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

8.6Km 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.

Hoopcity Dongdaemun [Tax Refund Shop] (HOOPCITY 동대문)

8.6Km 2024-04-18

1F, 324, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Common Ground (커먼그라운드)

8.6Km 2024-10-25

200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-467-2747

Korea's first pop-up store built with shipping containers, Common Ground is approximately 5,300 square meters in scale, made up of 200 large containers and is capable of transforming into different structures or moving into different places. Mega-sized mainstream brands are hard to spot in Common Ground. Instead, new and trendy mid-sized shops by up-and-coming new designers and editorial shops can be found here.

On the central square of the ground market, a weekend market is held with different themes. In addition, various events such as exhibitions and performances continue to entertain shoppers while playing its role as a cultural space. On the third floor terrace, famous restaurants sprawl along the sides of the alley. If you feel like having a light snack, you can also pop down to the food trucks on the market ground that offers an exotic gastronomic dining experience.

Samcheonggak(삼청각)

8.6Km 2020-12-24

3 Daesagwan-ro Seongbuk-gu Seoul
+82-2-765-3700

You can enjoy Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote) in a beautiful natural environment. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is Korean table d'hote.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

8.6Km 2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Amsa Ecological Park (암사생태공원)

8.6Km 2017-01-12

83-66, Seonsa-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0501

Amsa Ecological Park (located in Amsa-dong) is a large scenic park with long winding trails passing by reeds and other beautiful plants of the Han River. It is here as well that visitors can watch the flight of Korea’s migratory birds. The Ecological Park is famous for its beautiful scenery and its lush groves of reeds and pussy willows growing alongside the natural riverside road. Wild roses, loosestrifes, and tiger lilies are in bloom from spring to fall and the observation deck gives visitors a beautiful view of Han River and the area’s wide variety of birds such as reed warblers, titmice, and swallows. The river basin and its surrounding stones are a great place to learn about nature and are home to various bugs such as beetles, river mayflies, big scarlet hairstreak butterflies, and other water insects.

The Amsa Ecological Park is located nearby Godeok River Side Ecological Park and the Bicycle Theme Park, making this particular area one of the most popular tourist attractions along the Han River.

Gwangnaru Hangang Park (광나루한강공원)

8.6Km 2021-12-25

83-66, Seonsa-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0501

Hangang Citizen's Park, composed of 12 areas including Jamsil, Ttukseom and Jamwon, is an eco-friendly park providing areas for sports and leisure. The park is equipped with various cultural and recreational facilities and also has an ecological park. Gwangnaru Hangang Park formed naturally through rich silt that flowed in from the upper Hangang River that was then filled with reeds, creating an ideal habitat for groups of migratory birds.

Godeok-dong Ecological Landscape Conservation Area (고덕동 생태경관 보전지역)

8.6Km 2021-06-10

Area of 396beon-ji, Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
+82-3780-0848

Located next to the Godeok Riverside Restoration Area, the Godeok-dong Ecological Landscape Conservation Area is one of the most well-maintained ecological preservation sites in Seoul. The area includes Amsa Sluice Gate, Hoan, and Hangang River Reservoir. The area offers educational facilities for visitors to learn more about the ecosystem.

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

8.6Km 2020-06-19

1, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-2152

Of the Four Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by King Taejo in 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.

Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the king in 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.

The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bugaksan Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bugaksan Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul.

Olive Young - Konkuk Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 건대입구)

8.6Km 2024-04-22

115, Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

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