Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

1.7Km 2024-10-28

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

1.7Km 2024-04-22

189, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Myeongdongjeong Royal Cuisine Restaurant (명동정)

1.7Km 2024-03-12

1F, 299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-5132

Located on Myeongdong Street, Myeongdongjeong Royal Cuisine Restaurant serves Korean traditional dishes. They offer Korean traditional dishes that were once prepared for Korean royalty and nobility, using premium ingredients such as blue crab, abalone, beef, shrimp, and pumpkin. Their Korean table d'hote menus feature youngran sang (weekday lunch special), myeongdong jeongsik (bulgogi and other traditional dishes), gwibin sang (abalone & beef rib stew with traditional various dishes), and haesin sang (high-quality seafood dishes). With various rooms and halls, the venue also has space for organizing simple parties.

Chowonui jip (초원의집)

1.7Km 2021-03-24

299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-5666

It is a Korean food specialty store that has been around for over 15 years now. This restaurant's signature menu is soy sauce marinated crab. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

1.7Km 2023-12-26

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Metropolitan City

Insadong Cultural Street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all around the world, thanks to its numerous art galleries, restaurants serving Korean table d’hote, traditional teahouses, and street vendors lining the streets. Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special. Unlike the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, Insadong Cultural Street has larger streets with wider stores, so it is much easier to traverse. On evenings and weekends, one can find buskers performing on the side of the road.

Beautiful Tea Museum (아름다운 차박물관)

1.7Km 2022-07-26

19-11, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6678

Located in Insa-dong, The Beautiful Tea Museum aims to promote Korean tea culture. It preserves and exhibits tea related utensils and items, featuring those from the ancient Gaya and Joseon period as well as items from abroad such as China and Tibet. The museum also displays original tea pots and other ceramics made by young artists and ceramists. Inside the museum is a tea house named "Tea Story," serving a wide variety of teas. Visitors can also purchase tea leaves from all over the world at the Tea Shop.

Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

1.7Km 2024-04-23

#103, 117, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Yangbandeck (양반댁)

1.7Km 2024-03-18

19-18 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5507, +82-2-730-1112

Yangbandeck is a traditional Korean house in Insa-dong, serving ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and bori gulbi (barley-aged dried yellow croaker). Theganjang gejang is made from crabs filled with roe, matured in soy sauce. The taste of barley-aged dried yellow croaker, made from dried yellow croaker matured in sea breeze and served on top of rice, is exceptional. Each meal comes with a hot pot rice, and side dishes such as soybean paste jjigae, pancakes, kimchi, and japchae are served as standard.

Sanchon (산촌)

1.7Km 2019-06-13

30-13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-0312

Founded and opened by Monk Jeongsan, Sanchon is a vegan-friendly restaurant that mainly serves temple foods. The dishes found here are a results of Kim Yun-sik, who was inspired by the simple, clean and healthy diet that a Buddhist practitioner taught him years ago. Now, being a top authority on vegetarian food in Korea, Kim Yun-sik helped perfect the standard and quality of temple food.

The dishes are made with all natural ingredients such as vegetables and mountain herbs, and are cooked without chemical additives. The actual dishes served vary by season, and in order to meet the tastes of the general public, the restaurant includes "five spices" (garlic, shallots, mountain leeks, etc.), which monks are typically not allowed to eat. Those who would like their food without these ingredients are asked to make their request at least one day prior to visiting.

Banjjak Banjjak Binnaneun (반짝반짝빛나는)

1.7Km 2021-03-19

28-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-4525

A Traditional Beverages specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. A store selling hand-crafted Korean traditional tea. The most famous menu is green plum tea.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information