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

12.1Km 2025-07-21

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.

Jamwon Hangang Park (잠원한강공원)

12.1Km 2024-10-23

221-124 Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0531

Jamwon Hangang Park is a public recreation area on the Hangang River. Nearby attractions include athletic facilities (running tracks, soccer fields, basketball courts, etc.), various water sports facilities, and an 8.2-kilometer inline skating path. A bicycle path along the Hanfgang River, an outdoor swimming pool in summer, and a snow sledding center in winter are the most frequently used ones by may citizens. Jamwon was once a mulberry field, so there is also a thematic nature learning center that depicts the life of the silkworm.

Lotte Mart - Seocho Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데마트 서초점)

12.1Km 2024-04-22

12, Seocho-daero 38-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

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Jamwon Hangang Park Outdoor Swimming Pool (한강시민공원 잠원수영장(실외))

12.1Km 2022-09-06

221-124, Jamwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-536-8261

Six of the city's Hangang Parks have outdoor swimming pools, including Jamwon Hangang Park. Supported by meticulous water quality management, they are not only safe, but also an inexpensive alternative to private facilities. Excellent amenities include swimming equipment rentals, food, and beverages.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

12.1Km 2024-07-08

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more. The most popular section of the market is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. The food street caters to a wide range of patrons due to the plethora of menus available. It is also one of the most recommended tourist attraction for international travelers.

Bangsan Wholesale Market (방산 종합시장)

12.1Km 2025-10-23

20, Dongho-ro 37-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2268-6691

Bangsan Market is a wholesale market with approximately 250 stores that sells packaging and promotional materials. The market was popular with patissiers in the past and is currently more famous for being a bakery street.

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

12.2Km 2024-04-22

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

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Olive Young - CJ CheilJedang Center Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 제일제당센터)

12.2Km 2024-04-22

330, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회)

12.2Km 2024-03-04

200-12 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Buchon Yukhoe is a renowned restaurant located in Gwangjang Market's Beef Tartare Street, selected by the Michelin Guide in 2023. It specializes in yukhoe (beef tartare), a Korean-style raw beef dish marinated with sesame oil and pear. The restaurant uses fresh Korean beef supplied daily, ensuring a delightful and nutty flavor. The simple seasoning enhances the natural taste of the ingredients, and the yolk-topped yukhoe adds visual appeal to the dish.

Agurang Kkotgerang (아구랑꽃게랑)

12.2Km 2024-03-08

35-7, Dongho-ro 24-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2263-5554

This is a seafood restaurant specializing in Ganjanggejang (Soy sauce marinated crab). The crab is plump and seasoned to perfection, making it an excellent accompaniment to steamed rice. The restaurant’s Gulgukbap (Oyster and rice soup), a winter favorite, is enhanced with seaweed fulvescens, which is rich in vitamins and iron, making it beneficial for those suffering from anemia. Side dishes include Cheongpomukmuchim (Mung bean jelly salad), Kimchi, and Kongnamulmuchim (Bean sprout salad). Another popular item on the menu is the spicy Agutang (Monkfish soup), filled with springy monkfish.

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