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

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

6.7Km    2025-07-21

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.

Bando Camera - Myeong-dong Chungmu [Tax Refund Shop] (반도카메라 명동충무)

6.8Km    2024-04-17

16, Samil-daero 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Badahoe Jangeo Gui (바다회장어구이)

6.8Km    2021-03-25

34, Dangsan-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2637-7757

It is a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is assorted sliced raw fish.

Gop (곱)

6.8Km    2021-03-26

34, Dangsan-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2633-5201

It is a store that uses natural ingredients. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled pork small intestine/grilled beef small intestine.

Seusiya (스시야)

6.8Km    2021-03-22

43, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2268-8775

A restaurant that sells various Japanese dishes from sashimi course meal to stew. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is assorted sushi.

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

6.8Km    2021-12-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1861

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone stretches from Seorin-dong to Changsin-dong between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jong-ro. It includes Youth Street, Gwangjang Market, Sewoon Electronics Department Store, lighting stores, pharmacy & medical device stores, badge stores, Stamp Street, Stationery · Toy Market, Aquarium Street, Shoes Market, and other markets totalling to approximately 14,000 shops. Nearby attractions include modern high-story buildings as well as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Unhyeongung Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong, merging traditions, modernism, culture, and markets alike.

Thought to be at the heart of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is located in the dense cultural area of Seoul where various press networks, organizations, bookstores and other major corporations are situated. Walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream is a famous activity for tourists. Also, the area is the venue for the Seoul Lantern Festival every winter. Keeping its traditional scene including narrow alleys, old-fashioned hanok buildings and various stores still fully intact, the tourist zone has enough fun places for sightseeing as well as tasty restaurants in every corner for a more enjoyable visit.

OH!WABA (오!바바)

6.8Km    2021-03-19

81, Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6083-9167

A waffle shop. The best menu at this restaurant is waffle. This is a cafe located in Jongno, Seoul.

4CUS - Lotte Yeongdeungpo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (4CUS 롯데 영등포점)

6.8Km    2024-04-23

846, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

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LOTTE Department Store - Yeongdeungpo Store [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데백화점 영등포점)

6.8Km    2024-04-18

846, Gyeongin-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

6.8Km    2020-07-08

192, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2845

Situated in Myeongryun-dong in Seoul and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.

In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, plum blossoms, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.

A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bugaksan Mountain.