Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

13.9Km    2025-07-21

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Nike - JH Town Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (나이키 제이에이치타운)

Nike - JH Town Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (나이키 제이에이치타운)

13.9Km    2024-04-16

163, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Red Container - Itaewon Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (레드컨테이너 이태원2호)

Red Container - Itaewon Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (레드컨테이너 이태원2호)

13.9Km    2024-01-22

1F, 2F, 165-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Seosulla-gil Road (서순라길)

Seosulla-gil Road (서순라길)

13.9Km    2024-10-14

150-3 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seosulla-gil Road is a road that was used by the nightguards during the Joseon dynasty. The road is on the west of Jongmyo Shrine with various attractions nearby including Ikseon-dong, Insa-dong, Bukchon, and Samcheong-dong, as well as restaurants, cafes, and handicraft workshops. The road is also a beautiful date course with flowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn..

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

13.9Km    2021-12-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1861

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone stretches from Seorin-dong to Changsin-dong between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jong-ro. It includes Youth Street, Gwangjang Market, Sewoon Electronics Department Store, lighting stores, pharmacy & medical device stores, badge stores, Stamp Street, Stationery · Toy Market, Aquarium Street, Shoes Market, and other markets totalling to approximately 14,000 shops. Nearby attractions include modern high-story buildings as well as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Unhyeongung Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong, merging traditions, modernism, culture, and markets alike.

Thought to be at the heart of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is located in the dense cultural area of Seoul where various press networks, organizations, bookstores and other major corporations are situated. Walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream is a famous activity for tourists. Also, the area is the venue for the Seoul Lantern Festival every winter. Keeping its traditional scene including narrow alleys, old-fashioned hanok buildings and various stores still fully intact, the tourist zone has enough fun places for sightseeing as well as tasty restaurants in every corner for a more enjoyable visit.

Hyundai Yacht Seoul Branch (현대요트 서울지점)

Hyundai Yacht Seoul Branch (현대요트 서울지점)

13.9Km    2024-01-04

350 Dongjak-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Hyundai Yacht Seoul Branch is where visitors can enjoy water sports such as yachting, dinghy yachts (small sail yachts for one to three people without engines and cabins), and kayaking on the Hangang River. It is located in “The River” in Banpo Hangang Park. Luxury yachts, named Black Cat and Blue Jin, are popular with families, while those who enjoy thrilling activities prefer dinghy yachts and kayaks. Visitors can enjoy an incredible sunset on the water as the Hangang River and Seoul's cityscape create an amazing view.

Yongsan Youth Festival (용산청년축제)

Yongsan Youth Festival (용산청년축제)

14.0Km    2025-10-23

221 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9771-2090

The Youngsan Youth Festival, a wellness-themed event, invites both youths and residents to take the initiative for their well-being by achieving a balanced state of mental, physical, and social health. During the festival, visitors can enjoy dance performances, shows by popular singers, magic shows, traditional Korean music ensembles, and a commemorative ceremony featuring congratulatory remarks. 

Ferrara Korea - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아 이태원)

Ferrara Korea - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아 이태원)

14.0Km    2024-04-18

169, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Ferrara Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아)

14.0Km    2024-06-27

1F, 169, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Namdong Street of Lights (남동 빛의 거리)

Namdong Street of Lights (남동 빛의 거리)

14.0Km    2025-06-09

Mansu-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon
82+32-453-2143

Namdong Street of Lights not only offers spectacular scenery highlighting local charms, but also provides a variety of entertainment such as busking performances, local arts, and more to offer a leisurely retreat for the local residents and tourists alike.