Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

6.6Km    2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

6.6Km    2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Cheongjin Hwarogui (청진화로구이)

6.6Km    2021-03-22

32-12, Jong-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7008

A store selling Korean beef and pork dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled Korean beef rib eye steak. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Insa-dong (인사동)

6.6Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Dakgopsae (닭곱새)

6.6Km    2021-03-19

7, Jong-ro 5gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6226-8220

This Korean cuisine is located near Jonggak Station, Seoul. The representative menu is chicken, beef small intestine and shrimp hot pot. A restaurant where chicken, intestine, and shrimp are fried and served with spicy sauce.

Lagidang [Korea Quality] / 락이당 [한국관광 품질인증]

6.6Km    2024-08-27

121, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1358-3701

Lagidang is a foreigner-only guesthouse in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village in Jeongno-gu, Seoul. Public transportation links are good, with Exit 3 of Anguk Subway Station just a seven-minute walk away. The house has a fine view over Bukchon Hanok Village, and early-rising guests will also catch the sunrise in the south-eastern sky. The guesthouse is decorated with art works and Joseon-period antiques. 

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) (연등회)

6.6Km    2025-04-09

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2011-1744~7

Started approximately 1,200 years ago during the Silla dynasty and continued through the Goryeo Yeon Deung Hoe and Joseon lantern festival, the Yeon Deung Hoe Festival is a traditional festival registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The lanterns at Yeon Deung Hoe Festival brighten the heart and the world!

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

6.6Km    2020-04-23

34-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-9969

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

6.6Km    2024-04-18

1F, 82, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

6.6Km    2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.