4.1Km 2024-04-22
79, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
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4.1Km 2024-03-18
75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Jjimjjilbang, a Korean-style sauna that combines a traditional bathhouse with a hot steam room, is often ranked high among the unique experiences in Korea chosen by foreigners. Taking a steam bath in a charcoal kiln discharges waste products from the skin through sweat and eliminates accumulated fatigue. Supsok Hanbang Land has several charcoal kilns for different temperatures. Using them in order from low to high-temperature rooms is good, but the highest-temperature room, “Kkottang,” has a risk of causing skinburn, so visitors are advised to wear socks and cotton gloves to enter the room. Another unique experience is to grill sweet potatoes or rice cakes on the brazier in front of the charcoal kiln.
4.1Km 2024-03-04
Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0297
Bugaksan Mountain is the mountain that one can see behind the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Cheong Wa Dae to the north. Hanyangdoseong, the city wall that surrounded the historic capital of Hanyang, was built by connecting the ridges of this mountain. These walls can still be found today, having been preserved quite well. Different trails weave through the area along the Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, and one can visit these trails at night as well. Bugak Skyway is a road that connects Changuimun Gate to Jeongneung Royal Tomb, and one can get a great view of Seoul’s city center from the Palgakjeong Pavilion on Bugak Skyway.
4.1Km 2020-04-02
118, Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822
Changuimun Gate was often called Jahamun Gate. It was one of four mini-gates in the north surrounding the walled city of Hanyang (Seoul) during the Joseon dynasty. After the closure of Sukjeongmun Gate, one of the four main gates, Changuimun Gate became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m² in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, another of the four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede.
4.1Km 2022-12-15
251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3140-8305
Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.
One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.
4.1Km 2023-08-16
40 , Jahamun-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Cheongun Literature Library is located at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain and can be reached by following the mountain's walking trail starting from Changuimun Gate along the fortress wall. This public hanok library is designed in consideration of the sloped topography and the natural scenery of Inwangsan Mountain. The library consists of two floors: an underground floor and a ground floor. While the ground floor is designed as a traditional hanok, the underground floor is made of concrete to support the hanok building and the spacious outdoor yard. By implementing the natural slope in the library's design, the underground southern entrance is exposed, allowing sunlight to enter. The underground floor features a wide collection of books while the ground floor serves as a place for reading. The natural environment surrounding the library adds to the hanok building's traditional and peaceful charms.
4.1Km 2024-07-26
84-3 Seongmisan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-325-8150
Seoul Fringe Festival has been held every summer annually since 1998. The festival is open to artists of all genres, from dance to music and media art. Due to the open style and non-competitive element of the festival, artists and festival-goers alike are free to express themselves however they choose.
4.2Km 2024-03-06
172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.
4.2Km 2020-04-02
16-1, Tongil-ro 18ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-4434
Inwangsa Temple refers to the entire cluster of small Buddhist temples located on Inwangsan Mountain (alt. 338m) in the heart of Seoul. The eastern foot of the mountain has many scenic spots with its distinctively cozy and tasteful atmosphere, and the northern area called Mugye-dong also offers beautiful scenery. Inwangsa Temple was established in the early Joseon period (1392-1910) to guard the national palace Gyeongbokbung. The temple is comprised of 11 shrines from five different Buddhist orders. The unique design of each shrine adds pleasure to hikers on their way up to Seonbawi, an unusual rock formation that is a site of many folk beliefs and shamanist rites.