High - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국) - Area information - Korea travel information

High - Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국)

638.6M    2024-04-17

1F, 62-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

645.9M    2024-03-04

54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-2641

Bosingak Belfry is also known as Jonggak. It was the site in which a large bell, used to keep the time in Seoul, was found during the Joseon period (1392-1897). Bosingak Belfry was burned down during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was reconstructed in 1979. The original bell was moved to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a new bell was forged in 1985. At midnight, January 1, the bell at the Bosingak Belfry is rung to welcome the new year. Many people gather around the belfry to make a wish for their new year.

CheongKwanJang - Jonggak Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종각역)

CheongKwanJang - Jonggak Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종각역)

664.0M    2024-04-22

#102, 95, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Changgyeonggung Palace Honghwamun Gate (창경궁 홍화문)

Changgyeonggung Palace Honghwamun Gate (창경궁 홍화문)

666.3M    2021-05-27

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-4868

Honghwamun Gate is the main gate of Changgyeonggung Palace. It has three opening gates in the front and two to the side with a sophisticated locking mechanism.

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

671.5M    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

CheongKwanJang - Euljiro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 을지로)

CheongKwanJang - Euljiro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 을지로)

673.9M    2024-04-18

1F, 103, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

697.2M    2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

703.7M    2025-01-14

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon dynasty). Later on, the gate was destroyed by multiple fires during the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592), therefore current form of the establishment displays designs that are more often seen in the late 19th century's. In addition, a lot of subsidary marks and buildings are removed from the original places and relocated passing the time, however, still remains to represent prestigious ambience.

Injeongmun Gate served as the place for several coronation ceremonies of kings, prince's succession of throne, and many other national affairs celebrated by the royal members who gathered and aligned around this gate.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

718.9M    2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
 SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

727.6M    2025-11-06

Eulji-ro 129, Jung-gu, Seoul

Going out of Exit 3 of Euljiro 3-ga Station on Seoul Metro Line 3 and turning to the alley, you will find many pubs selling Nogari/Dried Young Pollack (Korean people grill and dip it in red pepper paste to eat as a side dish with alcohol) and restaurants specializing in Golbaengi/Sea Snails (It is a kind of conch shell, and Korea people made it a seasoned dish and enjoy it with Somyeon/Thin Noodles or use it as a bar sack). People gather in small groups at every outdoor table and sit in every alley to enjoy beer and snacks on weekday evenings and weekends, so it isn't easy to find a seat.
Originally, this area was lined with various company buildings and shops selling tools. However, in 1980, the pub 'Eulji OB Bear' opened, and as similar pubs opened nearby, it naturally came to be called 'Euljiro Nogari Alley.' As the affordable prices of snacks and beer attracted nearby office workers and college students, it has become increasingly popular, leading to its current status.
Here, along with a cold draft beer, let's try the K-snacks only available in Korea, such as Nogari/Dried Young Pollack and Golbaengi/Sea Snails. In addition, snacks such as chicken and fried dishes are also available, so try various snacks.