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

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

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

1.2Km    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.

Geumdong Hwaro Sutbulgui (금동화로숯불구이)

Geumdong Hwaro Sutbulgui (금동화로숯불구이)

1.2Km    2021-03-19

35, Toegye-ro, 41-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2264-3002

This Korean cuisine is located near Chungmuro Station, Seoul. The representative menu is spicy stir-fried boneless ribs. A Korean BBQ restaurant.

Geumseonggwan Najugomtang (금성관나주곰탕)

Geumseonggwan Najugomtang (금성관나주곰탕)

1.2Km    2021-03-18

29, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-7898

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. The representative menu is Naju beef bone soup. It serves local dishes produced from Naju-si, Jeolla-do.

Starbucks Byuldabang (스타벅스 별다방)

Starbucks Byuldabang (스타벅스 별다방)

1.2Km    2024-12-27

100 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Byuldabang is a cozy space in the city, where the present and future of Starbucks coexist

Byuldabang is a special name. It combines the Korean words byul, which means stars, and dabang, which means a traditional space where people gather and talk over tea or drink. Byuldabang is the nickname Koreans generally use for Starbucks. Starbucks Byuldabang store opened in appreciation of customers of Starbucks Korea, celebrating its 22nd anniversary. This particular store is a Starbucks Reserve store with new concept food items, and is the first among Starbucks stores worldwide to have digital art wall decorations. The images projected to the art wall are “The Journey of Siren.” It is a surreal journey of Siren, who delivers coffee messages around the ocean, day and night. Customers love the story. 

Wangsol Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (왕솔약국)

Wangsol Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (왕솔약국)

1.2Km    2024-04-22

36, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Larva Town (라바타운)

Larva Town (라바타운)

1.2Km    2022-12-23

1, Gyeonghuigung 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4609-6492

Larva Town is divided into areas of three different themes: TUBAn Yard, TUBAn Goods, and Cafe Wingcle. TUBAn Yard greets visitors with animation character Larva dressed up as a gatekeeper from the Joseon dynasty along with other amusing sculptures that serve as excellent props for taking souvenir photos. The yard is open to public, welcoming any passerby to stop by and relax. As for TUBAn Goods, the shop is filled with character merchandise targeted towards consumers of diverse age range. Featured characters include TUBAn's iconic Larva, Dinocore, and Wingcle. After looking around TUBAn Yard and TUBAn Goods, visitors can stop by Cafe Wingcle where they can enjoy a cup of coffee with dessert surrounded by adorable Wingcle and friends.

Pacific Hotel (퍼시픽 호텔)

Pacific Hotel (퍼시픽 호텔)

1.2Km    2021-06-18

2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Pacific Hotel is situated near Namsan Mountain and N Seoul Tower, one of the most popular attractions in Seoul. The hotel is also conveniently located adjacent to Myeongdong, the heart of shopping in Seoul, and provides guests with easy access to public transportation and shopping districts such as Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and major department stores.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary the hotel underwent renovations, updating its building and facilities in an effort to advance its image as a luxury hotel. With dedicated staff ready to welcome guests with warm hospitality, the hotel offers 139 comfortable guestrooms and a variety of subsidiary facilities such as a banquet hall, a sauna, restaurants, and more.

Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

1.2Km    2023-09-12

5-13 , Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1115

Yeonoo House is a quiet and cozy traditional hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno, Seoul. There are two small rooms, each with its own bathroom. Residents can access a superb panoramic view of Bukchon Hanok Village by mounting a ladder up to the roof. As Yeonoo is an old building, careful attention is paid to hygiene management. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are all nearby.

Obok Dakhanmari - Euljiro Branch(오복닭한마리 을지로)

Obok Dakhanmari - Euljiro Branch(오복닭한마리 을지로)

1.3Km    2021-04-15

32-3, Eulji-ro, 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2285-4578

This is a Korean cuisine located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. It sells boiled chicken in clear broth. The best menu at this restaurant is noodle soup with chicken.

Bukchon Hanok Center for History (북촌한옥역사관)

Bukchon Hanok Center for History (북촌한옥역사관)

1.3Km    2024-11-05

3 Gyedong 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How has Bukchon, a Hanok village, been preserved over the years? The Bukchon Hanok Center for History, housed in a remodeled Hanok, sheds light on the history of Bukchon and highlights Jeong Se-kwon, who strived to preserve Korea’s unique residential style. It features traditional Hanoks, and urban Hanoks that were modified from them. Compare and experience the ambiance of Hanok.