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

9.4Km 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.

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (영풍문고 종로점)

9.4Km 2024-04-18

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong Antique Art Street (인사동 고미술거리)

9.4Km 2025-03-16

29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2235

As of today, there are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts. Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty. Each shop is a specialty store, authorized to sell product types that are of their expertise, ranging from antique furniture and traditional artworks to handcrafted items.

Isae - Insa Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (이새 인사2호)

9.4Km 2024-04-18

30-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

9.4Km 2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Plaza (서울광장)

9.4Km 2024-06-19

110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-5640

Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall is a historic site where the March 1, 1919 (Samil) Independence Movement and the pro-democracy movement in June 1987 were held. It is also a well-known place where tens of thousands of Korean soccer fans gathered together to watch the 2002 World Cup Games. Being located within the center of the city and surrounded by many historic attractions, including Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza has become a representative attraction of Seoul.

Korea Grand Sale (코리아그랜드세일)

9.4Km 2024-12-16

29 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7787-4242

Korea Grand Sale is an integrated festival that promotes culture, tourism and shopping to international visitors. While the Korea Grand Sale online platform provides various content and promotions throughout the year, it offers the biggest discounts and programs through offline events in January and February.

Seoul Gongyesa [Tax Refund Shop] (서울공예사)

9.4Km 2024-04-16

1F, 27-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Yonggeumok (용금옥)

9.4Km 2024-03-13

24-2, Dadong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-1689

Established in 1932, Yonggeumok specializes in Seoul-style chutang (loach soup), renowned for using whole loach in its preparation. This method distinguishes it from the more commonly known Namwon-style chutang, which involves grinding the loach. At Yonggeumok, guests can savor the tender and savory texture of the loach flesh in their chutang, offering a unique and authentic dining experience.

Ipamnamu - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이팝나무 인사)

9.4Km 2024-04-18

4, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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