Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

13.7Km    2025-06-19

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

13.7Km    2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Samyang Samgyetang (삼양삼계탕)

Samyang Samgyetang (삼양삼계탕)

13.7Km    2021-03-19

9, Supyo-ro 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2275-9968

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul. Roasted whole chicken is also delicious. The best menu at this restaurant is abalone and ginseng chicken soup.

Jongno Myeongtaedeokjang (종로명태덕장)

Jongno Myeongtaedeokjang (종로명태덕장)

13.7Km    2021-03-20

9, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9201

A restaurant tucked away in Jongno where you can eat spicy braised fish. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pollack. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Apgujeong Onnuri Pharmacy* [Tax Refund Shop] (압구정온누리약국*)

Apgujeong Onnuri Pharmacy* [Tax Refund Shop] (압구정온누리약국*)

13.7Km    2024-04-16

#105, 164, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong Antique Art Street (인사동 고미술거리)

Insa-dong Antique Art Street (인사동 고미술거리)

13.7Km    2025-03-16

29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2235

As of today, there are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts. Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty. Each shop is a specialty store, authorized to sell product types that are of their expertise, ranging from antique furniture and traditional artworks to handcrafted items.

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

Gukje Embroidery - Insa-dong Branch (국제자수원 3호점 (인사동))

13.7Km    2020-05-07

41, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0830

Opened in 1979, Kukjae Embroidery specializes in embroidered crafts using traditional Korean patterns. Every product is delicately and elegantly crafted by master artisans. Kukjae Embroidery is known as a frequent destination of foreign dignitaries. It offers a seminar where international tourists can learn how to make embroidered crafts.

Bubu Yoridan (부부요리단)

13.7Km    2024-02-15

1F, 25-1 Dokseodang-ro 40-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Bubu Yoridan is a Korean restaurant conveniently situated just 20 minutes away from the Itaewon Special Tourist Zone. Managed by a chef couple with a background in hotel dining, the restaurant specializes in an array of delectable seafood dishes. The standout menu item is the jin hwangje jjim (boiled pork slices and spicy braised seafood), a dish featuring Wando wild octopus, three abalones, and boiled black pork slices. Nearby attractions include Yongsan Park, the National Museum of Korea, the National Theater of Korea, and the Namsan Seoul Tower.

Yetchatjip (옛찻집)

13.8Km    2024-03-18

33-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5332

Yetchatjip in Insa-dong offers a variety of teas including ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea), jujube tea, lotus leaf tea, ginger tea, and citrus tea. Their signature dish during the summer is the yennal patbingsu (old-fashioned shaved ice with red beans), topped with sweet red bean and sweet rice cakes, served on finely shaved ice. Additionally, they offer traditional Korean snacks such as grilled rice cake stick, yakgwa (honey cookie), and traditional Korean sweets to accompany the tea.

Insa-dong Chatjip (인사동찻집)

Insa-dong Chatjip (인사동찻집)

13.8Km    2024-03-15

33-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-4909

Insa-dong Chatjib is a traditional hanok tea house located in Insa-dong. Here, you can enjoy a variety of traditional teas brewed in-house. One of their signature menu items is the hobak sikhye (pumpkin sweet rice punch). They also offer other options such as jujube tea, ginger tea, and more. Many people visit to enjoy a leisurely time sipping tea in the serene atmosphere of the hanok. Nearby attractions include Ssamzigil and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, making it a great place to explore together.