Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

4.0Km    96467     2021-06-10

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-1330

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst couples and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 30 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

- A fabulous selection at wholesale prices
The Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District is located in Jongno, with shops flooding the alleyways all along the main street and stretching for a length of one kilometer. The area holds a total of over 1,000 jewelry stores, some 300 design and manufacturing stores, and 20 licensed evaluators.

The Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District originated in Yeji-dong of Jongno 4(sa)-ga, then expanded to include Bongik-dong near the Danseongsa Theater at Jongno 3(sam)-ga.
As the district grew, retail jewelry stores both large and small populated both sides of the main street from Jonggak to Jongno 5(oh)-ga.
Most of the stores in Yeji-dong deal in watches and gemstones, giving the area the name Watch Alley. The back alleys of Bongik-dong and Yeji-dong are mostly filled with wholesalers whose clients consist of brokers and jewelers from around the country. Retail sales are possible at these shops, but some of them might hesitate to deal in small quantities.
The larger stores along Jong-ro literally glitter with dozens of flashy showcases presenting a great selection of jewelry and other precious metals. Prices are already discounted to begin with, but you may be able to bargain even further.

Stores in this district are affiliated with setting factories, so if you have a special design in mind, you can probably get it custom ordered. Thus, if you go in with a brand name jewelry brochure, they will most likely be able to make a similar looking item or even customize it to your preferences.
In addition to its grand variety of diamonds, rubies, domestic amethysts, and almost any precious stone you can imagine, gold is also available in 14k, 18k and 24k yellow or white, as well as in platinum. Watches are often discounted at 50-60% off the retail price, and of course this is the very best place to buy fancy wedding jewelry at amazingly low prices.
We suggest, however, that you take your time and look around, because prices, not to mention their inventory, will vary significantly from shop to shop.
As soon as a new brochure is published by an international brand such as Cartier, TIFFANY or BVLGARI, near-identical designs appear in these stores almost immediately.
Furthermore, this area has recently become the home of accessories for famous Korean entertainers. Companies in the district will consult with coordinators, then design and manufacture items, and lend them to stars for them to wear. When entertainers wear this jewelry on television, the coverage serves to promote these designs. Examples of designs that have attracted a lot of attention previously, include Lee Seung-yeon’s earrings, Jeon Ji-hyeon’s necklace, Moon Hee-jun’s necklace, Lee Yeong-ae’s earrings, and much more.

Nowadays, many foreign tourists, especially Japanese tourists, make the trip to the Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District, as prices here are much cheaper than in their home countries.
The Jewelry District is conveniently located at the center of Seoul’s major palaces and near the downtown areas. Of these, the closest tourist areas include Myeong-dong, downtown Jong-ro, Dongdaemun Market, and Namdaeumun Market.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

4.0Km    112558     2023-02-22

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Sajo Tuna (사조참치)

Sajo Tuna (사조참치)

4.0Km    12007     2020-04-16

107-39, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-364-9838

Sajo Tuna is the perfect restaurant for tuna lovers. It serves fresh tuna served in varied styles to visitors. Chamdarangeo (bluefin tuna) Special Menu consists of the highest-grade tuna cuts along with unique decorations. Also, the standard menu includes gamasal gui (grilled tuna kama), braised tuna head, grilled tuna, and pan-fried tuna. In-house alcoholic drinks such as baengnyeoncho ju (perilla seed and prickly pear liquor) and insam sansuyu ju (ginseng and cornelian cherry liquor) are offered, making this restaurant more outstanding.

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

Jeongdong Culture Night (정동야행)

4.0Km    15558     2024-04-25

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4625

Jeongdong Culture Night is dedicated to promoting the history and culture of Jeongdong, a neighborhood in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival programs allow participants to understand how the history is connected to today's culture and offers an opportunity to view Jeongdong's cultural facilities in a different perspective.

Jeonjujip (전주집)

Jeonjujip (전주집)

4.0Km    103     2021-03-22

16-15, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2278-3311

A store featured several times in Korean gourmet programs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is napa wraps with pork and oysters.

Soseolwon Seoga (소설원 서가)

Soseolwon Seoga (소설원 서가)

4.0Km    0     2024-02-15

37 Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Soseolwon Seoga is a café located near Daehangno. The name means a small garden with falling snow. The building, spanning five floors, offers different atmospheres on each level, making it enjoyable to explore. The signature menu is the sun uyu pudding (whole milk pudding), boasting a smooth texture that allows you to savor the rich flavor of pure milk. Also popular is the heukdang einspanner (black sugar einspanner), featuring cream and marshmallows without being overly rich. Nearby attractions include Marronnier Park and the Dream Art Center.

Artbox - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 종로3가)

4.0Km    0     2024-04-17

126, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Jeonju Sikdang (전주식당)

Jeonju Sikdang (전주식당)

4.0Km    97     2021-03-22

16-17, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-5385

A restaurant famous for grilled fish on briquettes. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled cutlassfish. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Rakeusyun (라크슌)

Rakeusyun (라크슌)

4.0Km    153     2021-03-20

97-6, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-8815

A place where you can enjoy Japanese and fusion dishes cooked by the owner and chef with 20 years’ experience. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is tonkotsu instant noodles.