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

2.1Km 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.

The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관&국립민속박물관 어린이박물관)

2.1Km 2025-06-19

37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcases artifacts related to Korean traditional culture. This interactive museum allows children to experience and learn about various aspects of Korean traditional clothing, food, society, culture, and games firsthand. Especially catering to children from Asian countries, there is a service for renting items, and reservations are required for admission.

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley (서울 동대문 닭한마리 골목)

2.1Km 2024-03-04

37-7, Jongno 5(o)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2236-9135

Located near the Dongdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley gets its name from the restaurants serving dak hanmari (whole chicken soup) that line the alley. Dak hanmari (whole chicken soup), literally “one whole chicken” in Korean, is a dish where a whole chicken is boiled in a soup and served with the alley’s special sauce. After the diners eat the meat, the broth is used to make kalguksu (noodle soup). Because the area is home to large-scale apparel and fashion material markets of the Dongdaemun Market, the district is always lively and bustling.

CheongKwanJang - Dongdaemun Market Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 동대문시장)

2.1Km 2024-04-19

252, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Youngone Corporation [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 영원무역)

2.1Km 2024-04-19

159, Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jangchung Gymnasium (장충체육관)

2.1Km 2024-03-12

241, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2128-2800

Jangchung Gymnasium is Korea's first domed gymnasium and opened in 1963. It was renovated in 2015 to become what it is today. It is famous for hosting the Korean Professional Volleyball League during the winter months. The gymnasium also boasts a variety of athletic competitions, cultural performances, and events. Nearby are Jangchungdan Park, Jangchung-dong Jokbal Street, and Dongdaemun Historical and Cultural Park, which are all worth exploring.

Hoopcity Dongdaemun [Tax Refund Shop] (HOOPCITY 동대문)

2.1Km 2024-04-18

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

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Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산)

2.1Km 2024-03-04

San 2-1, Muak-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2834

Inwangsan Mountain is a rocky mountain located to the northwestern side of Seoul. It stands 338m tall. The Seoul City Wall is built along its ridge, connecting to the Baegak Mountain Trail. From the summit, one can see the three mountains of Naksan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and the Bugaksan Mountain surrounding the historical center of Hanyang, the historical name for Seoul in Joseon period, with the Gyeongbokgung Palace at the center. There are five hiking trails, all taking about two hours to complete. It takes about three hours if you want to visit all the peaks of the mountain.

Yejiwon (예지원)

2.1Km 2022-09-19

72, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2253-2211

The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners.

Most programs offered are short-term classes, and reservations can be made on the homepage up to 15 days in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 10 or more and classes are instructed in Korean only, so it may be a good idea to be accompanied by a guide.

Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

2.1Km 2023-09-12

5-13 , Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1115

Yeonoo House is a quiet and cozy traditional hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno, Seoul. There are two small rooms, each with its own bathroom. Residents can access a superb panoramic view of Bukchon Hanok Village by mounting a ladder up to the roof. As Yeonoo is an old building, careful attention is paid to hygiene management. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are all nearby.

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