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])

5.0Km    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.

Gang Ho Dong BAEKJEONG Myeongdong(강호동백정 명동)

Gang Ho Dong BAEKJEONG Myeongdong(강호동백정 명동)

5.0Km    2020-10-29

1F, 19-3, Myeongdong, 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-6780

A Korean BBQ restaurant. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled skin-on pork belly. This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeongdong Cathedral, Seoul.

THE SIC-DDANG - Myeongdong Branch (더식당 명동)

THE SIC-DDANG - Myeongdong Branch (더식당 명동)

5.0Km    2021-03-20

36, Myeongdong, 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-2234

A store where you can enjoy both Korean and Western dishes as a restaurant frequently featured in Korean gourmet programs. The best menu at this restaurant is lobster. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Hwanggeum Mokjang Myeongdongseongdang (황금목장 명동성당)

5.0Km    2024-03-11

23, Myeongdong, 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-2426

Located in Myeongdong, Hwanggeum Mokjang Myeongdongseongdang is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Myeongdong. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike as it serves high-quality beef and pork barbecued in the Korean style. Other dishes such as samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup), bulgogi, naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), and many other dishes are also a must-try. 

Gomgukshijip - Myeongdong Branch (곰국시집 명동)

Gomgukshijip - Myeongdong Branch (곰국시집 명동)

5.0Km    2021-03-19

19-3, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-756-3449

Near both Myeong-dong Station and Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Gomkuksizib has been cooking the best noodle dishes in town for more than 40 years. Ever since its opened in 1976, the restaurant has continued the tradition of serving delicious guksu jeongol and gomkuksi. Charbroiled premium hanu Korean beef is another famous dish popular among the neigberhood’s office workers. Gomkuksizib also added grilled Wagyu to the menu for a milder taste in order to appeal to the growing number of foreign visitors.

KERVAN RESTAURANT (케르반레스토랑)

5.0Km    2021-04-13

190, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Kervan is a restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine, which is widely enjoyed around the world. The kitchen is run by a skilled native chef, and has ovens manufactured with Turkish technology. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with traditional Turkish tiles, giving restaurant patrons the opportunity to sample authentic cuisine and decorative elements of Turkish culture together. The restaurant has also obtained the official Halal Certificate recognition.

Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

5.0Km    2025-03-15

192 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Kervan is a Turkish restaurant located in Itaewon, offering authentic kebab, pidé, and Turkish desserts. It faithfully recreates the Turkish culture and food through its interior, decorated with traditional tiles, and dishes prepared by a chef from Türkiye. Main menus include Chicken steak, Rich pidé, and Chicken shish kebab.

GS25 - Samseong Hanul Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (GS25삼성한울점)

5.0Km    2024-06-27

37, Samseong-ro 119-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul,

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Hotel Crown Insadong (호텔 크라운-인사동)

5.0Km    2021-02-10

9, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3676-8000

Hotel Crown is a premier hotel that was renovated in May 2002. The hotel is in close proximity to Jongno and Insa-dong, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists.

Pacific Hotel (퍼시픽 호텔)

Pacific Hotel (퍼시픽 호텔)

5.0Km    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.