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

6.7Km 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.

Aank Hotel & Spa Jongno Unni Branch (아늑호텔 앤 스파 종로운니점)

6.7Km 2025-04-24

89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Aank Hotel & Spa Jongno Unni Branch embodies the warmth and charms of Korea. Guests are welcome to unwind with diverse room options to choose from such as the msuic room, signature spa room, desktop 2-PC room, and standard room. It's location in the heart of Seoul makes it a great place for tourists as well as well.

Mimosa [Tax Refund Shop] (미모사)

6.7Km 2024-06-27

33, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

6.7Km 2025-01-14

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon dynasty). Later on, the gate was destroyed by multiple fires during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), therefore current form of the establishment displays designs that are more often seen in the late 19th century's. In addition, a lot of subsidary marks and buildings are removed from the original places and relocated passing the time, however, still remains to represent prestigious ambience.

Injeongmun Gate served as the place for several coronation ceremonies of kings, prince's succession of throne, and many other national affairs celebrated by the royal members who gathered and aligned around this gate.

Alpha Stationery - Namdaemun Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (알파문구 남대문본점)

6.7Km 2024-04-23

6-2, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Regal Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (리갈안경)

6.7Km 2024-04-19

Store #123, Section Ra-3 of Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, 2, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Insa Chilgi - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (인사칠기 인사)

6.7Km 2024-04-22

5, Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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

6.7Km 2024-03-15

(B1 and B2, Daeil Building), 12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1544-8506

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))

6.7Km 2024-03-15

12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1544-8506

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.

Namsi Glasses [Tax Refund Shop] (남시안경)

6.7Km 2024-06-27

8-3, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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