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

Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁)

1.2 Km    101123     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. 

Ground Seesaw Seochon (그라운드시소 서촌)

1.2 Km    0     2023-01-17

18-8, Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ground Seesaw is a cultural complex located in Seochon, Jongno presented by Media & Art, an exhibition production company, and designed by SoA, an architecture firm, and Loci Studio, a landscaping studio. Visitors are able to check out a variety of exhibits at Ground Seesaw Seochon.

Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

1.3 Km    18851     2020-04-23

34-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-9969

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.3 Km    154063     2022-12-14

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gwanghwamun Gate is the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also the main gate of the palace, therefore larger and fancier in comparison to the other gates. Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates; the center gate was used by the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. The tall granite walls of the gate serve as a platform for the wooden gate tower that watches over the city. The gate has a sign with its name written at the top center of the gate tower.

Gwanghwamun Gate went through several damages and restorations over the course of history. It was first severely damaged during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was not restored until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1864. Under the Japanese administration, the gate was demolished and relocated to the north of the palace's eastern gate, followed by series of damages during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1968, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated back to the south of the palace and was rebuilt using concrete; however, the gate’s position was shifted a few meters away from its original location. In 2006, a major reconstruction project took place to restore Gwanghwamun Gate to its original state and location, disassembling the structure completely and replacing concrete with granite and wood. After three years and eight months of construction, Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form and was open to the public on August 15, 2010.

Daelim Museum (대림미술관)

1.3 Km    33535     2022-07-29

21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0667

The Daelim Museum, built by the Daelim Group, was first established in Daejeon in 1996 and later moved to Jongno, Seoul in 2002. The art gallery studies, analyzes, and presents modern art through the lens of photography and holds exhibitions centered around photo media.

The museum is located in the residential area of Tongui-dong, near the time-honored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum, which was designed by French architect, Vincent Cornu, and built by the Daelim Corporation, opened its door to the public in late May 2002.

On the first floor, there is a garden, parking lot, reception desk, storage area, and conference room. On the second and third floor are offices and exhibition hall approximately 595 m² in size, consisting of small and large rooms, a long gallery, and a special high-ceilinged exhibition space. On the fourth floor, there is a seminar room that can seat up to 120 guests and a balcony with a beautiful view. From the balcony of the seminar room, Visitors can also enjoy a wide open view of Inwangsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. The stained glass panels (designed to reflect the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloth) and the scenic lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building add to the overall charm.

Above all else, the museum was designed with consideration of the photos, which are very sensitive to humidity, light, and temperature.

High - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국)

1.3 Km    0     2024-04-17

1F, 62-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong (인사동)

1.3 Km    873651     2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

1.3 Km    82108     2023-03-24

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-7500

The National Palace Museum of Korea displays over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty. With various treasures on exhibit, the museum continues to provide information on the dignity of royal culture and the creativity of royal cultural assets.

Gogung Tteurak (고궁뜨락)

1.3 Km    16108     2020-04-17

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0486

Located on the first floor of the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gogung Tteurak consists of a museum shop and a café. It is open from 09:00 to 18:00 during the weekdays and up to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It operates without closing days as of January 1, 2017.

Donggwol Maru - Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (한국문화재재단 동궐마루)

1.3 Km    0     2024-04-18

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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