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

1.2Km 2025-07-21

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.

Boan1942 (보안1942)

1.2Km 2023-08-17

33 , Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Prior to becoming an art space in 2007, Tongui-dong Boan served as a place for rest for travelers from 1942 to 2005. After a short suspension, the place was renovated into a cultural space in 2017 to carry on the historical legacy and provide creative inspiration under the concept of "Boanstay."

Boan1942 is divided into a cultural space consisting of a cafe, project workshop, book shop, and exhibition area, and Boanstay on the 3rd and 4th floors that offer temporary lodging services to the cultural nomads. Located in Seochon, the center of culture, history, and convenient traffic in Seoul, Boanstay offers a splendid view of Seoul's historical and cultural assets such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Seochon Hanok Village.

<Credit: Boanstay>

Halmaejip (할매집)

1.2Km 2017-02-01

1-5, Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2608

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.

Woo Joo Yon Clinic (우주연한의원)

1.2Km 2025-07-29

(2nd Floor, Hanok), 41 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Woojooyon Clinic takes an integrative approach considering the patient's overall health. Rather than merely treating the affected area, we listen to the patient's story, understand their daily life, and focus on identifying and correcting the root causes of imbalances in the body. Our goal is to pursue true healing and happiness by treating with a delicate touch that connects with the patient's soul. We aim to restore the body to its original state, ensuring a holistic examination of both body and mind, as well as habits and personality. Woojooyon Clinic is committed to helping patients regain a healthy life by applying the wisdom of traditional Korean medicine. We value our relationships with patients and strive to always do our best.

Fatum (파툼)

1.2Km 2019-12-20

86-5, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-9888

FATUM is famous for its great view of Samcheong-dong. Each floor is decorated with a different theme, from natural rocks on the first floor, comfort on the second floor, and indoor viewing places on the third and fourth floors, and outdoor seats on the fifth floor. The view features beautiful scenery including Bugaksan Mountain, Inwangsan Mountain, and Gyeongbokgung Palace at once, as well as a fantastic sunset from the café.

Hanu Samgyeop (한우삼겹)

1.2Km 2021-03-24

31, Myeongdong, 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-0028

You can enjoy freshly aged meat. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Yubin Wang Donkkaseu (유빈왕돈까스)

1.2Km 2021-03-18

46, Chungmu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-305-1255

This is a Korean cuisine located in Euljiro, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is pork cutlet. A store selling pork cutlet, Koreans’ favorite dish.

THE SIC-DDANG - Myeongdong Branch (더식당 명동)

1.2Km 2021-03-20

36, Myeongdong, 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-2234

A store where you can enjoy both Korean and Western dishes as a restaurant frequently featured in Korean gourmet programs. The best menu at this restaurant is lobster. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Seoul Hiking Tourism Center - Bugaksan Branch (서울도심등산관광센터(북악산))

1.2Km 2024-03-05

88 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Bugaksan branch of Seoul Hiking Tourism Center is located on Samcheong-dong Culture Street and provides various services to hikers. It provides hiking course guidance and information (available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese) about the mountains of Seoul, including Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Inwangsan Mountains, as well as promotional materials such as Seoul hiking tourism guidebooks and maps. Also, it operates hiking tour programs with various themes every week for foreigners and offers hiking gear rental services such as hiking boots, hiking attire, trekking poles, gloves, and crampons for foreigners. (Koreans accompanied by foreigners can also rent the gear.) In addition, there is a storage locker and lounge for visitors, so they can pack up and rest before hiking.

Yurimmyeon (유림면)

1.2Km 2021-03-29

139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0659

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

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