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])

5.5Km    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.

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

5.5Km    2024-04-22

189, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Achasan Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 아차산역)

Olive Young - Achasan Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 아차산역)

5.6Km    2024-04-18

1F, #104, #110, and #111, 671, Cheonho-daero, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

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Korean Children’s Center Snow Sledding Field (어린이회관 눈썰매장)

Korean Children’s Center Snow Sledding Field (어린이회관 눈썰매장)

5.6Km    2021-02-10

441, Gwangnaru-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-1800-5309

The Korean Children's Center has a many subsidiary facilities as well as its excellent snow sledding field. The center has something for the entire family, offering various performances and recreation activities.

Youngchive Seongsu (영카이브 성수점)

Youngchive Seongsu (영카이브 성수점)

5.6Km    2024-11-18

1F, 32 Seongsui-ro 18-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm

Youngchive Seongsu is the self-photo studio where Red Velvet’s Seulgi took photos with the staff while filming her vlog. It is known for its warm color tones, which set it apart from other self-photo studios. The Seongsu branch offers unique booths, such as the “still room” and “denim room,” which aren’t available at other locations, making it a must-visit spot.

GAMMEEOK (감미옥)

GAMMEEOK (감미옥)

5.6Km    2021-03-18

166-1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2269-6933

A restaurant specializing in seolleongtang (ox bone soup) for over 30 years now. The best menu at this restaurant is ox bone soup. This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Café Grandpa Factory (카페 할아버지공장)

5.6Km    2024-11-07

9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Vincenzo"
It is a coffee shop in the former factory building. It doesn't look that big from the outside, but when you step inside, the high ceilings and wide space give you an unexpected charm. With a total of three floors, each floor is decorated in a different atmosphere with plants and paintings, so you can get various SNS proof shots. The place where Vincenzo (Song Joongki) and Hong Chayoung (Jeon Yeobeen) drank Espresso and Iced Americano was the outdoor terrace on the first floor, and the terrace on the third floor can be seen at a glance.

Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

5.6Km    2024-04-23

#103, 117, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Wonder Place - Suyu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (원더플레이스 수유)

5.6Km    2024-04-22

308, Dobong-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

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Waryong Park (와룡공원)

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

5.6Km    2020-07-08

192, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2845

Situated in Myeongryun-dong in Seoul and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.

In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, plum blossoms, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.

A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bugaksan Mountain.