Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

5.0Km 2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Nodeul Island (노들섬)

5.0Km 2024-11-01

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Nodeul Island seems like an island floating in the middle of the Hangang River. The island was opened to the public in 2012 as a recreational area while preserving most of its original form. In 2019, the island was equipped with more facilities to serve as a cultural entertainment spot to the public.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

5.1Km 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.

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

5.1Km 2024-06-04

12 Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The area of Seochon features both traditional elements as well modern, showing the changes over time. A stay in one of the hanok houses here is the perfect way to feel this unique ambiance. Hanok Essay Seochon provides this experience, open to visitors of all ages.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

5.1Km 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.

Of one book and stay (일독일박)

5.1Km 2024-12-23

11-1 , Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ildogilbak in Seochon Village, Seoul, is a private hanok stay that has been stylishly renovated with modern facilities. The bedroom, kitchen and dining room are located around the courtyard. Tired travellers can soak their feet in the small courtyard footbath while sitting on the veranda. There’s a queen size bed in the bedroom, and a large table in the dining room where you can read a book and chat. There is also an attic space where you can fall asleep looking at the stars through a small skylight. The kitchen is well equipped, and there’s a tub in the bathroom.

Nuwa (누와)

5.2Km 2024-12-23

3-1 , Pirundae-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Nuwa is a small, tastefully-renovated private hanok in the Seochon Village residential area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It gets the light through a window wall in the living room, which contains a walnut table where guests can take tea, and a bathtub: weary travellers will feel better after taking a foot bath or half-body bath. High-quality tea and bath salts are provided. The sleeping space has an unusual round window, like a full moon, facing the bed, through which guests can see the top of Inwangsan Mountain as they fall asleep.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

5.2Km 2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Luii (루이)

5.2Km 2024-07-17

40, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Luii is a Chinese restaurant operated by a veteran chef with extensive experience in Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has several rooms of different sizes to accommodate various events. It also has a VIP room for more private gatherings.

Seoul Hanok Stay (JNP Stay) (서울한옥스테이(jnpstay))

5.2Km 2024-10-30

7-28 , Jahamun-ro 1na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Hanok Stay (JNP Stay) is a private hanok stay located 3 minutes' walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Station. You can play traditional Korean games such as jejichagi (hacky sack), yut nori (board game), and tuho (arrow-throwing) in the yard, and cooking barbecue adds to the charm of the hanok. From the yard, you can enjoy the sky view, feel the gentle breeze, and observe raindrops falling from the eaves.

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information