Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

1.5Km    2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.

Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관(서소문본관))

1.5Km    2024-06-19

61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2124-8800

The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is a space for all to meet and experience the joy of art. Located in the center of Jeong-dong, a district that retains traces of Seoul’s modern and contemporary history, the museum integrates the historical facade of the former Supreme Court with modern architecture. In addition to various programs―encompassing exhibitions, educational outreach initiatives, screenings, workshops, performances, and talks, communal spaces including SeMA Cafe, the artbook store, the open space lobby, and the outdoor sculpture park SeMA WALK provide a rich range of ways for visitors to experience art.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

1.5Km    2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3140-8305

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.

One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

1.5Km    2021-09-01

46-1, Changuimun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5066

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won relocated in 2019 from Insa-dong to Buam-dong. Six exhibition halls offer visitors a look at wooden figures from around the world. Mokin refers to traditional wooden sculptures carved in shapes of human figures or various animals. The museum holds around 12,000 wooden folk sculptures including those used to decorate funeral carriages and temples mostly from the Joseon dynasty up to modern times. The museum also has an outdoor exhibition hall that harmonizes the sculptures with nature.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

1.5Km    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.

Yurimmyeon (유림면)

Yurimmyeon (유림면)

1.5Km    2021-03-29

139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0659

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

1.5Km    2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Hotel The Plaza (플라자호텔)

1.5Km    2019-02-07

119, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-2200

The hotel is ideally situated in the center of Seoul, located close to many office areas, major banks, the hotel, and the city's main public transportation junctions. Namdaemun Gate and many shopping areas are not too far, making it convenient for business guests and tourists alike. Also, the hotel faces the Blue House and the former City Hall building directly at closer distance, completing a spectacular view over Seoul.

Hanyangdoseong Seoul City Wall Stamp Tour (서울 한양도성(스탬프투어))

Hanyangdoseong Seoul City Wall Stamp Tour (서울 한양도성(스탬프투어))

1.5Km    2023-11-23

42 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1864

Hanyangdoseong Seoul City Wall is a 18.7 km-long trail that encircles the old capital city of Hanyang, covering Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan, and Namsan Mountains. The urban trekking course provides the opportunity to see Seoul's history, culture, and nature all at once, including four large gates, four small gates, and 169 cultural heritages. To enjoy the trail even further, take part in the stamp tour. Travelers who complete the full trail, collecting stamps and taking pictures at the designated locations will recieve a completion certificate.

Yujin Sikdang (유진식당)

Yujin Sikdang (유진식당)

1.5Km    2021-03-29

40, Jong-ro 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-2835

It is a restaurant in Jongno where people wait in line to enjoy its dishes. This restaurant's signature menu is Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.