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])

1.5Km    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.

Samcheong Park (삼청공원)

1.6Km    2024-03-18

44, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4150

Samcheong Park is a park that blooms in cherry blossoms in spring and fall colors in fall near Gyeongbokgung Palace. The park is home to a forest library and a café, and visitors can follow the trails to find acupressure trails, exercise equipment, badminton court, tennis court, playground, and a convenience store. The area surrounding the park is home to many galleries and restaurants, so it is a popular destination for walking among the people of Seoul.

Choong Ang High School (중앙고등학교)

Choong Ang High School (중앙고등학교)

1.6Km    2024-10-24

164 Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1321

Choong Ang High School is located in Jong-ro near Samcheongdong-gil. It was built to educate the public at the beginning of the 20th century. The school’s main building was reconstructed in 1937 after the original two-story brick house was destroyed in 1934. The main building situated in front of the main gate is a two-story H-shaped granite stone building in Gothic style, with a four-story tower in the middle.

The school holds historical significance because it was designed by Park Dong Jin, one of Korea's first modern architects and the designer of Korea University’s main building, library, and the Chosun Ilbo Newspaper Company building. The main building of Choong Ang High School is designated as Historic Site No. 281. Many national leaders were educated at the gothic building during the grim period when Korea was trying to escape Japanese colonial rule.

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

1.6Km    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.

Samcheonggak(삼청각)

Samcheonggak(삼청각)

1.6Km    2020-12-24

3 Daesagwan-ro Seongbuk-gu Seoul
+82-2-765-3700

You can enjoy Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote) in a beautiful natural environment. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is Korean table d'hote.

Bukchonmaru hanok guesthouse [Korea Quality] / 북촌마루 한옥 게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

Bukchonmaru hanok guesthouse [Korea Quality] / 북촌마루 한옥 게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

1.6Km    2024-06-26

152 , Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-3253-8751

Bukchon Maru is a two-storey hanok guesthouse in Jongno, Seoul. It’s positioned on a hill between the second and third of the famous ‘eight scenic views of Bukchon’, and offers splendid views of the city. Guests can enjoy a simple Korean breakfast and a morning chat with visitors from various countries. The guesthouse is close to Anguk subway station, making transport super-convenient, and major local attractions include the Royal Palaces, Insa-dong, and the Blue House.

Olive Young - Donam Jungang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 돈암중앙점)

1.6Km    2024-06-26

1F, 118, Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Donam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 돈암점)

1.6Km    2024-06-27

39, Dongsomun-ro 22-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

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Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

1.6Km    2021-02-26

89, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-760-4722

Insa Art Space was established in 2000 to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. In 2005, Art Space started to develop artistic projects and in 2006, the gallery began to provide project consultations, and publishing and marketing, to develop into a stronger self-sufficient gallery. Currently, the gallery provides special exhibitions for artists and independent curators.