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

932.4M 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.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

969.6M 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.

Soseolwon Seoga (소설원 서가)

989.8M 2024-02-15

37 Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Soseolwon Seoga is a café located near Daehangno. The name means a small garden with falling snow. The building, spanning five floors, offers different atmospheres on each level, making it enjoyable to explore. The signature menu is the sun uyu pudding (whole milk pudding), boasting a smooth texture that allows you to savor the rich flavor of pure milk. Also popular is the heukdang einspanner (black sugar einspanner), featuring cream and marshmallows without being overly rich. Nearby attractions include Marronnier Park and the Dream Art Center.

Seongbuk-dong Jip(성북동집)

1.0Km 2020-12-24

4 Seongbuk-ro 24-gil Seongbuk-gu Seoul
+82-2-747-6234

This restaurant in Seongbuk-dong is famous for its Kalguksu (chopped noodle soup) and dumplings. This restaurant's signature menu is noodle soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Seongbuk-dong Jip (성북동집)

1.0Km 2021-03-29

4, Seongbuk-ro 24-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-6234

This restaurant in Seongbuk-dong is famous for its Kalguksu (chopped noodle soup) and dumplings. This restaurant's signature menu is noodle soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

1.0Km 2025-03-15

68, Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course is a nostalgic path connecting famous old houses in Seongbuk-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, divided by the old city walls. Along the way, you'll find historic sites like Gilsangsa Temple, Jeongbeopsa Temple, Han Yong-un’s Simujang House, and novelist Lee Tae-jun's House. The trail also features charming cultural spots, such as the traditional tea house Sooyeon Sanbang and the Seongbuk Museum of Art.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Parasite"
The scene in the alley where Ki-woo visited Mr. Park's house in a wealthy neighborhood for expensive tutoring was filmed in a residential area in Seongbuk-dong. Seongbuk-dong, an old wealthy village, has luxury mansions lined up in. There are many pretty cafés and galleries here and there, so it's good to take a leisurely look around. Mr. Park's house was a filming set, which was demolished after filming.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

1.0Km 2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

1.0Km 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.

Olive Young - Hongdae Daehangno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 홍대대학로)

1.1Km 2024-04-16

57, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Korea Art Festival (대한민국 미술축제)

1.1Km 2025-07-31

57 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7575-0980

Korea Art Festival is the nation's largest art festival that connects the 12 major art fairs and biennales taking place nationwide. The 2025 festival takes place in September, inviting visitors to enjoy the world of art.

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