Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

9.8Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

9.8Km 2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (교보문고)

9.8Km 2024-12-04

1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Kyobo Book Centre is the first large-scale bookstore in Korea, and this particular store can be found next to Gwanghwamun Square. Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun divides its internal area into 11 sections and organizes them in a way that allows readers to find books easily. The store also has specialized shops for stationery, digital devices, and accessories, as well as exhibition spaces and cafés.

Stenlee (스텐리)

9.8Km 2025-10-23

15th Floor, 1 Jongno (Kyobo Life Building), Jongno-gu, Seoul

Stenlee is a specialized agency that provides comprehensive support to medical patients, corporate groups and business delegations visiting Korea. We design and manage tailored MICE and medical programs (checkups, medical treatment, fam tours, medical trainings, seminars, incentive trips, etc) handling everything from booking to transportation, translation and interpretation. Our strength lies in optimizing schedules, cost and cultural immersion to ensure efficient results and comfortable stay for our clients.

Insa-dong (인사동)

9.8Km 2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Jeong’s Family (정스패밀리)

9.9Km 2025-03-15

16 , Hyochangwon-ro 8-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Jeong's Family is a foreigner-only guesthouse in Hanseong Han River Apartments in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The apartment building is in a quiet residential area and has a fine view over the Han River and the riverside Hangang Park - which is a great place for walking or cycling. The two rooms are furnished with laptop PCs. Guests will recieve a welcome drink when they check-in, and a simple breakfast and dinner are provided upon prior reservation. The guesthouse is close to the airport bus stop, and convenient for public transport to tourist hotspots such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeong-dong. There’s a key deposit system in operation.

Jungmyeongjeon Hall (중명전)

9.9Km 2025-01-09

41-11, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located near Deoksugung Palace, Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a red-brick modern Western-style building. It was built in 1899 as the imperial library of the Korean Empire. After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire in 1904, the place became the temporary residence of Emperor Gojong. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty), an illegal treaty forced by Japan, was signed in 1905. Its exhibition hall serves as a place for historical education.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

9.9Km 2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원)

9.9Km 2023-03-17

102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly amusement park consisting of various themed facilities that promote the growth and preservation of diverse animals and plants.

[Seoul Zoo]
Seoul Zoo aims to provide an ideal environment for animals to grow and live as well as exhibit, preserve, and research rare animals and educate the public. As a result of the zoo's hard work and efforts, it is the only zoo in Korea to be certified as a member of both ISIS and IUDZG-WZO.

[Botanical Garden]
Seoul Grand Park's Botanical Garden was opened in 1985 amidst the lush forest situated at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. The garden consists of a greenhouse, exhibition facilities, and themed gardens that boast a collection of over 41,000 plants from 1,262 different species. The greenhouse preserves and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants that are not found in Korea. Moreover, the Botanical Garden offers various activities and experience programs related to plants and forests.

[Theme Garden]
The Theme Garden is one of the most representative facilities of Seoul Grand Park. The Theme Garden consists of a Rose Garden and Children's Zoo. Seasonal plants and flowers as well as diverse themed garden programs are offered.

[Healing Place]
The Healing Place is a forest formed at the foothills of Cheonggyesan Mountain that surrounds the border of Seoul Grand Park. Main facilities consist of Healing Forest Walkway; Water, Wind & Sunshine Healing Zone; Barefoot Road; Aroma Garden; and Forest Plaza.

[Healing Forest Walkway]
Healing Forest Walkway is a walking path lined by diverse trees that form a lush forest serving as a habitat for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and more. The walking path is approximately 8 kilometers long and divided into four sections. The shortest course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the full course requires 3 hours.

[Campsite]
The campsite within the Seoul Grand Park is the perfect place to camp out, hold picnics and enjoy recreational activities with friends and families. The main facilities consist of a campsite, volleyball court, basketball court, snack bar, and shower facilities. The campsite is open from March to November, except in the case of harsh weather conditions.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

9.9Km 2025-06-19

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

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울)) - Area information - Korea travel information