Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁)

2.2Km 101126 2024-03-04

464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-9090

Located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace was a residence of royalty in Joseon period. It was the place where Gojong (1582-1919, reign 1864-1907), king of Joseon (1392-1897) and emperor of the Korean Empire (1897-1910), was born in, as well as the place where Heungseon Daewongun (1821-1898), his father, had resided in. Buildings include Noandang Hall, Norakdang Hall, and Irodang Hall. The Royal Residence offers programs like traditional weddings and traditional culture experiences, while the exhibition hall showcases Joseon-era artifacts.

Tteul Gwa Dawon (뜰과다원)

2.2Km 3475 2019-11-12

6-4, Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-5310

Tteul Gwa Dawon (literally "yard and tea garden") is an up-scale hanok-style tea and coffee house where you can enjoy a tranquil garden in the center of Seoul.

The tea and coffee shop offers traditional Korean tea made of 100% natural ingredients, as well as organic coffee. It is equipped with large private rooms which can accomodate a large number of guests, making it the best place to hold seminars or other types of social gatherings.

Tea, rice cakes, and other traditional snacks served here can be a good alternative for when you're in between meals.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

2.2Km 112558 2023-02-22

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Choedaegamne (최대감네)

2.2Km 4298 2024-03-18

12-3 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9355

Choedaegamne is a traditional Korean restaurant located in a hanok in Insa-dong, with a garden and a pond, and has been in operation for over 100 years. One of their popular dishes is the sangchu shabu jeongsik (shabu with rice in a cabbage set menu), where vegetables and meat are cooked in a broth and then enjoyed with noodles, served with a small rice ball on lettuce. They also offer a so galbijjim jeongsik (steamed beef ribs set menu) and bulgogi jeongsik (bulgogi set menu), served with lotus leaf rice and soybean paste jjigae. After the meal, guests can enjoy tea in the garden.

Yonggeumok (용금옥)

2.2Km 18483 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.

Insa-Dong National Souvenir Center (한국관광명품점(인사동))

2.2Km 32092 2020-11-07

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-6529

Operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and Korea Tourism Association, the National Souvenir Center has strict standards for the brands sold, only allowing those which have won various prizes and passed thorough screening. Shoppers can be assured of high quality and high class products.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

2.2Km 0 2024-04-23

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

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Korea Grand Sale (코리아그랜드세일)

2.2Km 1322 2024-01-12

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.

Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum (배재학당 역사 박물관)

2.2Km 20434 2022-10-14

19, Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-5578

The Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum is dedicated to Henry Gerhart Appenzeller, the missionary who opened the first Western-style educational institution in Korea in 1885. The school started with English and core subjects, but expanded into the Pai Chai University, Pai Chai High School, and Pai Chai Middle School and has many famous alumni, including Rhee Syng-man. The memorial hall opened in 2008 in the east wing of the original school building, which was built in 1916 and designated as a Seoul Monument. With dynamically arranged permanent exhibitions, annual special exhibitions and special lectures, the museum offers a unique learning experience to visitors and people with an interest in the history of education in Korea.

HiKR Ground (하이커 그라운드)

2.2Km 1 2024-03-15

40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located inside the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center, HiKR Ground is a Korean tourism publicity center where visitors can experience K-pop and view media art at the same time. The name 'HiKR Ground' embodies the meaning that Korea (KR) will greet ("Hi") global tourists and become a playground. Notably, it provides Korean tourism content in multiple ways for the younger generation to enjoy. On the first floor, there is a space to enjoy various media arts through the large media screen HiKR Wall, where visitors can see "Landscape of the New City" by media artist Lee Lee-nam, and Korean tourism videos submitted by global hallyu fans. On the second floor, visitors can make their own K-pop music videos using the XR Live Studio. At the window facing the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, there is a mesmerizing artwork called ''North Wall'' by installation artist Suh Do-ho. On the third and fourth floors, visitors can get immersed in Korean local tourism through various arts, experiences, and exhibitions.

Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁) - Area information - Korea travel information