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

10.0Km 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.

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (교보문고)

10.0Km 2024-12-04

1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
02-3295-0312

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.

Ononsa Guesthouse (온온사)

10.0Km 2023-07-17

58 Gwanaksan-gil, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Though Ononsa, which was a guesthouse in Gwacheon, was constructed in the 27th year of King Injo's reign in the Joseon dynasty (1649), the name, "Ononsa," was given to this area during the reign of King Jeongjo. On February 11, 1790 during his royal procession to the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado, stayed at an inn in Gwacheon and, as he felt that it "has nice views and provides a comfortable stay," he bestowed upon the place plaques that he wrote himself - "Ononsa" to Seoheon and "Burimheon," which was the old nickname of Gwacheon, to Dongheon. This is how this place began to be called Ononsa.

It was designated as a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Gyeonggi-do on June 2, 1980, and it was restored on December 2, 1986 after being torn down.

Onion Anguk Branch (어니언 안국)

10.0Km 2024-02-20

5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Onion is a café situated in a hanok dating back to the 1920s. Renovated with careful preservation of the daecheongmaru and madang, the café offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture. The signature menu item is the vanilla bean latte, and popular desserts include pandoro and salty butter bread. Its proximity to nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Seoul's major palaces.

Hottracks - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (핫트랙스 광화문점)

10.0Km 2024-04-23

1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Stenlee (스텐리)

10.0Km 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.

Olive Young - Gwanak Town [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 관악 타운)

10.0Km 2024-06-27

173, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong (인사동)

10.1Km 2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

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.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

10.1Km 2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

European Christmas Market (유러피언 크리스마스 마켓)

10.1Km 2024-12-03

B1 Samseongyo-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2241-6381

European Christmas Market aims to exchange and promote cultural values with international visitors and local residents by celebrating Christmas according to its area of origin, Europe. Visitors can experience European Christmas through food, music, performances, and other enjoyable events.

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