1.4Km 2024-04-18
B1F, 58, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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1.4Km 2025-06-25
99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.
1.4Km 2024-04-19
20, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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1.4Km 2024-11-28
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.
1.4Km 2020-05-08
52, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-0123
Opened in March 2009, Nature Republic is a cosmetic brand that focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle to modern customers through its organic and natural products. It offers diverse products ranging from skin care to body and hair care. All products contain ingredients derived from nature.
1.4Km 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.
1.4Km 2021-03-19
127, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-888-8957
Souffle pancake is a popular dessert in Korea. The representative menu is souffle pancakes. This is a cafe located in Myeong-dong, Seoul.
1.4Km 2024-04-22
127, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
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1.4Km 2024-03-11
11, Toegye-ro 31-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2279-0803
Opened in 1976, Chungmuro Jjukkumi Bulgogi is Michelin-starred restaurant. Their signature dish is jjukkumi (webfoot octopus), which is marinated in hot seasoning using traditional know-how. Grilled over charcoal with pen shells, it offers a perfect dish. The spicy and sweet jjukkumi goes well with the bean sprout soup. When you're done eating, fry up some rice and enjoy a delicious meal.
1.4Km 2020-09-10
24-1, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-1704
Etude House is a cosmetics brand that sells makeup, hair, and fragrance products. The Etude House Myeongdong Chungmuro Branch, located in the heart of a major shopping district, carries a wide selection of cosmetics that customers may test before purchasing. Moreover, the brightly lit store interior, designed with a princess bedroom decor, adds fun to the experience.
It is visited largely by foreign customers from Japan, Thailand, China and other East Asian countries. To facilitate an easy shopping experience, the shop always has foreign staff available to assist. The most popular items include creams made using snail extract, lipsticks and eye shadows. Etude House also has many sales on facial mask packs, and tax refunds are available.