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

2.4Km 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.

HANAMPIG Dongdaemoon (하남돼지집 동대문)

2.4Km 2024-03-11

9, Eulji-ro, 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-3030

Located near Dongdaemun Design Plaza , HANAMPIG specializes in grilled pork. When pre-grilled meat is served, the staff cuts it into pieces and puts it on the grill to cook. The recommended combination is to grill kimchi or mushrooms together to enhance the savory flavor. In the vicinity, one can explore Dongdaemun fashion malls, enriching the experience of the area.

Jinmi Sikdang (진미식당)

2.4Km 2024-02-27

186-6 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Jinmi Sikdang is a specialty restaurant known for its exclusive focus on gejang (marinated crab), using only the finest blue crabs from the Seohae Coast. The restaurant prides itself on preparing only the amount of crab needed for the day, ensuring freshness, so it's advisable to make reservations before visiting, especially during peak hours. Known for its consistent quality and unwavering taste, Jinmi Sikdang continues to receive steady love from its customers.

Kum Bak Yeon [Tax Refund Shop] (금박연)

2.5Km 2024-06-27

24-12, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Olive Mart [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브마트)

2.5Km 2024-04-22

229-3, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olive Mart [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 올리브마트)

2.5Km 2024-04-16

1F, 229-3, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Season's Table Dongdaemun LOTTE FITIN(계절밥상 동대문롯데피트인)

2.5Km 2020-10-29

7F, LOTTE, FITIN, 264, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6262-4715

This is a buffet located in Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul. The representative menu is Korean dishes. A buffet restaurant serving Korean dishes.

Fatum (파툼)

2.5Km 2019-12-20

86-5, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-9888

FATUM is famous for its great view of Samcheong-dong. Each floor is decorated with a different theme, from natural rocks on the first floor, comfort on the second floor, and indoor viewing places on the third and fourth floors, and outdoor seats on the fifth floor. The view features beautiful scenery including Bugaksan Mountain, Inwangsan Mountain, and Gyeongbokgung Palace at once, as well as a fantastic sunset from the café.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal Dongdaemun (만족오향족발 동대문)

2.5Km 2024-03-12

1-3FL, 9-4, Eulji-ro, 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2271-0880

Situated between Dongdaemun and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Manjok Ohyang Jokbal's Dongdaemun branch focuses on jokbal (braised pig's feet). In addition to their signature dish, jokbal (braised pigs' feet), they also serve a wide array of dishes including bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork), jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles), and mandu. As any dish ordered comes with mandu and sliced rice cake soup by default, it offers a satisfying ensemble.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae (청와대사랑채)

2.5Km 2025-07-18

45 Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0300

Cheongwadae Sarangchae is an “open cultural space” for everyone. Throughout the facility, travel library-themed spaces and tourism-related exhibitions are set up providing distinctive experiences for visitors interested in learning more about Korea. By exploring Cheongwadae Sarangchae and its surroundings, visitors can expand their discovery and get a deeper insight as they travel Korea. Cheongwadae Sarangchae consists of exhbition halls on the first and second floors, with convenient amenities such as a nursing room, storage lockers, accessible restrooms, a gift shop, and a cafe.

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