Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

3.2Km 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.

Namdaemun MESA (남대문 메사)

3.2Km 2021-06-30

2, Namdaemunsijang 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2128-7800

MESA's name originates from the Spanish word meaning a flat plateau-like mountain summit at the end of a gentle slope. It was named so as a vision for this family-friendly mall to succeed with no obstacle on its way. MESA is a full-line store situated between Myeong-dong's department store zone and Namdaemun Market. The store opened with the concept of a "global family shopping mall," selling diverse items that suit family households.

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

3.2Km 2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Dakgopsae (닭곱새)

3.2Km 2021-03-19

7, Jong-ro 5gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6226-8220

This Korean cuisine is located near Jonggak Station, Seoul. The representative menu is chicken, beef small intestine and shrimp hot pot. A restaurant where chicken, intestine, and shrimp are fried and served with spicy sauce.

The Hanok (더 한옥)

3.2Km 2021-03-24

75, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-7470

You can enjoy coffee in a hanok (Korean house). This restaurant's signature menu is coffee. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Good Morning Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (굿모닝안경)

3.2Km 2024-04-22

61, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

3.2Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Cheongwonsanbang Studio (청원산방)

3.2Km 2019-10-02

27, Bukchon-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-715-3342

Located in Samcheong-dong and established in 1981, Cheongwonsanbang Studio is an art studio by Sim Yong-sik (Intangible Cultural Property designated by City of Seoul). He works on various traditional windows and doors with his students, promoting them in Korea and other countries. Doors and windows with beautiful patterns are all over the place in this studio: doors that can hang against a wall, windows decorated with cherry blossoms, comb-patterned windows and so many more. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful crafts in various exhibition events.

L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

3.2Km 2022-06-08

67 , Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-317-4000

L’Escape Hotel has multiple branches in Seoul and is a boutique hotel by Josun Hotel and Resort. It was listed on Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotels for three years in a row since 2020. The guest rooms were designed by world famous interior designer Jacques Garcia. Facilties include a fitness center, spa, and small banquet hall. The hotel is located a quick two minute walk from Shinsegae Mall.

Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Hanok Hotel (락고재 서울 북촌 한옥호텔)

3.2Km 2024-12-23

49-23 , Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-3410

Rakgojae Bukchon Hanok Hotel in Jongru-gu, Seoul, is a traditional hanok compound with a 130-year history, renovated by master carpenter Jeong Yeong-jin. The elegant gate and stone walls, the traditional roof tiles, the jangdokdae jar store, the pavilions and ponds - not to mention the beautiful pine trees - express the archetypal beauty of hanok. Sitting on the daecheongmaru (wooden patio) with a breeze in the trees, guests will feel taken back in time. Guestrooms are clean and comfortable, and visitors can relax in a wood-fired red-clay sauna and a jade-covered ondol room,. Traditional culture programs are available.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관) - Area information - Korea travel information