Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

2.0Km    2025-06-19

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

2.0Km    2021-11-12

89, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4149

Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, the park measures an impressive 188,710 m².

The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Yi Sung-gye made Sajik Altar (altar to the State deities) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at Sajik Altar.

In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yulkog Yi I, and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Inwangsan hiking path with relative ease.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

2.0Km    2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Jigum - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (JIGUM 종로)

Jigum - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (JIGUM 종로)

2.0Km    2024-04-18

F1, F2, 21-8, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gallery Simon (갤러리 시몬)

Gallery Simon (갤러리 시몬)

2.0Km    2022-09-15

20, Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-3031

Since its opening in April, 1994, Gallery Simon has continued to focus on promoting the beauty of modern art. Exhibitions include works from experienced artists as well as the works of budding artists, both from Korea and abroad. Select artists, referred to collectively as "Simon's Friends," have exhibitions annually. The changing collections allow the museum and featured artists to constantly strive for improvement and follow the changes in art over time.

Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌삼계탕)

2.0Km    2024-03-12

5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-7444

Tosokchon Samgyetang is a restaurant specializing in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) near Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is housed in several renovated traditional hanok buildings, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. Samgyetang is a traditional Korean nutritious food made by simmering cleaned young chicken with ginseng, jujube, sweet rice batter, and various nuts. The thick broth of samgyetang, served alongside ginseng liquor, stimulates the appetite. Diced radish kimchi and cabbage kimchi are served as basic side dishes.

Honbap Star (서촌막회센타)

Honbap Star (서촌막회센타)

2.0Km    2021-03-24

49, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9018-6349

This is a raw fish restaurant known for its cost-effectiveness. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is sliced raw small fish.

Keungiwajip (큰기와집)

Keungiwajip (큰기와집)

2.0Km    2021-09-27

62, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9024

It’s a 2018 Michelin Guide restaurant. The best menu at this restaurant is soy sauce marinated crab. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Ramada Hotel Dongdaemun (라마다호텔 동대문)

2.0Km    2021-06-15

354, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2276-3500

Ramada Hotel Dongdaemun is a business hotel located in the heart of Seoul. It is located within a short walking distance from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park with many of Dongdaemun's major shopping centers close by. The hotel offers a conference room that can accommodate up to 20 people and a business center that caters to guests who are on a business trip. Guests can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi from their room.