Tapgol Park (탑골공원) - Area information - Korea travel information

Tapgol Park (탑골공원)

Tapgol Park (탑골공원)

5.4Km    2024-03-04

99, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tapgol Park is the first modern park in Seoul. Having been the site of the Buddhist temple of Wongaksa Temple since 1467, the land was turned into a park in 1897. The park has a significant presence in Korean history, being the place where the March 1 Independence Movement began in 1919. One can find historical sites that hearken back to the struggle, such as the Palgakjeong Pavilion, the center of the movement; cultural heritage sites such as the Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site and the Stele for the Construction of Daewongaksa Temple at Wongaksa Temple Site; and monuments such as the independence movement relief plate, murals, the statue of Son Byeong-hee, and the statue of Han Yong-un.

Alive Museum (Insa-dong Branch) [박물관은 살아있다(인사동점)]

Alive Museum (Insa-dong Branch) [박물관은 살아있다(인사동점)]

5.4Km    2024-03-15

(B1 and B2, Daeil Building), 12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Alive Museum is a media theme park located in Insa-dong. The exhibition here is made up of optical illusion art, large objet, and digital media pieces, which allow you to delve into the land of mystery. It is made up of different sections like the Insadong Photo Studio, Game Village, and the Toy Village.

Dynamic Maze (Insa-dong) (다이나믹 메이즈 (서울 인사동점))

Dynamic Maze (Insa-dong) (다이나믹 메이즈 (서울 인사동점))

5.4Km    2024-03-15

12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dynamic Maze is an indoor space in Insa-dong dedicated to an exciting adventure: A maze filled with obstacles, requiring participants to work together and overcome the barriers through quickness and focus. Go through the hall of mirrors, climb the wall, and cross the suspension bridge to finally escape from the maze.

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

5.4Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

5.4Km    2023-12-26

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Metropolitan City

Insadong Cultural Street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all around the world, thanks to its numerous art galleries, restaurants serving Korean table d’hote, traditional teahouses, and street vendors lining the streets. Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special. Unlike the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, Insadong Cultural Street has larger streets with wider stores, so it is much easier to traverse. On evenings and weekends, one can find buskers performing on the side of the road.

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

5.4Km    2025-11-11

Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Songhyeon Green Plaza, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno, is a space for culture and rest. The site was formerly used as housing for Shiksan Bank during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation, it served as a residence for the US Embassy and military personnel. Later in 1997, it was returned to the Korean government but remained unused for years. In 2022, the ownership was transferred to the Korean House and Land Corporation and then to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which redeveloped it into a green plaza and opened it to the public. Upon entering the plaza, visitors are greeted by a spacious lawn adorned with flowers during the blooming season. The plaza is connected to the nearby tourist attractions through shortcuts cutting through it, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.  

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

5.4Km    2025-06-19

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Museum Kimchikan is a museum dedicated to kimchi in Insa-dong’s Maru Art Center. The exhibition details the culture, history, trajectory, and efficacy of kimchi and teaches the visitors how to make kimchi through videos. Visitors can also sample different types of kimchi. The museum offers both individual and group experience programs.

Jogui Hansu (족의한수)

Jogui Hansu (족의한수)

5.4Km    2024-10-15

93-1, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located in Jongno, Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs' feet. A restaurant serving both charcoal-grilled jokbal (pig's trotter) and spicy jokbal.

Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Korea Cancer Center Hospital (한국원자력의학원 원자력병원)

5.4Km    2025-11-28

75 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul

KCCH (Korea Cancer Center Hospital) is a leading institution specializing in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research using radiation. It has established an efficient collaborative care system and an integrated multidisciplinary approach to treatment. In addition to cancer care, the hospital operates a hospice palliative care center, offering holistic care to patients. As a government-funded organization, it actively conducts molecular cancer research and studies on the effects of radiation on the human body. With the introduction of PET/MRI diagnostics, KCCH develops more precise treatment plans and leads international clinical research, continuously improving cancer treatment outcomes through advanced research.

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

5.4Km    2022-10-26

24-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.