Cheongwadae Sarangchae (청와대사랑채)

1.1 Km 35730 2023-05-26

45, Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0300

Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a space where visitors can learn about Korean culture and the history of former Korean presidents. Visitors can view the hidden stories of Cheongwadae and feel the charms of touring in Korea.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae Souvenir Shop (청와대 사랑채 기념품점)

1.1 Km 1 2016-10-10

45, Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-0336

Located in one of Korea's most representative cultural attractions, Cheongwadae Sarangchae, this souvenir shop sells various cultural and special products that are articulately designed and handcrafted. Products and souvenirs with Cheongwadae logos are also available for sale.

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

1.1 Km 865455 2024-02-01

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.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

1.1 Km 1752365 2024-05-07

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, who becomes King Taejo and the founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location in the north of Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here, including the 2nd King Jeongjong, 4th King Sejong, 6th King Danjong, 7th King Sejo, 9th King Seongjong, 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.
* Major cultural heritages
1) [Historic Site] Gyeongbokgung Palace
2) [National Treasure] Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
3) [National Treasure] Gyeonghoeru Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace
4) [Treasure] Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
5) [Treasure] Chimney with Ten Symbols of Longevity in Relief at Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
6) [Treasure] Chimneys in Amisan Garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace
7) [Treasure] Geunjeongmun Gate and Corridor of Gyeongbokgung Palace
8) [Treasure] Wind Streamer Pedestal of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

1.1 Km 24910 2024-01-29

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-3506

The Royal Culture festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Lee Ri-Ja Hanbok Museum (이리자 한복전시관)

1.1 Km 29389 2022-08-08

20, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-9477

The Lee Ri-Ja Hanbok Museum displays the traditional clothing worn in Korea from birth to death. All hanbok displayed at the museum are created by the hanbok designer Lee Ri-Ja herself, who has over 40 years of experience.

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

1.1 Km 21523 2020-06-19

1, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-2152

Of the Four Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by King Taejo in 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.

Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the king in 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.

The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bugaksan Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bugaksan Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul.

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

1.1 Km 54435 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.

Kumho Museum of Art (금호미술관)

1.1 Km 14508 2020-06-11

18, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-5114

The Kumho Museum of Art was opened to celebrate the diversity of art. The museum displays new pieces of art from promising new artists and accomplished artists every year. The museum first opened its doors in Gwanhun-dong in 1989, but moved to a larger area in 1996 where it stands today. The Kumho Museum of Art stands on the east side of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum is surrounded by other cultural and folk museums. The B1 floor features artwork of new artists while the 1st and 2nd floors feature project exhibitions and invitation exhibits. About once a year foreign artists are invited to display their art in the museum. There are official invitation exhibitions of seven artists yearly. These are artists who have strongly influenced Korean art. On the 3rd floor of the museum is a small concert hall, also known as Kumho Recital Hall. Although the capacity is only 171 people, all concerts are executed with professional care. On the 1st floor there is a coffee shop and an art shop. The coffee shop and art shop remain open on days the museum is closed.

Onion Anguk Branch (어니언 안국)

1.1 Km 1 2024-02-20

5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Onion is a café situated in a hanok dating back to the 1920s. Renovated with careful preservation of the daecheongmaru and madang, the café offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture. The signature menu item is the vanilla bean latte, and popular desserts include pandoro and salty butter bread. Its proximity to nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Seoul's major palaces.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae (청와대사랑채) - Area information - Korea travel information