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

1.0Km 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.

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

1.0Km 2023-03-24

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-7500

The National Palace Museum of Korea displays over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty. With various treasures on exhibit, the museum continues to provide information on the dignity of royal culture and the creativity of royal cultural assets.

Gogung Tteurak (고궁뜨락)

1.0Km 2020-04-17

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0486

Located on the first floor of the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gogung Tteurak consists of a museum shop and a café. It is open from 09:00 to 18:00 during the weekdays and up to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It operates without closing days as of January 1, 2017.

Redtable Inc (주식회사 레드테이블)

1.0Km 2025-07-07

(7th Floor, Gaeyang Building), 6 Myeongdong 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

We are a Google partner in Korea that provides services for searching, inquiries, consultations, bookings, and payments related to hospitals, wellness centers, and aesthetic services on Google.

We focus on attracting global tourists from English-speaking countries, Japan, and other Asian regions.

Additionally, Redtable Inc is an official agency of Meituan-Dianping (the largest integrated platform in China), specializing in marketing and promotions for the Chinese market.

MIGABON (미가본)

1.0Km 2021-03-18

56, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-0330

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. A famous restaurant among Japanese tourists. The representative menu is wild pine mushroom and abalone porridge.

Geumyongmun (금용문)

1.0Km 2021-03-23

7, Saemunan-ro,5 ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2502

This is a Chinese (cuisine) located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is dim sum. A restaurant selling authentic Chinese cuisine.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

1.0Km 2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2500

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

Ilpumdang Premium (일품당프리미엄)

1.0Km 2021-04-20

7, Saemunan-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1899-4949

A shabu-shabu specialty restaurant located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. A store with rooms. The most famous menu is shabu-shabu.

Eyedaq Optician (아이닥안경)

1.0Km 2020-04-24

6, Myeongdong 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-754-0110

Associated with Eye Matrix of Japan, Eyedaq offers every kind of eyeglasses: from high myopic lenses to progressive lenses and sports glasses. Its main customers include those in need of special eyeglasses: police officers, firefighters, professional sports players (such as football and baseball players), and skin and scuba divers. As a service to its Japanese clientele, the shop provides overseas shipping options to Japan. Customized eyeglasses can be ordered online. In addition, Eyedaq boasts an array of famous imported brands such as Hoya, Seiko, Pentax, and Zeiss.

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

1.0Km 2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

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