Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

3.0Km    2024-07-09

45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, a designated Historic Site, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Korean National Police Heritage Museum (경찰박물관)

Korean National Police Heritage Museum (경찰박물관)

3.1Km    2021-12-21

41, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3150-3681

The police museum opened on October 14, 2005 to give a better understanding of the job of the police and to offer a formal education to children who wish to become police officers in the future. The history hall of the museum is designed for visitors to learn about the history of Korean police at a glance, exhibiting information on the police force from the Joseon dynasty up until current times.

Visitors to the museum can pretend to be police officers by touching actual equipment and learning about an officer's daily tasks. Visitors can also get in patrol cars, wear a police uniform, experience shooting a gun through a simulation, and learn self-defense martial arts and arrest techniques. Visitors can also go to the museum jail.

Jeongdong Theater (국립 정동극장)

3.1Km    2024-06-19

43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-1500

Jeongdong Theater is located along Deoksugung Stone Wall Path and serves as a cultural hub for local citizens. Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant as it was established to restitute the legacy of Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong Theater features numerous critically-acclaimed productions, such as “Traditional Art Performance,” “Masters Exhibition,” and “Art Frontier,” as well as programs like “Art Stage at Noon” that are geared toward the general public. As a result, Jeongdong Theater has become one of Korea's representative traditional arts performance theaters and was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage in 2015.

The theater successfully held the performance “Miso” in 2010, featuring the traditional musical "Love Songs from Chunhyang," written and created by Jeongdong Theater. The musical attracted many international visitors from all over the world, passing on Korean cultural values and beauty, as well as gaining the attention of critics worldwide. In addition, the theater also produced "The 2nd Story of Miso: Baebijang-jeon," offering a modern interpretation of the fundamental values found in Korea's culture and art.

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

3.1Km    2025-04-07

63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-1588-1234

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.

The Bus Stop (더버스스탑)

3.1Km    2024-03-12

26-1, Toegye-ro, 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9083-9616

Located between Myeongdong Street and Namsan Mountain, this café is a perfect place to stop for a drink and dessert while traveling around Seoul, as its name means "bus stop". They serve tasty coffee, ade, bubble tea, and other drinks, as well as a variety of desserts. The neighboring Namsan Pork cutlet Street is worth a visit for meal before visit here.

E-Mart 24 - The Bank Of Korea Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트24 한국은행)

E-Mart 24 - The Bank Of Korea Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트24 한국은행)

3.1Km    2024-04-18

9, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Suseongdonggyegok Valley (수성동계곡)

Suseongdonggyegok Valley (수성동계곡)

3.1Km    2023-08-17

185-3, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 옥인동

Suseong-dong Valley's stream runs down from Inwangsan Mountain and joins Cheonggyecheon Stream, and it is said that the name of the village was called Suseong-dong during the Joseon dynasty due to the loud and clear sound of the flowing water. It appears in the painting "Jangdong Palgyeongcheop," which is Jangdong Eight Scenic Views, that depicts the eight scenic views of Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain as well as in other historical books of the Joseon dynasty as a place of scenic beauty. The valley was so famous for its beauty, that Prince Anpyeong of the Joseon dynasty built his house "Bihaedang" to fully enjoy the view, and the valley and its stone bridge were designated as a cultural property of Seoul in 2010. 

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal City Hall (만족오향족발 시청)

3.1Km    2024-03-12

134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755

Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience. 

Jangchung Gymnasium (장충체육관)

Jangchung Gymnasium (장충체육관)

3.1Km    2024-03-12

241, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2128-2800

Jangchung Gymnasium is Korea's first domed gymnasium and opened in 1963. It was renovated in 2015 to become what it is today. It is famous for hosting the Korean Professional Volleyball League during the winter months. The gymnasium also boasts a variety of athletic competitions, cultural performances, and events. Nearby are Jangchungdan Park, Jangchung-dong Jokbal Street, and Dongdaemun Historical and Cultural Park, which are all worth exploring. 

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

3.1Km    2021-09-01

46-1, Changuimun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5066

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won relocated in 2019 from Insa-dong to Buam-dong. Six exhibition halls offer visitors a look at wooden figures from around the world. Mokin refers to traditional wooden sculptures carved in shapes of human figures or various animals. The museum holds around 12,000 wooden folk sculptures including those used to decorate funeral carriages and temples mostly from the Joseon dynasty up to modern times. The museum also has an outdoor exhibition hall that harmonizes the sculptures with nature.