Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

1.0Km 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.

Insa-dong Maneul Bossam (인사동마늘보쌈)

1.0Km 2024-03-18

12-5 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7885

Insa-dong Maneul Bossam is a Korean restaurant nestled in the alleys of Insa-dong. Specializing in dishes like maneul bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork and garlic), kimchi jjim (braised kimchi), nakji bokkeum (stir-fried octopus), buchujeon (chive pancake), kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), yeolmu naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with young summer radish kimchi), and bam makgeolli (unrefined chestnut rice wine). Their signature dish, the bossam jeongsik (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork set menu), features pork belly boiled in a secret broth, served with a sweet garlic sauce for dipping, along with seaweed soup, fresh vegetables for wrapping, dried radish salad, and side dishes. They also offer set menus for two people, and neomu hansang set menu.

Choedaegamne (최대감네)

1.0Km 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.

Cheongsongok (청송옥)

1.0Km 2024-02-20

14 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Cheongsongok is a jangteo gukbap (rice soup) restaurant that opened in 1984. The signature menu is jangteo gukbap, a rice soup with green onions and radishes in beef bone broth. The kimchi served with the gukbap is homemade, known for its spicy flavor and crisp texture. Nearby is Deoksugung Palace, and the Seokjojeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace presents a picturesque landscape harmonized with the garden, making it a popular spot for photography.

Korea House (한국의집)

1.0Km 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.

Korea House (한국의집)

1.0Km 2024-03-05

10 Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-9101

Located in the center of Seoul, Korea House is a must-visit tourism spot as a high-end cultural complex offering Hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote), traditional refreshments, traditional performance arts, and traditional weddings, allowing visitors to feel the beauty of Korean culture and the taste of Korea. Guests can also enjoy the elegant beauty of hanok.

Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

1.0Km 2024-03-15

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This bar is named after the legendary American writer Charles H. Baker. It is inspired by speakeasy bars, which were bars hidden from sight during the Prohibition period, so its door blends into the surrounding walls. So, when one steps into the space, it is like stepping into a secret hangout. A cover charge of 10,000 won gives patrons a welcome drink, finger foods, and snacks. The menu is inspired by cocktails that Charles H. Baker had across the world, such as New York City, Mexico, Shanghai, Cuba, and Tahiti. It won 7th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and 42nd place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The ambience is relaxed, and attentive services ensure that you can have a comfortable time here.

The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

1.0Km 2022-09-13

jiha 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

HIDE AND SEEK - Ssamzigil Branch (하이드앤시크 쌈지길점)

1.0Km 2025-11-06

44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
This is where TXT members enjoyed escape games on their own series, “TO DO X TXT.” Chosen as the tagger by random draw, Huening Kai showed impressive game skills, using his instincts to “eliminate” the other members.

Geoan (거안)

1.0Km 2025-10-23

44 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Geoan, a store in Insa-dong, specializes in wooden furniture and accessories. Visitors can purchase products on display in the store or customize their pieces according to their preferences. In addition to furniture production, the shop also exhibits and sells various artworks such as celadon, lacquer mother-of-pearl, and sculptures by artists, making it a classy art space that harmonizes tradition and modernity.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울)) - Area information - Korea travel information