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

9.1Km 2025-07-21

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.

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

9.1Km 2025-11-11

Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Songhyeon Green Plaza, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno, is a space for culture and rest. The site was formerly used as housing for Shiksan Bank during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation, it served as a residence for the US Embassy and military personnel. Later in 1997, it was returned to the Korean government but remained unused for years. In 2022, the ownership was transferred to the Korean House and Land Corporation and then to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which redeveloped it into a green plaza and opened it to the public. Upon entering the plaza, visitors are greeted by a spacious lawn adorned with flowers during the blooming season. The plaza is connected to the nearby tourist attractions through shortcuts cutting through it, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bukchon Hanok Village Gamgodang Street (북촌한옥마을 감고당길)

9.1Km 2025-10-30

Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

An alley with cute cafes and galleries
This is the road that appeared in the last episode and the flashback scene where Choi Ung (played by Choi Woosik) and Kuk Yeonsoo (played by Kim Dami) got drunk. Behind the Seoul Craft Museum in Bukchon Hanok Village, it extends for about 440m from Poongmoon Girls' High School to Jeongdok Library. There are many pretty cafes and galleries on the cozy road, and there are also craft markets open, so there is plenty to look around. The alley where Kuk Yeonsoo walked with the drunken Choi Ung on her back is Yunboseon Street in the middle of Gamgodang Street. It stretches along the hill between narrow tiled walls and stone walls, giving off a unique atmosphere.

Achasanseong Fortress (아차산성)

9.1Km 2023-04-05

Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-450-7593

Achasanseongseong Fortress boasts magnificent views of the Hangang River and skyline. The 200m-high mountain fortress wall was built to face southeast, towards the Hangang River. It is also called Janghan-seong or Gwangjang-seong. A fierce battle was once fought here among Gogury, Baekje and Silla because of its strategic location during the period of the Three Kingdoms. King Gae-Ro of Baekje (r. 455-475) died in the war by the Goguryeo forces sent by King Jang-Su (r. 413-491) and General Ondal of Goguryeo was also killed in a battle with the Silla army in 590.

Achasan Mountain is popular as a citizens’ resting place with a historical trail and a natural park including various facilities such as walkway, mountain walkway, a badminton court, a wrestling range, an archery range, various amusement facilities for children, benches, and pavilion.

Byeokje Galbi Bangi(벽제갈비(방이본점))

9.1Km 2024-03-13

1-4, Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-415-5522

Byeokje Galbi is a restaurant serving top-quality hanu (Korean beef). One can enjoy a variety of cuts sourced from the finest hanu (Korean beef), such as deungsim (sirloin), galbi, and sagol (beef bone). The signature menus of Byeokje Galbi are Seol-hwa Saeng Galbi (Diamond cut Hanwoo rib) and Seol-hwa Kkot Deungsim (Hanwoo rib eye). The menu also includes naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) dishes, seolleongtang (ox bone soup), and Hanwoo Kkoritang (Artisanal Hanwoo tail soup). The restaurant was notably included in the MICHELIN Guide Seoul 2023.

New Balance - Daehangno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴발란스 대학로점)

9.1Km 2024-04-16

133-2, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Bongpiyang (Bangi Branch) (봉피양 방이점)

9.1Km 2024-03-13

5, Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Bongpiyang is an upscale restaurant serving dwaeji galbi gui (grilled pork galbi) near the Olympic Park. Its signature menus include the Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles), dwaeji galbi (grilled pork galbi), and hanu tteokgalbi (grilled Korean beef galbi patties). Bongpiyang’s dwaeji galbi (grilled pork galbi) uses medicinal herbs, licorice, and thin yeot (malt candy) for sweetness. The broth for Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles) is made every early morning using hanu (Korean beef) and other ingredients, and the restaurant also prepares its buckwheat noodles in-house as well.