Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

7.5Km    2024-07-09

45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, a designated Historic Site, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Burberry - Lotte Avenuel Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (버버리 롯데 에비뉴엘점)

7.5Km    2024-04-18

73, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Plaza (서울광장)

7.5Km    2024-06-19

110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-5640

Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall is a historic site where the March 1, 1919 (Samil) Independence Movement and the pro-democracy movement in June 1987 were held. It is also a well-known place where tens of thousands of Korean soccer fans gathered together to watch the 2002 World Cup Games. Being located within the center of the city and surrounded by many historic attractions, including Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza has become a representative attraction of Seoul.

Myeongdong Nanta Theatre (명동난타극장)

7.5Km    2021-07-23

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-8288

Nanta, Korea's representative non-verbal performance, opened their fourth exclusive theater in Myeong-dong, the center of shopping. The 386-seat theater is located within the UNESCO Building. It is the largst of the Nanta theaters, and was the first to present foreign actors within the performances. There are 3 shows every day, all year round.

NANTA(난타)

7.5Km    2025-09-12

26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jangchung Gymnasium (장충체육관)

7.5Km    2024-03-12

241, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2128-2800

Jangchung Gymnasium is Korea's first domed gymnasium and opened in 1963. It was renovated in 2015 to become what it is today. It is famous for hosting the Korean Professional Volleyball League during the winter months. The gymnasium also boasts a variety of athletic competitions, cultural performances, and events. Nearby are Jangchungdan Park, Jangchung-dong Jokbal Street, and Dongdaemun Historical and Cultural Park, which are all worth exploring. 

GS25 - Junggu Toegye Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (GS25중구퇴계점)

7.5Km    2024-06-27

180, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Innisfree - Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 명동2가점)

7.5Km    2024-04-22

1F, 2F (Myeongdong 2-ga), 27, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Converse - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (컨버스 명동점)

7.5Km    2024-06-27

16-1, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Korea House (한국의집)

7.5Km    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.