Seoul Former Russian Legation (서울 구 러시아공사관)

5.6Km 2020-06-18

21-18, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5882

The Russian Legation was built in a Renaissance style in 1890. Russian architect, A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed the structure. In 1895, during the Joseon dynasty, the Eulmisabyeon Incident took place as a show of force by the Japanese.

Empress Myeongseong-hwanghu was emerging as a strong figure in Korea at a time when a power struggle between Japan, China, Russia, and other powers were taking place. Japanese Minister, Miura Goro saw her as a threat and ordered her assassination. After hearing news of the Empress’s assassination, King Gojong and the Crown Prince sought refuge in the Russian Embassy for one year.

After 1945, the Soviet Union took over the embassy until it was almost completely destroyed by a fire during the Korean War [1950~1953]. The only remaining parts of the building are the tower and basement areas. The building was restored to its current condition in 1973 and is now enjoyed by many as a public park.

World Jewellery Museum (세계장신구박물관)

5.6Km 2023-09-21

2, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-1610

Situated in the gallery district in the back alley of Samcheong-dong (east of Gyeongbokgung Palace), the World Jewellery Museum houses 3,000 jewelry pieces from 60 countries, which have been collected over 30 years. Of which, 1,000 have been selected for display. The first floor contains an Amber Wall that goes back as far as 50 million years, the Golden Hall (El Dorado), the Necklace Hall, and the solemn Alter of the Cross. The second floor holds a mask wall, rings, beads and ivory as well as modern jewelry.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

5.6Km 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.

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

5.6Km 2024-12-04

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gwanghwamun Gate is the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also the main gate of the palace, therefore larger and fancier in comparison to the other gates. Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates; the center gate was used by the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. The tall granite walls of the gate serve as a platform for the wooden gate tower that watches over the city. The gate has a sign with its name written at the top center of the gate tower.

Gwanghwamun Gate went through several damages and restorations over the course of history. It was first severely damaged during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was not restored until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1864. Under the Japanese administration, the gate was demolished and relocated to the north of the palace's eastern gate, followed by series of damages during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1968, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated back to the south of the palace and was rebuilt using concrete; however, the gate’s position was shifted a few meters away from its original location. In 2006, a major reconstruction project took place to restore Gwanghwamun Gate to its original state and location, disassembling the structure completely and replacing concrete with granite and wood. After three years and eight months of construction, Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form and was open to the public on August 15, 2010.

Luden Loquen SPACE (카페LN)

5.6Km 2019-11-26

5, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7597

Luden Loquen SPACE is a unique hanok cafe, located at the end of the alley where Bukchon Hanok Village starts. The cafe is not just an average café where you can drink tea or coffee but because of location and design it has an added sense of cultural value. Locals come to enjoy the best tea in town, brewed using high quality tea leaves with information on its origin attached. In addition to traditional drinks and sweets, the coffee shop offers a variety treats that combines Korean ingredients and modern desserts. The hanok building has been reinterpreted through a modern design.

CheongKwanJang - Cosmo Tower Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 코스모)

5.6Km 2024-04-18

B1F, 416, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Spa 1899 Donginbi (SPA 1899 동인비)

5.6Km 2024-12-04

416 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

In traditional Korean medicine, summer is the season when one's energy is severely depleted as people tend to sweat a lot even with little movement. As you are more likely to feel fatigued and lose vitality, replenishing one's energy is crucial. According to Donguibogam, a traditional Korean medical encyclopedia, red ginseng is recommended for vitality. The book says red ginseng slows the aging process and boosts one's energy, helping you live longer. It's effective in restoring vitality and alleviating fatigue. Red ginseng is made by steaming ginseng for approx. 3 hours without peeling it and then letting it dry slowly. This steaming and drying process reduces ginseng's sugar level while creating an active compound, which enhances its efficacy. Saponin, which is abundant in red ginseng, is known for boosting one's immunity and restoring vitality. Notably, ginsenoside helps with digestion, metabolism, and the absorption of nutrients, thereby restoring one's energy. SPA 1899 Donginbi, run by the premium red ginseng brand Jung Kwan Jang, is a specialized spa facility that uses beneficial red ginseng.

NOVA ITALIANO (노바이탈리아노)

5.6Km 2021-03-26

20, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-966-1652

It's near the university, so it's a place frequented by many young people. The best menu at this restaurant is pasta. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (황생가칼국수)

5.6Km 2024-03-18

78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-6334

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a specialty restaurant located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, known for its kalguksu (noodle soup). Kalguksu is a type of noodle soup made by thinly slicing dough into noodles with a knife and boiling them in a broth made from beef bones, clams, or seafood. Their menu includes options like wang mandu (jumbo mandu), hanu suyuk (boiled Korean beef slices), kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup), beoseot jeongol (mushroom hot pot), and mandutguk (mandu soup). It was selected as a Michelin Guide Seoul 2023 restaurant.

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine (당고개순교성지)

5.6Km 2020-03-18

139-26, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-711-0933

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine is located on the small hill just five minutes away from Yongsan Eletronics Market. 10 Catholics were martyred on this hill during the Gihae Persecution in 1839 including Choi Gyeong-hwan (Francis)'s wife Lee Seong-rye (Maria).

Nine of the 10 martyrs are now recognized as saints. Lee Seong-rye, the mother of Father Thomas Choi Yang-eop (Korea's second ordained priest), has not yet been canonized although she did suffer martyrdom. The reason was that the mother briefly put aside her faith because of the pressures of raising five children after she had her oldest son, Thomas. However, the difficulty of combining these two interests was eventually overcome and she died a martyr.

Aside from serving as a memorial site, Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine also offers a commanding view of Seoul. Nearby tourist attractions include Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs, which is a Catholic church with Korean architecture, and Yongsan Family Park.

Seoul Former Russian Legation (서울 구 러시아공사관) - Area information - Korea travel information