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

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.

Kumho Art Hall (금호아트홀)

Kumho Art Hall (금호아트홀)

1.4Km    2021-05-28

76, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6303-1977

Kumho Art Hall was built in 2000 exclusively for classical music concerts, with 390 seats, the perfect structure for chamber concerts. All seats are recital hall chairs and the wide spacing between rows of chairs helps the audience to have a pleasant time. Upon entering the theater, all cell phones will turn off automatically. This helps all visitors to enjoy the concert without being interrupted by ringing cell phones. The interior is cozy and luxurious, and the stage is made of maple.

Choedaegamne (최대감네)

1.4Km    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.

Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

1.4Km    2025-11-13

Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3788-8168

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held every year and is one of the most anticipated festivals in Seoul. With various themed lanterns around Cheonggyecheon Stream, visitors can enjoy both traditional lanterns and modern LED lanterns. The festival provides much to see and do with the addition of Gwanghwamun Square Market.

Teterot Salon (때때롯살롱)

Teterot Salon (때때롯살롱)

1.4Km    2025-10-23

21-12 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Teterot Salon is a representative hanbok brand in Seoul operated by Chima Jeogori Seoul. They boast high levels of completion by closely monitoring the process from design conception, production, and sale of products. In particular, they have their own factory that allows for high quality products and more frequent updates on new products. 

Ikseon-dong Hanok Street (익선동 한옥거리)

Ikseon-dong Hanok Street (익선동 한옥거리)

1.4Km    2025-10-27

Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ikseon-dong is a place where the harmony of alleys and hanok houses exudes beautiful charm and is a must-visit spot for tourists of all ages and genders. It is also an area that connects the younger and older generations.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

1.4Km    2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

1.4Km    2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

1.4Km    2023-06-14

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

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon (오장동 함흥냉면)

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon (오장동 함흥냉면)

1.4Km    2024-02-22

108 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon originated when grandma Han Hyesun, who migrated from Hamgyeongnam-do to Seoul during the Korean War, began selling Hamheung-style "nongma guksu (starch noodles)," eventually naming it Hamheung naengmyeon (Hamheung cold buckwheat noodles). Its signature dish, bibim naengmyeon (spicy buckwheat noodles), features chewy noodles infused with a tangy-sweet seasoning, showcasing the expertise behind its preparation. Alongside the flavorful broth served as a base, the menu also includes variations like hoe naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with raw fish), mul laengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), suyuk (boiled pork slices) and mandu.