korea. The best menu at this restaurant is souffle pancakes. This is a cafe located in Daehak-ro, Seoul.

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center (남대문 본동의류상가)

2.6Km 2022-09-07

3-2, Namdaemunsijang 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center maintains the traditional market atmosphere unique in Korea. It is home to a slew of restaurants, butcher's shops, and shops selling food items. Jungang-ro, in particular, houses many shops specializing in local Korean food products, attracting international tourists. The western side of Bondong Clothing Center is populated by shops selling stationery, art materials, and small electronics.

New Seoul Hotel (뉴서울호텔)

2.6Km 2021-05-11

16, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8800

New Seoul Hotel is conveniently located in central Seoul near City Hall, providing guests with easy access to shopping, sightseeing, and more. The guestrooms are outfitted with modern amenities for a comfortable stay, and the hotel has several dining, entertainment and convenience facilities such as a business center, a souvenir shop and men's sauna.

Mangnae Hoejip (막내회집)

2.6Km 2021-04-09

34-11, Namdaemunsijang, 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-5115

It is a Hoejip (raw fish restaurant) with 26 years’ tradition. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is sliced raw flatfish.

Olive Young - Daehakro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 대학로점)

2.6Km 2024-06-27

1F~3F, 237, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong (인사동)

2.6Km 2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Alpha Stationery - Namdaemun Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (알파문구 남대문본점)

2.6Km 2024-04-23

6-2, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

2.6Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

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