Seoul Geumseonsa Temple (금선사(서울)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seoul Geumseonsa Temple (금선사(서울))

Seoul Geumseonsa Temple (금선사(서울))

6.5Km    2021-08-17

137, Bibong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-9911

Geumseonsa Temple is located within Bukhansan National Park, just behind Cheong Wa Da (The Blue House) and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The entrance to the temple is just off the hiking path to Bibong Peak.

After passing Banyajeon Hall, where Buddhist services are held, visitors will see a pine tree over 200 years old, and beyond that, a staircase with 108 steps leading up to Daejeokgwangjeon Hall in the temple's main area. To the right is Samseonggak House and Hongyegyo Bridge over the clear waters flowing down from the mountain.

Additional temple buildings include Mitajeon Hall and Yeonhwadang Hall, built in 2004 by Monk Beopan; and Jeokmukdang Hall, built using traditional construction techniques.

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) (청와대)

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) (청와대)

6.6Km    2024-10-30

1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles on the Main Office; it is the first thing to catch one's attention upon viewing the premises. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Main Office. Each tile was baked individually to make them strong enough to last for hundreds of years. The blue tiles and the smoothly curving roofline blend beautifully with Bugaksan Mountain in the backdrop.

Cheong Wa Dae is comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (State Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn) Hall, Nokjiwon Garden, Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Hill, and Chilgung Palace. It is interesting to see that all the buildings are unique and beautifully designed, built in the traditional Korean style. Just outside the premises is Cheongwadae Sarangchae, an exhibition hall showing the history of Cheong Wa Dae and the Korean presidency, as well as gifts received by heads of State over the years. The hall is open and free to all visitors.

Cheong Wa Dae Media Display (청와대 국민과 함께 영상전시)

Cheong Wa Dae Media Display (청와대 국민과 함께 영상전시)

6.6Km    2024-11-28

1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
박주원 학예연구사 02-3771-8636

Cheong Wa Dae Media Display brightens the night through a media facade display on Yeongbingwan Hall. The display shows the history of Cheong Wa Dae through the theme "Twelve Lights".

Bukchon Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (북촌약국)

Bukchon Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (북촌약국)

6.6Km    2024-06-27

71, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Teafference Seoul (티퍼런스서울)

Teafference Seoul (티퍼런스서울)

6.6Km    2024-02-01

61 Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Teafference Seoul is where visitors can taste purple tea made from purple tea leaves that grow naturally on the 1,800-meter plateau in Kenya. As a café and a cultural complex, it comprises a gallery tea café on the first floor where one can enjoy purple tea and art exhibitions, a beauty shop on the second floor, and a rooftop on the third floor. Exhibitions of paintings and photographs are always held using the walls and staircase landings of the spacious interior, making it a great place to relax while enjoying a cup of tea. In addition, this place has an appealing vibe, making it especially popular on social media. Not only is purple tea pretty in color, but it also has less caffeine than green tea or black tea, thus serves as a suitable option for the health-conscious. A variety of menu items are available, including Teafference Signature Purple Tea, Teafference Purple Milk Tea, and Teafference Purple Tea Einspanner. Another recommended menu item is Purple Tea-Makase, a course menu which serves several types of purple tea and desserts.

Italyjae (이태리재)

Italyjae (이태리재)

6.6Km    2017-02-01

74-9, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Itaejae, located in a refined side street in Sogyeok-dong, offers authentic traditional Venetian-style Italian cuisine at a reasonable price.

Uke. Zamezip (육회자매집)

6.6Km    2023-12-22

200-4 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This restaurant is located in a corner of Gwangjang Market's alley, and its main menu is Yukhoe/Beef Tartare (raw beef made by cutting small pieces of beef with various seasonings). The lightness of raw meat, which cannot be found in grilled meat, and the harmony with the seasoning are impressive. If you eat it with egg yolk, sprouts, and pears served together, you can feel the depth of the true taste of raw meat. If you want to try something a little more Korean-style, try 'Yuktangi,' which comes with Tangtangi (a dish made by pounding wild octopus on a cutting board and cutting it into pieces) and Yukhoe. However, the octopus Yuktangi moves around when the food is served, so you must be careful.

Stay Passport Sindang Ryokan (스테이 패스포트 신당 료칸)

Stay Passport Sindang Ryokan (스테이 패스포트 신당 료칸)

6.6Km    2025-04-24

33 Nangye-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Stay Passport Sindang Ryokan offers a four major room types: "Goyo" and "Sohyang," designed for two who seek privacy and relaxation away from the busy city life; "Pungryu," accommodating up to four people, perfect for family guests or a group of friends; and "Pungyo,"  designed to offer utmost relaxation.  

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

6.6Km    2025-01-23

55 Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
02-3672-1599

Situated in Sulla-gil, the Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi is a roaster café where each bean is handpicked. It also offers a range of wine selections. The café is a perfect place to relax after exploring downtown Seoul. The cozy atmosphere of the café with the added charm of the stone wall visible from café, makes visitors feel at ease and relaxed. The evenings here turn into a music and movie session, adding a lively atmosphere to the space.

Boobing (부빙)

Boobing (부빙)

6.6Km    2024-01-12

136 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Boobing is short for "Buam-dong bingsu" (shaved ice). As such, it is a shaved ice restaurant that always has a long waiting line on weekdays or weekends. The main menu item is pat bingsu (shaved ice with red beans), made with red beans that are provided by a bean produce. They also serve their own original bingsu desserts that use ingredients like melon, mint chocolate, and gold pineapple. Their signature menu is Chodang corn bingsu, made with finely ground corn with milk ice on top. The cafe has a one bingsu order per person policy.