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

746.2M 2024-10-28

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.

Keungiwajip (큰기와집)

746.0M 2021-09-27

62, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9024

It’s a 2018 Michelin Guide restaurant. The best menu at this restaurant is soy sauce marinated crab. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Allsso (올쏘)

751.5M 2021-08-26

30, Jong-ro, 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9222

A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. A Korean BBQ restaurant. The most famous menu is grilled beef.

Insa-dong (인사동)

752.2M 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.

Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양)

758.6M 2024-01-05

56 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Balwoo Gongyang, located in front of the main gate of Jogyesa Temple, is a temple food restaurant operated by the Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism. It was selected as a 1-star restaurant by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 and it is so popular that reservations must be made a month in advance. “Balwoo” refers to meals for monks and it means that the act of eating is also a process to realizing the truth. The restaurant offers five types of course menus inspired by Buddhist teachings that are served in the order of Suljuksim, Juksang, Sangmi (嘗味), Dammi (噉味), Seungso (僧笑), Youmi (愈味), and Ipgasim. The menu is made with seasonal ingredients to bring out the best flavor of each season. The course meal starts with appetizing kimchi stew according to the traditional Korean meal culture. Then it is followed by porridge, seasonal salad, rice and stew, side dishes, tea, and dessert, satisfying both the taste buds and health. Those who wish to experience an authentic temple meal are recommended to try the Beop Course.

Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

758.6M 2022-10-17

56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2031-2000

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

CheongKwanJang - Jongno 4(sa)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종로4가)

758.9M 2024-04-22

Gwangnim Bldg., 195, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gohyang (고향)

759.0M 2021-03-22

15, Jong-ro, 31ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-9191

A place where you can try various Korean dishes. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

Yeontabal Jongro(연타발 종로)

767.5M 2020-11-19

19, Samil-daero, 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-9263

A restaurant where you can enjoy the highest-quality Korean beef. The most famous menu is grilled Korean beef rib eye steak. A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Jongno, Seoul.

Manseon Hof (만선호프)

769.0M 2024-03-15

19, Eulji-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2274-1040

Located in Euljiro Nogari Alley, Manseon Hof is a beer bar. The place is bustling late at night with people drinking beer and eating snacks like nogari (dried young pollack) and fried chicken at sidewalk tables. It is a great place to enjoy a cold draft beer and grilled dried young pollack dipped in spicy sauce and mayonnaise. Golbaengi muchim (sea snail salad) and gyeran mari (rolled omelet) are also other popular accompaniments.

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