Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사)

5.2Km 2023-03-13

120, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-3007

Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.

“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.

Lindapick [Korea Quality] / 린다픽 [한국관광 품질인증]

5.3Km 2024-10-30

26-5, Itaewon-ro 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1326-4206

Lindapick is a guesthouse located a five-minute walk from Itaewon Station (line 6). The host of this new guesthouse, open in May 2021, prioritizes cleanliness by washing bedding and disinfect the whole place every time a guest leaves. The CCTVs that are installed outside and at the shared inner space are operated around the clock, strengthening the security. The light-lemon-color exterior walls of the accommodation and the muted-colored rooms are in harmony, forming a fresh and calm atmosphere. The room that can accommodate two persons shows how the host is considerate. A 100% natural aroma diffuser emits peppermint scent that makes guest unwind, and the lavender scent lets guests sleep tight. The kitchen with a refrigerator and a microwave oven is where you can cook a simple dishes, and the air purifier and the washing machine let you enjoy a fresher rest. From the entrance to the room, there is a garden that is decorated as an outdoor terrace, where you can have a leisurely time sunning yourself.

Uireung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 의릉(경종, 선의왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

5.3Km 2021-06-03

146-20, Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-964-0579

Uireung is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui.

King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died four years after becoming the king, without any great political achievements. Uireung tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment. Another feature of Uireung Royal Tomb is the stone fence raised using twelve stone posts. Each post has a letter inscribed, representing one of the twelve sibijisin gods.

Waple Wood Artwork Place (와플목공방)

5.4Km 2025-10-30

5-6 Wangsimni-ro 10-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Interior items made from wood
This workshop is visited by celebrities such as Park Narae of the entertainment program 'I Live Alone' and KAI of EXO. It is also the place where the senior wooden box that appeared in the movie 'PARASITE' was made. You can make your own interior accessories such as chairs and tabletops using hardwood. One-day classes on making ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils are also popular.

Dream Forest Art Center (꿈의숲 아트센터)

5.4Km 2025-01-15

173, Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Dream Forest Art Center, located in Gangbuk, Seoul, is operated by the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Composed of two performance venues (Performance Hall and Concert Hall), alongside with Sang Sang Tok Tok Art Gallery and Dream Gallery, there are also a Chinese restaurant, cafe and an observatory deck available for all visitors to enjoy.

Supsok Hanbang Land (숲속한방랜드)

5.4Km 2024-03-18

75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Jjimjjilbang, a Korean-style sauna that combines a traditional bathhouse with a hot steam room, is often ranked high among the unique experiences in Korea chosen by foreigners. Taking a steam bath in a charcoal kiln discharges waste products from the skin through sweat and eliminates accumulated fatigue. Supsok Hanbang Land has several charcoal kilns for different temperatures. Using them in order from low to high-temperature rooms is good, but the highest-temperature room, “Kkottang,” has a risk of causing skinburn, so visitors are advised to wear socks and cotton gloves to enter the room. Another unique experience is to grill sweet potatoes or rice cakes on the brazier in front of the charcoal kiln.

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

5.4Km 2024-11-27

196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors.

The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has become a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products in particular are famous. This is a go-to place for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shops selling clothes and bags, as well as hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,000 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous in the district is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops selling furniture and antiques stretch from Hamilton Hotel toward Bogwang-ro.

Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants operated by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into culturally diverse. Various performances and events are held in the area. In particular, Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every October, is a famous festival. Tourists can pay in US dollars, Japanese yen, or another currency freely. In addition, visitors can use various languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese with the sellers.

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon (더휴식 누베르 서울 이태원점)

5.4Km 2025-04-08

11 Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon aims to rediscover Seoul through creativity and inspiration. The overall design of the hotel is inspired by French avant-garde, using a variety of objects and props to create an artistic and stylish atmosphere. The hotel has Collection T room type, a twin bedroom; Collection D room type, a double bedroom; and Collection S room type, a single bedroom. On the first floor of the hotel is a guest lobby and a pasta restaurant. The hotel's parking lot is limited in space, and therefore guests are advised to use a nearby public parking lot.

Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

5.4Km 2025-03-15

192 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Kervan is a Turkish restaurant located in Itaewon, offering authentic kebab, pidé, and Turkish desserts. It faithfully recreates the Turkish culture and food through its interior, decorated with traditional tiles, and dishes prepared by a chef from Türkiye. Main menus include Chicken steak, Rich pidé, and Chicken shish kebab.

Maison Hannam (메종 한남)

5.4Km 2024-12-27

24 UN village 3-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Remodeled from the prevoius Italian Embassy, this restaurant boasts an excellent view of the Hangang River and Lotte World Tower. It is a popular place for dates or birthday parties, requiring a reservation at least a month in advance to sit on the terrace with a view of the Hangang River. Among the recommended menus is the Maison Lunch Set, which offers three courses, including appetizers (such as grilled scallops), pasta, and Korean beef steak. The food is served warm, and the utensils are changed frequently for a pleasant meal. There is a glass greenhouse on the outdoor terrace, so guests can enjoy the Hangang River view regardless of the weather.

Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사) - Area information - Korea travel information