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

1.7Km 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.

Haengbokan Kongiyagi (행복한콩이야기)

1.7Km 2021-03-22

89-11, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2274-2247

A hidden restaurant frequented by workers in Jongno. This restaurant's signature menu is bean sprout and rice soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

1.7Km 2023-01-16

279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

The National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government was established to shine a light on the proud history of the Korean Provisional Government's independence and the spirit of a democratic republic and to pass it on to future generations. The four-story memorial building with three underground floors houses three permanent exhibits, one special exhibit, Larchiveum, Symbol Plaza, storage, multi-purpose hall, and rooftop garden over a total area of 3,656 square meters, a total floor area of 9,703 square meters and a total exhibition space of 2,240 square meters. The permanent exhibits consist of a series of historic events from the March 1st Movement, which served as a turning point for the formation of the Provisional Government, to the foundation of the Korean Government that succeeded the mantle of the provisional government, while the special exhibit on the 1st floor currently hosts a special opening exhibition under the title of 『The Return of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea』. Moreover, a symbolic wall installation under the theme of "Waves of History" is displayed in the outdoor plaza on the 1st floor of the memorial expressing the Provisional Government’s desire for independence and the dynamics of the past, present, and future of Korea.

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

1.7Km 2021-03-09

46, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-3222

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-story museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and a small garden on the second floor with a great view of the mountains.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

1.7Km 2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Arirang (아리랑)

1.7Km 2021-03-29

23, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1342

Arirang offers Korean cuisine with its articulate traditional interior and menus. Most menus are traditionally prepared, along with charcoal grill tables for visitors to cook their own meat. Menus consist of high-grade premium hanu (Korean beef) rib eye, charcoal grilled marinated beef ribs, hot-pot bibimbap, and more.

Jogui Hansu (족의한수)

1.7Km 2024-10-15

93-1, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2261-0310

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located in Jongno, Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs' feet. A restaurant serving both charcoal-grilled jokbal (pig's trotter) and spicy jokbal.

Hwaro heukdondon (화로흑돈돈)

1.7Km 2021-03-20

34, Donhwamun-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3675-0191

A place that’s popular among workers for group dinners. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled skin-on pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

V Spa - Lotte Avenuel Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (브이스파 롯데에비뉴엘)

1.7Km 2024-04-18

10F, 73, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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CH Carolina Herrera - Avenuel Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (CH캐롤리나헤레라 에비뉴엘)

1.7Km 2024-04-19

4F Lotte Department Store Main Branch AVENUEL, 73, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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