3.7Km 2021-07-07
109, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-754-7338
Namsan Library opened as Kyeongseong Prefectural Library in 1922 as a public library in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The library was moved to the current site in 1964 with a newly built building and its name changed to Namsan Library in 1965. This concrete building was built in 1964 and was designed by architect Lee Haeseong. It was designated as Seoul Future Heritage in 2013, credited for its preservation value.
It is comprised of 19 rooms and educational areas including the Humanity and Social Science Hall, Nature Science Hall, Language and Literature Hall, Electronic Information Room and more. Since opening, the library has collected nearly 500,000 books, 16,000 non-book materials, 700 continuing resources, and other special materials like old books, oriental books (including Japanese books), and more. Namsan Library also operates a reading treatment program unique to this library that began in 2005. The program includes remodeling of reading consultation room, training for people in charge of reading treatment, workshops, programs for individuals and groups. Also, various exhibitions, lectures, shows, cultural classes and other events are available all year long to enhance lifelong education.
3.7Km 2025-10-23
10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The Korea House was opened in 1981. It is a traditional Korean building that introduces the culture and lifestyle of Koreans, where you can experience traditional architecture and a classical atmosphere. The building was built in the style of the Joseon Dynasty's Jagyeong-jeon building at the Gyeongbok Palace. It is the only building built in the traditional architectural style. You will feel its antiquity as you enter the building.
It is divided into the Haerin-gwan (a space for people to get acquainted with each other), the Traditional Theater, and three annex buildings (Munhyang-ru, Nokeum-jeong and Cheongwu-jeong). At Haerin-gwan, you can enjoy traditional music at Garak-dang and try traditional food at Sohwa-dang. In the square of Garak-dang you can view a traditional wedding (on the weekends) or people playing folk games. Also, at the Traditional Theater, about 156 seats are available, and in the afternoons Human Cultural Assets or members of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts and the National Corps members present traditional music and dances. Sinayui, Salpuri, Pansori, the Drum Dance and the Bongsan Mask Dance are the most popular programs for foreigners. The programs are all explained in English and Japanese.
In the Cultural Gift Shop you can view various crafts made by traditional craftsmen. It is always open and the crafts are for sale as well. There are pottery, ceramics, golden crafts, knots and embroidery etc; approximately 500 pieces of artwork made by craftsmen from 20 different fields. Next to the House of Korea is the Namsan-gol Hanok Village where visitors can explore traditional houses.
3.8Km 2025-07-14
28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, a traditional garden, a performance art stage, and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394.
The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in a different neighborhood, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty and as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.
Some of the unique programs and activities to participate in include wearing hanbok, folding hanji (traditional Korean paper), writing in Korean, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school, and herbal medicine experience. There are also taekwondo demonstrations and other various performances held around the village. Visitors can also try traditional games such as yunnori (traditional board game), or understand more about the area through a guided tour.
3.8Km 2022-10-25
Area of Yeonse-ro, Sedaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120
This road takes you from Sinchon Subway Station right to Yonsei University. Like branching tree roots, the numerous side streets diverge off the main road. In 1999 Yonsei College Street was designated as “The Road One Wants to Walk.” Since then, this famous street has been improved upon even more, placed on tourist maps and promoted by businesses. A visitor to this area can eat at a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops and stores. In the afternoon hours, you can also enjoy the taste of small food stands that line the sidewalks.
3.8Km 2021-08-02
28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2261-0500
Seoul Namsan Gukakdang was established by Seoul Metropolitan Government as a representative traditional art-centered performance hall in 2007. It is comprised of one ground and two basement levels. The performance hall is located on the basement floor with 300 seats, equipped with facilities that deliver pansori sounds and gayageum music to every seat. Visitors can make a reservation at the Namsangol Hanok Village website.