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

1.0Km 2025-01-17

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.

Kum Bak Yeon [Tax Refund Shop] (금박연)

1.0Km 2024-06-27

24-12, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Hadongkwan (Main Store) (하동관(본점))

1.0Km 2024-03-04

12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-776-5656

Hadongkwan has maintained its reputation as a famous gomtang (beef bone soup) restaurant in Myeongdong since 1939, renowned for its consistent flavor. It has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide. One of its distinctive features is the generous serving of various cuts of beef, including brisket, intestines, and tripe, in a single bowl of beef soup. During lunch hours, it's common to wait in line due to its popularity. Once the daily supply runs out, the restaurant closes for the day, and payment is made in advance.

Geumyongmun (금용문)

1.0Km 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)

1.0Km 2024-10-15

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)

1.0Km 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.

Hotel President (프레지던트 호텔)

1.0Km 2021-06-17

16, Eulji-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-3131

Hotel President is located in the center of downtown Seoul, in front of Seoul Plaza. Nearby attractions include royal palaces, the financial area, a business area, and shopping street, perfect for convenience and completing successful business. Hotel services include a business center and tour desk for the perfect mix of business and pleasure. The hotel offers a 24-hour reception desk, as well as dry cleaning and room service. The 303 guestrooms come in a range of sizes from single to suites, with a choice of view between Seoul City Hall or Namsan Mountain.

Omokjip Sejong Center for the Performing Arts(오목집 세종문화회관)

1.0Km 2020-11-20

5-7 Saemunan-ro 5-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-722-6882

It is a good store for office worker's group dinners. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs' feet. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Myeong-dong Sotttukkeong (명동솥뚜껑)

1.0Km 2021-03-20

14-4, Myeongdong, 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-773-5076

A place where you can try both soups and grilled pork with kimchi, one of the representative dishes of Koreans. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Wondang Gamjatang Myeongdong (원당감자탕 명동)

1.0Km 2024-03-11

1F, 35, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-7612

Located in Myeongdong, a central and tourist area of Seoul, Wondang Gamjatang offers gamja tang (pork backbone stew) as their signature dish. Patrons have the option to other delectable menu such as bulgogi, jokbal bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with braised pigs' feet). It's popular with both Koreans and foreigners. As it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, one can visit anytime.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information