Tongin Market (통인시장)

1.4Km 2025-06-19

18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tongin Market dates back to June 1941, as a public market set up for Japanese residents near the Hyoja-dong neighborhood when Korea was still under Japanese rule. After the Korean War, the nation experienced a swift rise in population, which led to a natural increase in consumption and demand. As a result the area’s street vendors and stores used the former Tongin Market area as their marketplace. Now, Tongin Market consists of 75 stores, most of which are restaurants and grocery stores. There are also some shops selling manufactured goods like underwear and shoes.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

1.4Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

1.4Km 2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3140-8305

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.

One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

1.4Km 2025-10-23

1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Culture Station Seoul 284 opened in 2011 by restoring the old Seoul Station. The complex holds various programs including exhibitions, performances, cultural events and workshops. It holds over 100 years of history with Namdaemun Station being the original name of the station in 1900 and changing to Gyeongseong Station, Seoul Station, and now Culture Station Seoul 284. The look of 1925 Gyeongseong Station offers visitors a flashback to the past, providing a fun and special experience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
This is where Mok-ha (played by Park Eun-bin) waited for Ki-ho (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) with flowers in the TV series "Castaway Diva." As the restored historic Seoul Station, it also appeared in "Reply 1994" as the location where Samcheonpo (played by Kim Sung Kyun) first arrived in Seoul.

Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

1.4Km 2024-03-04

54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-2641

Bosingak Belfry is also known as Jonggak. It was the site in which a large bell, used to keep the time in Seoul, was found during the Joseon period (1392-1897). Bosingak Belfry was burned down during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was reconstructed in 1979. The original bell was moved to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a new bell was forged in 1985. At midnight, January 1, the bell at the Bosingak Belfry is rung to welcome the new year. Many people gather around the belfry to make a wish for their new year.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

1.4Km 2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Shinsegae Department Store - Main Store (신세계백화점 (본점))

1.4Km 2025-04-07

63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-1588-1234

Shinsegae Department Store opened its doors as the first modern department store in the country in 1960. It stands where Korea's first department store, the Japanese Misreukkosi Department Store, used to be in the 1930s. After undergoing remodeling in 2007, it reopened as a luxury hall, featuring diverse brands ranging from the top three international luxury brands to new designer brands. In addition, the Trinity Gardens and art halls in the department store serve as a cultural space for a shopping experience that combines art and shopping.

YOU&I Clinic Myeongdong (유앤아이의원 명동점)

1.4Km 2025-11-24

#F301, 3rd Floor, Timewalk Myeong-dong Building, 78 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

YOU&I Clinic is a trusted dermatology and aesthetic clinic with extensive experience and expertise accumulated since 2006.
At YOU&I Clinic, we are committed to using authentic products, providing precise and honest treatments, and offering personalized services tailored to each individual’s needs.
We welcome clients not only from Korea but also from Japan, China, and Thailand, and offer Japanese and Chinese interpretation services. All foreign clients receive treatments at the same prices as Korean clients.
YOU&I Clinic specializes in lifting, petite procedures, and skin boosters, as well as a wide range of aesthetic skin treatments. We also provide thorough aftercare to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for every client.

Myth Jokbal Myeongdong (미쓰족발명동)

1.5Km 2024-10-15

21, Myeongdong 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-8799

This restaurant specializes in Jokbal (Braised pigs' feet) and Bossam (Napa wraps with pork), both of which are served with vegetable wraps and salad. Jokbal (Braised pigs’ feet) is prepared by braising pigs' feet in spiced stock, a process that removes excess fat, enhances the flavor, and gives the meat a chewier texture. Each order of Jokbal (Braised pigs' feet) is accompanied by Kongnamulkimchiguk (Bean sprout and kimchi soup), to which Kalguksumyeon (Noodles) are added. For those who find the dishes too spicy, the restaurant offers a self-serve Jumeokbap (Riceball), featuring laver flakes, pickled radish, and mayonnaise to cool the palate.

Myeongdong Beer Festival (명동맥주페스티벌)

1.5Km 2025-05-20

14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8670-2182

Myeongdong Beer Festival provide a chance to find one's preference through beer. Enjoy the cool fall weather with fun people all around.

Tongin Market (통인시장) - Area information - Korea travel information