Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정) - Area information - Korea travel information

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

11.8Km    2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

11.9Km    2025-01-10

24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

11.9Km    2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

11.9Km    2025-01-17

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Museum of History covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

Namsan Cable Car (남산 케이블카)

11.9Km    2024-10-25

83 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namsan Cable Car provides a panoramic view of downtown Seoul. The cable car has been in operation for over 40 years, taking tourists and residents alike to Namsan Seoul Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in the city.

Modern Nulang Central City Branch (모던눌랑 센트럴시티점)

Modern Nulang Central City Branch (모던눌랑 센트럴시티점)

11.9Km    2025-12-02

205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Setting a romantic and modern atmosphere, Modern Nulang is a Chinese restaurant inspired by the "New Woman" concept from Shanghai's modern history. The restaurant’s design reflects Shanghai’s modern culture in the 1930s, portraying itself as a place that sets trends and is frequented by intelligent, sophisticated women. Decorative elements like a train platform, murals, and antique décor are scattered throughout the space, capturing the aesthetic essence of that era. Even the food served here stays true to the concept, presented in an elegant and romantic fashion. Signature menu items include Modern Nulang Shanghai Roll Platter, Braised Pork Belly with Chinese Buns, and Mint Lime Shrimp.

Texas de Brazil Central City Branch (텍사스 데 브라질 센트럴시티점)

Texas de Brazil Central City Branch (텍사스 데 브라질 센트럴시티점)

11.9Km    2025-12-02

205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Located in Seocho-gu, Texas de Brazil Central City Branch offers 15 different types of churrasco—traditional Brazilian steak barbecue—and 50 varieties of Brazilian dishes. Churrasco refers to meat skewered on a 1.2-meter-long stick and grilled over hard charcoal, making it tender and juicy. The carver also comes to the guest’s table to slice—or "carve"—the meat portions according to the guest’s request. Not only is the food served here a treat for the palate, but for the eyes as well.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

11.9Km    2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

Incheon Grand Park Children's Zoo (인천대공원 어린이동물원)

Incheon Grand Park Children's Zoo (인천대공원 어린이동물원)

11.9Km    2024-04-11

236 Munemi-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon

The Children's Zoo of Incheon Grand Park is located near the south gate, and is home to over 230 animals in 27 species. The zoo mostly features gentle animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, Japanese macaques, marmosets, fennec foxes, wallaroos, meerkats, macaws, ostriches, and other non-dangerous animals. The zoo also houses protected Korean animals such as eagles and the Eurasian eagle-owl. To prevent accidents and animal stress, the zoo does not operate any animal feeding programs.

Shinsegae Department Store - Main Store (신세계백화점 (본점))

11.9Km    2025-04-07

63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Shinsegae Department Store opened its doors as the first modern department store in the country in 1960. It stands where Korea's first department store, the Japanese Misreukkosi Department Store, used to be in the 1930s. After undergoing remodeling in 2007, it reopened as a luxury hall, featuring diverse brands ranging from the top three international luxury brands to new designer brands. In addition, the Trinity Gardens and art halls in the department store serve as a cultural space for a shopping experience that combines art and shopping.