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

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

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

13.7Km    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.

Sewoon Plaza (세운전자상가(세운전자플라자))

Sewoon Plaza (세운전자상가(세운전자플라자))

13.7Km    2023-11-23

159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2271-2344

Sewoon Plaza, also known as Sewoon Electronics Plaza, was famous for electronic goods as the sole electronics shop before Yongsan Electronics Department Store was built. The scale doesn’t meet that of Yongsan Mall but its location in the heart of downtown Seoul as well as their 10 years of fame have worked to keep a strong customer base.

The department store is divided into two buildings along Cheonggyecheon-ro. Most of the electornics are available on the first building. On the first floor, home and lifestyle electronic goods including irons, hair dryers, telephones, razors as well as gas stoves, various heaters, kitchen tools and more are sold. On the second floor, visitors can find televisions, fridges, laundry machines, audio & video devices. On the third floor, newlyweds can buy their electronic goods and appliances for the kitchen. Also, computers and related devices and parts are available on the fourth floor. The price range here is relatively cheaper than the regular consumer price.

Seogyeong Dorak Nonhyeon(서경도락 논현)

Seogyeong Dorak Nonhyeon(서경도락 논현)

13.7Km    2020-12-24

208 Dosan-daero Gangnam-gu Seoul
+82-2-512-1092

You can enjoy it with Pyongyang-style naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles). This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is charcoal-grilled beef.

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

13.7Km    2020-07-08

192, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2845

Situated in Myeongryun-dong in Seoul and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.

In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, plum blossoms, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.

A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bugaksan Mountain.

Sewoon Plaza (세운상가)

13.7Km    2024-10-25

159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Makercity Sewoon is Korea's first comprehensive electronics market, established in 1968 and has a 40-year history. As a mecca in the urban electronics industry area located in Jongno, the center of Seoul, you can purchase various electronic products here.
Since 2014, Seoul's urban regeneration project has been underway, and a pedestrian overpass, rooftop observatory, plaza, and Makers Cube, where you can experience the 4th industrial revolution, have been created to provide unique attractions.

KGC - Chungmu-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (KGC 충무로점)

KGC - Chungmu-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (KGC 충무로점)

13.7Km    2024-04-16

235, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Best Western Premier Hotel Kukdo (베스트웨스턴 프리미어 호텔국도)

Best Western Premier Hotel Kukdo (베스트웨스턴 프리미어 호텔국도)

13.7Km    2020-04-04

164, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6466-1234

The Best Western Premier Kukdo (opened on March 1, 2007) was the first Best Western in Korea. Since then, the Best Western chain has expanded to include 15 different facilities (a total of 1,900 guestrooms) located all around the country.

Best Western Premier Kukdo offers subsidiary facilities such as a fusion restaurant, sky lounge, fitness center, and business center. Each of the 295 guestrooms has a bidet and high speed internet. Double rooms have a shower booth, while twin rooms have a bathtub.

From the sky lounge (21F) guests can get a great view of Bukhansan Mountain, Cheongwadae, Dongdaemun shopping center, and Myeongdong, not to mention a bird’s-eye view of Seoul nightscape. The hotel also offers VIP rooms that can accommodate up to 20 people and a number of other conveniences that makes this an ideal choice for those traveling for business. Myeongdong and Dongdaemun are only a 10-20 minutes away on foot.

Olive Young - Seolleung-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 선릉로)

Olive Young - Seolleung-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 선릉로)

13.7Km    2024-04-18

20, Teheran-ro 64-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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GlassApgujeong [Tax Refund Shop] (안경 압구정)

GlassApgujeong [Tax Refund Shop] (안경 압구정)

13.7Km    2024-06-27

8, Apgujeong-ro 18-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Seolleung Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 선릉역)

13.7Km    2024-04-22

513, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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