Olive Young - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 종로점) - Area information - Korea travel information

Olive Young - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 종로점)

4.5Km    2024-06-27

1F, 78, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

4.5Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

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.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

4.5Km    2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
 SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Buam-dong (부암동)

Buam-dong (부암동)

4.5Km    2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관&국립민속박물관 어린이박물관)

4.5Km    2025-06-19

37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcases artifacts related to Korean traditional culture. This interactive museum allows children to experience and learn about various aspects of Korean traditional clothing, food, society, culture, and games firsthand. Especially catering to children from Asian countries, there is a service for renting items, and reservations are required for admission.

Yangyeon Hwaro (양연화로)

Yangyeon Hwaro (양연화로)

4.5Km    2024-03-05

18 Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-0808

Yangyeon Hwaro is located in Jongno and is renowned for offering the essence of Korean-style barbecue. Its signature dish is the aged pork belly, grilled over charcoal, bursting with charcoal aroma and juiciness. Additionally, the menu includes various cuts of pork such as shoulder, thin skirt, and pork neck, as well as beef options like boneless short ribs and beef tartare. The staff personally grill the meat for the customers.

Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center (남산서울타워 한복문화체험관)

Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center (남산서울타워 한복문화체험관)

4.5Km    2021-03-16

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Namsan Seoul Tower Hanbok Culture Experience Center is located in the lobby level (B1) of Seoul's landmark Namsan Seoul Tower. The center is designed around the theme of the Joseon dynasty, and features both large photo zones and hanbok of various styles, ranging from traditional to modern and even wedding.

5F N Gift [Tax Refund Shop] (5F N기프트)

5F N Gift [Tax Refund Shop] (5F N기프트)

4.5Km    2024-04-18

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

4.5Km    2025-10-23

105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3455-9277

Namsan Seoul Tower was the first multipurpose tower to be established in Korea, effectively incorporating a sightseeing observatory into a broadcasting tower. For the past 40 years, Namsan Seoul Tower has served as an iconic landmark of Korea and a representative tourist attraction. The tower's observatory offers an unobstructed view of the whole city, allowing it to become one of the all-time favorite attractions of Seoul citizens as well as domestic and international tourists. Featured in many dramas and reality shows, it is also a fan-favorite destination. Another highlight of the tower is the Namsan Cable Car. The cable car began its operation in 1962, transferring passengers from the foot of the mountain to the base of the tower. Shuttle buses to the Namsan Cable Car from downtown Seoul are also available for visitors' convenience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
In TXT’s content “TALK X TODAY,” the youngest members, Huening Kai and Taehyun, enjoyed a day out in their school uniforms. They rode the cable car to the top, took pictures together, and secured their wish lock. You can purchase locks at the souvenir shop near the cable car station at the top of the mountain, where name pens are also available to write down your wishes.

HANCOOK N Seoul Tower (한쿡 N서울타워)

4.5Km    2024-03-15

(Tower 3F), 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3455-9292

HANCOOK is a Korean restaurant located within the N Seoul Tower, from which one can see the entirety of Seoul. The restaurant presents the traditional flavors and food culture of Korea through its Lunch and Dinner Special Courses, as well as nearly 30 a la carte menu. The latter includes Bulgogi bibimbab bansang (Grilled bulgogi bibimbap) and chamsut hanu gui bansang (charcoal-grilled Korean beef & cold buckwheat noodles).