Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

3.1Km 13022 2022-08-30

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

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Swiss Grand Hotel (formerly GrandHilton Seoul) (스위스 그랜드 호텔(구 그랜드힐튼 서울))

3.1Km 22200 2020-04-02

353, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3216-5656

Located 7km northwest of Seoul City Hall, Swiss Grand Hotel is situated beside Baekryoensan Mountain, offering fresh mountain air and a beautiful natural view.

The hotel is located 40 minutes away from Incheon International Airport, 15 minutes from Seoul City Hall and 10 minutes from World Cup Stadium.

Hangukgwan (한국관)

3.1Km 158 2021-03-18

40, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-6953

A great restaurant for group dinners. The best menu at this restaurant is Grilled Beef Ribs. This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Choi Sunu House (최순우 옛집)

3.1Km 18417 2021-12-21

9, Seongbuk-ro 15-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3675-3401

The Choi Sunu House is the old residence of Hyegok Choi Sunu (1916-1984), who lived in this house from 1976 until the day he passed away. The house is designated as Korea’s Registered Cultural Property. Choi Sunu was a leading art historian who served as the director of the National Museum of Korea. He devoted his life to rediscovering the beauty of Korean art and made many academic accomplishments in the areas of Korean ceramics, traditional woodcraft, and the history of painting.
The house has been open to the public as the Hyegok Choi Sunu Memorial Hall since 2004. The memorial hall displays Choi Sunu’s relics as a permanent exhibition and holds special exhibitions in the fall as well as cultural programs every spring and fall.

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

3.1Km 865457 2024-06-04

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.

Geumyongmun (금용문)

3.2Km 1577 2021-03-23

7, Saemunan-ro,5 ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2502

This is a Chinese (cuisine) located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is dim sum. A restaurant selling authentic Chinese cuisine.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

3.2Km 1577 2021-03-18

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2500

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

Ilpumdang Premium (일품당프리미엄)

3.2Km 2586 2021-04-20

7, Saemunan-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1899-4949

A shabu-shabu specialty restaurant located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul. A store with rooms. The most famous menu is shabu-shabu.

Moggoji [Korea Quality]모꼬지[한국관광 품질인증]

3.2Km 5830 2023-08-31

13-6, Hyehwa-ro 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9389-2837

Moggoji is a hanok guesthouse in Hyehwa-dong, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Located just 10-minutes' walk from Hansung University Subway Station, it’s convenient for public transportation. There are four guestrooms, all equipped with air conditioning. Nearby are many must-visit Seoul attractions, including fashionable Daehangno, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Insa-dong (인사동)

3.2Km 873652 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.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무) - Area information - Korea travel information