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

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

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

6.7Km    2025-01-17

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.

Park's BBQ (박사네갈비)

Park's BBQ (박사네갈비)

6.7Km    2021-03-19

14-5, Insadong-gil , Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-7305

A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Insa-dong, Seoul. The most famous menu is grilled Korean beef sirloin. A restaurant where you can enjoy the highest-quality Korean beef.

Hotel Crown Insadong (호텔 크라운-인사동)

6.7Km    2021-02-10

9, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3676-8000

Hotel Crown is a premier hotel that was renovated in May 2002. The hotel is in close proximity to Jongno and Insa-dong, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists.

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

6.7Km    2020-04-02

7-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2340

Seungdong Presbyterian Church was designated Tangible Cultural Asset No. 130 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on April 6, 2001. Originally known as “Gondanggol Church,” the church was established by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906) in 1893. In those days, the church was known as a “baekjeong church” since it primarily drew Korea’s social underdogs such baekjeong (the butchers), the untouchable class of Joseon society.

Following a number of relocations and name changes (called “Gondanggol,” “Jungang,” and finally “Seungdong”) the church was moved to its current location in Insadong. After Moore died in 1906, Charles Allen Clark became the pastor of the church and Mongyang Yuh Woon-hyung, a key figure in the political history of Joseon, became active in the church. The church was attended by many other activists as well. In fact, the large student demonstration that took place during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919 was organized by a group of young church members. The church once again made its mark on history with the establishment of the Joseon Theological Seminary in 1939.

Seungdong Church (B1-2F) covers a total of 660 square meters. No record has been found on its architect or builder, but the building is said to have been one of the more magnificent buildings in the area before its beauty was obscured by newer structures.

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

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.

Seongbukdong Dwaejigalbi (성북동 돼지갈비)

Seongbukdong Dwaejigalbi (성북동 돼지갈비)

6.7Km    2019-12-24

115, Seongbuk-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-2420

In business for more than 40 years, Seongbukdong Dwaejigalbijip has become a local legend thanks to its simple but savory menu. Pork served at the restaurant is marinated overnight in a special sauce, which infuses the meat with rich flavors that are released when the meat is grilled and the fat drips off. The restaurant’s main dishes include dwaeji galbi (grilled pork ribs) and dwaeji bulgogi baekban (set meal with bulgogi meat grilled over the fire).

Lotte Hotel Seoul (롯데호텔서울)

Lotte Hotel Seoul (롯데호텔서울)

6.7Km    2021-05-31

30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-1000

Lotte Hotel Seoul is a first class hotel located in the heart of Seoul, offering outstanding services to guests. The hotel is equipped with over 1,015 guestrooms, restaurants and bars, grand conference halls and banquet halls, a fitness club, business center, hotel museum, Lotte Duty Free, and a variety of other facilities to accommodate guests. In 2018, the executive tower was upgraded, adding more luxury to the hotel.

Mugunghwa -  Lotte Hotel Seoul (무궁화 롯데호텔서울)

Mugunghwa - Lotte Hotel Seoul (무궁화 롯데호텔서울)

6.7Km    2021-03-19

30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-317-7061

This Korean cuisine is located near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station, Seoul. The representative menu is Korean table d'hote. A restaurant serving Korean course meal menu recognized by MICHELIN.

La Seine - Lotte Hotel Seoul(라세느 롯데호텔서울)

La Seine - Lotte Hotel Seoul(라세느 롯데호텔서울)

6.7Km    2021-04-15

30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-317-7171

This buffet is located near Euljiro 1(il)ga Station, Seoul. The representative menu is buffet. It is located at a well-known hotel in Korea.

Mojji Cream (모찌크림)

Mojji Cream (모찌크림)

6.7Km    2021-03-26

30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-772-3997

It is a Japanese-style dessert shop. This cafe is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is espresso.