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

16.0Km 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.

Ilpum Garden (일품가든)

16.0Km 2021-03-30

109-10, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-7295

This is a restaurant where you can taste both shabu-shabu (sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water) and roasted meat. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is shabu-shabu.

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

16.0Km 2024-04-18

1F, 82, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Asin [Tax Refund Shop] (아신)

16.0Km 2024-04-19

1F, 50-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Banhadang (반하당)

16.0Km 2024-02-15

36 Seongbuk-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Banhadang is a café located 20 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site Changdeokgung Palace. Renovated from a hanok, it preserves the charm of hanok with open spaces, leaving only the pillars of the original structure. The signature menu includes a Strawberry latte made with homemade strawberry syrup and milk. During the summer season, the jeontong pat bingsu (traditional shaved ice with red beans), made with domestically sourced jujube and red bean, is also popular.

Frisbee - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (FR광화문점(금강 프리스비))

16.0Km 2024-04-16

1F, 8, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관(서소문본관))

16.0Km 2024-06-19

61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2124-8800

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a space for all to meet and experience the joy of art. Located in the center of Jeong-dong, a district that retains traces of Seoul’s modern and contemporary history, the museum integrates the historical facade of the former Supreme Court with modern architecture. In addition to various programs―encompassing exhibitions, educational outreach initiatives, screenings, workshops, performances, and talks, communal spaces including SeMA Cafe, the artbook store, the open space lobby, and the outdoor sculpture park SeMA WALK provide a rich range of ways for visitors to experience art.

Cheongjin Hwarogui (청진화로구이)

16.0Km 2021-03-22

32-12, Jong-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7008

A store selling Korean beef and pork dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled Korean beef rib eye steak. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Innisfree - Noryangjin Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 노량진)

16.0Km 2024-04-22

162, Noryangjin-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

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Cheongsongok (청송옥)

16.0Km 2024-02-20

14 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Cheongsongok is a jangteo gukbap (rice soup) restaurant that opened in 1984. The signature menu is jangteo gukbap, a rice soup with green onions and radishes in beef bone broth. The kimchi served with the gukbap is homemade, known for its spicy flavor and crisp texture. Nearby is Deoksugung Palace, and the Seokjojeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace presents a picturesque landscape harmonized with the garden, making it a popular spot for photography.

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