Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자) - Area information - Korea travel information

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

9.8Km    2020-04-23

34-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-9969

Olive Young - Sangdo Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 상도역)

9.8Km    2024-04-18

257, Yangnyeong-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

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

9.8Km    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.

Insa-dong (인사동)

9.8Km    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.

Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원)

9.8Km    2023-03-17

102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-2-500-7335

Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly amusement park consisting of various themed facilities that promote the growth and preservation of diverse animals and plants.

[Seoul Zoo]
Seoul Zoo aims to provide an ideal environment for animals to grow and live as well as exhibit, preserve, and research rare animals and educate the public. As a result of the zoo's hard work and efforts, it is the only zoo in Korea to be certified as a member of both ISIS and IUDZG-WZO.

[Botanical Garden]
Seoul Grand Park's Botanical Garden was opened in 1985 amidst the lush forest situated at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. The garden consists of a greenhouse, exhibition facilities, and themed gardens that boast a collection of over 41,000 plants from 1,262 different species. The greenhouse preserves and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants that are not found in Korea. Moreover, the Botanical Garden offers various activities and experience programs related to plants and forests.

[Theme Garden]
The Theme Garden is one of the most representative facilities of Seoul Grand Park. The Theme Garden consists of a Rose Garden and Children's Zoo. Seasonal plants and flowers as well as diverse themed garden programs are offered.

[Healing Place]
The Healing Place is a forest formed at the foothills of Cheonggyesan Mountain that surrounds the border of Seoul Grand Park. Main facilities consist of Healing Forest Walkway; Water, Wind & Sunshine Healing Zone; Barefoot Road; Aroma Garden; and Forest Plaza.

[Healing Forest Walkway]
Healing Forest Walkway is a walking path lined by diverse trees that form a lush forest serving as a habitat for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and more. The walking path is approximately 8 kilometers long and divided into four sections. The shortest course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the full course requires 3 hours.

[Campsite]
The campsite within the Seoul Grand Park is the perfect place to camp out, hold picnics and enjoy recreational activities with friends and families. The main facilities consist of a campsite, volleyball court, basketball court, snack bar, and shower facilities. The campsite is open from March to November, except in the case of harsh weather conditions.

CAFÉ L.vin (카페엘빈)

9.8Km    2021-03-30

271-1, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-763-7564

This is a place with terrace seats. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is americano.

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

9.8Km    2025-01-09

41-11, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-7525

Located near Deoksugung Palace, Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a red-brick modern Western-style building. It was built in 1899 as the imperial library of the Korean Empire. After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire in 1904, the place became the temporary residence of Emperor Gojong. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty), an illegal treaty forced by Japan, was signed in 1905. Its exhibition hall serves as a place for historical education.

ABC-Mart - Seoul National University Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (ABC마트 서울대점)

9.8Km    2024-06-27

172, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

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Brown Avenue (브라운에비뉴)

9.8Km    2021-03-19

5, Hyehwa-ro, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-8334

A café where it is good to have a meal because it has a brunch menu as well as drinks. This restaurant's signature menu is americano. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Seongdae Guksu (성대국수)

9.8Km    2021-03-18

18, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-3996

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A restaurant that uses only natural ingredients. The best menu at this restaurant is noodles in anchovy broth.