Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Explanation

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Homepage

royal.khs.go.kr

Information Use

Contact and Information : +82-2-771-9951

Parking facilities : Not available

Day off : Mondays (Closed the following business day in the case of Monday being a national holiday)

Hours : [General admission] 09:00-21:00 (Last admission 20:00)[Exhibition] Seokjojeon Hall 09:30-17:30 (Last docent 16:30)Dondeokjeon Hall 09:00-17:30 (Last admission 17:00)Jungmyeongjeon Hall 09:30-17:30 (Last admission 17:00)

Location

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Directions

Bongmyeongsan Suspension Bridge (봉명산 출렁다리)

Bongmyeongsan Suspension Bridge (봉명산 출렁다리)

2026-02-13

27 Oncheongangbyeon 1-gil, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bongmyeongsan Suspension Bridge, completed in December 2023, stretches across the slopes of Bongmyeongsan Mountain at 690 meters above sea level. It’s about a 400-meter, 15-minute walk from the trailhead to the bridge. At 1.5 meters wide and 160 meters long, it offers sweeping views of Mungyeong-eup surrounded by mountains. The bridge sways with every step, and the sensation is even sharper when the wind blows. The variety show "2 Days & 1 Night" once filmed a game mission here where the cast ate tteokguk (rice cake soup). It takes a few hundred steps to get to the suspension bridge, so it's advised to wear comfortable shoes. There’s a pavilion along the way where visitors can take a break.

Gangneung Metaverse Experience Center (강릉메타버스체험관)

Gangneung Metaverse Experience Center (강릉메타버스체험관)

2026-02-11

131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Right next to Gyeongpoho Lake, the Gangneung Metaverse Experience Center lets visitors explore the city’s history and culture through virtual reality. Spread across three floors, it features interactive exhibits and VR/AR programs that mix tradition with modern technology—fun for families with kids. It’s also a great way to start or end the Gangneung trip as it gives an overview of the city's landmarks.

Yullyangcheon Stream (율량천)

Yullyangcheon Stream (율량천)

2026-02-13

Areas spanning Naedeok-dong, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Yullyangcheon Stream runs through the heart of Cheongju and is a favorite spot for locals. With walking trails and bike paths along the water, it’s perfect for a leisurely outing. In the drama "Miss Night and Day (2024)," it appears as the place Lim Sun (played by Lee Jung-eun) goes when she feels lost.

Geumgang Yakdol (금강약돌)

Geumgang Yakdol (금강약돌)

2026-02-13

13 Neungheodae-ro 165beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Geumgang Yakdol is a jjimjilbang uses a rare mineral called "geumgang yakdol," believed to emit far-infrared rays and negative ions that promote health and recovery. It has a salt room and a hot steam chamber, the latter heated with real charcoal for an authentic experience. The location was also featured in "The Atypical Family (2024)" as the place where Do Da-hae and her accomplices plot to steal the Bok family’s fortune.

Gunsan Oreum Volcanic Cone (군산오름)

Gunsan Oreum Volcanic Cone (군산오름)

2026-02-09

564 Changcheon-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju

Gunsan Oreum Volcanic Cone stands behind Nandeureu Village on the Seogwipo coast. The climb to the top takes just 30 minutes, and its gentle slope makes it easy for anyone to enjoy. From the summit, you’ll find wide-open views of the sea and Hallasan Mountain. In "Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)," this is the olle trail where Sam-dal, after hitting rock bottom, returns home in search of herself.

Soyangho Makguksu Street (소양호 막국수거리)

Soyangho Makguksu Street (소양호 막국수거리)

2026-02-05

Cheonjeon-ri, Sinbuk-eup, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) is a traditional dish made from coarse buckwheat flour, where only the outer husk of the grain is removed. Originally served to honored guests in the Chuncheon region, the dish gained widespread popularity after the Korean War as a staple food during times of economic hardship. Today, the area near Soyangho Lake in Chuncheon is famous for its dedicated "Makguksu Street," a destination frequented by both tourists and locals alike. The noodles can be enjoyed in a chilled kimchi or dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth, or served dry and tossed with vegetables and seasonings. Diners often customize the flavor with vinegar, mustard, or a splash of broth. For a complete meal, it is common to pair the noodles with other regional specialties like memilbuchim (buckwheat pancake) or savory memiljeonbyeong (buckwheat crepe). The district is also conveniently located near several attractions, including the scenic Jungdo Tourist Resort at Uiamho Lake and Korea’s first Animation Museum, making it an excellent stop for a day trip.

Former Gim Yu-jeong Station (김유정역 폐역)

Former Gim Yu-jeong Station (김유정역 폐역)

2026-02-05

1435 Gimyujeong-ro, Sindong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do

Originally opened as Sinnam Station in 1939, this site was renamed Gim Yu-jeong Station in 2004, marking the first time in Korean history a railway station was named after a person. While the original building closed in 2010 with the opening of the new Gyeongchun Line, it has since been preserved and developed into a popular retro tourist attraction. The new station building features traditional Korean architecture, while the adjacent old station remains frozen in time. The old platform is now a photo zone decorated with playful signs, and the station’s interior retains its original nostalgic atmosphere. Adding to the charm, a retired Mugunghwa train rests on the tracks, repurposed as a cozy book café and a tourist information center. The grounds also feature an outdoor wedding venue that is available for public use free of charge.

Bamnidan Street (밤리단길)

Bamnidan Street (밤리단길)

2026-02-05

Jeongbalsan-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Bamnidan Street is a trendy neighborhood in Ilsan nestled within the alleyways of the antique furniture street, located just a six-minute walk from Exit 1 of Pungsan Station. Following the popularity of Seoul’s famous "dan-gil" districts, this area has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub filled with global cuisine, unique bakeries, and stylish cafes that serve as perfect photo spots. Visitors can also enjoy a local pond and a musical fountain, which are particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. For those looking for a unique travel experience that blends antique aesthetics with a modern culinary scene, this neighborhood is well worth a visit.

Gyeongjusanseong Fortress Food Village (행주산성먹거리촌)

Gyeongjusanseong Fortress Food Village (행주산성먹거리촌)

2026-02-05

89 Haengju-ro 15beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Located in the Haengjunae-dong and Haengjuoe-dong areas of Deogyang-gu, Goyang, this food village sits along the banks of the scenic Hangang River. Its prime location allows visitors to enjoy a variety of local dishes while overlooking the river and the historic Haengjusanseong Fortress. While the area primarily focused on grilled eel and spicy fish stews in the 1970s, it has since grown into a diverse culinary hub with dozens of restaurants. The grilled eel remains a national highlight, known for its high quality and the distinct flavor of being charcoal-grilled. On weekends, the village is a favorite stop for tourists visiting the fortress. Beyond its famous eel, the area is well known for its "noodle village," which serves affordable and hearty portions of janchi guksu (banquet noodles). Visitors can also enjoy other traditional favorites such as pajeon (green onion pancake) and dotorimuk (acorn jelly salad).

Haengjuoe-dong Eel Village (행주외동 장어마을)

Haengjuoe-dong Eel Village (행주외동 장어마을)

2026-02-05

31-16 Haengjusanseong-ro 144beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do

Located on the approach to Haengjusanseong Fortress, the site of a major 16th-century military victory during the Imjin War (1592), Haengjuoe-dong Eel Village is a popular dining destination. The area features a cluster of restaurants specializing in grilled eel, though many establishments also offer local dishes like seafood stews and spicy soups. With their spacious seating and welcoming atmosphere, these restaurants are an ideal spot for large groups and family gatherings looking to enjoy a meal after exploring the nearby historic sites.

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