Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

8.0Km 2024-10-31

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Geumcheon Youth Festival (금천청년축제)

8.0Km 2024-10-04

70 Siheung-daero 73-gil, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2627-2583

The Geumcheon Youth Festival is a fun event for young people living on their own in Geumcheon, along Seoul Subway Line 1.

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion (황학정)

8.0Km 2020-04-02

15-32, Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-5785

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was built in 1898 by decree of King Gojong’s. It was originally set up close to the northern wall of Hoesangjeon in Gyeonghuigung Palace for archery practice. In 1922 when the Japanese colonial government sold buildings of Gyeonghuigung Palace to the public to build Gyeongseong Middle School in the location, the Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was bought and restored at the current location, which is an old site of Deunggwajeong Pavilion located to the North of Sajik Park.

It is relatively large for a pavilion, but the structure is plain and simple. There is a well behind the pavilion to the southwest. A rock behind the well has an engraved poem about eight beautiful scenes of Hwanghakjeong. Located to the right of the pavilion building (northeast of the building) is Hancheongak Pavilion, which has unique roof. To the west of the pavilion is Sauhoegwan Hall that was built with reinforced concrete.

Cacao Boom (Itaewon Branch) (카카오봄(이태원점))

8.0Km 2017-02-15

서울특별시 용산구 회나무로 3

Caocaoboom is a handmade chocolate shop. The Itaewon branch is famous for its traditional Italian gelato created by 1st generation chocolatier.

L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

8.0Km 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.

Gyeongnidan Street (경리단길)

8.0Km 2023-01-18

Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Gyeongnidan Street refers to the 937-meter-long road from the main gate of MND Financial Management Corps to Grand Hyatt Seoul as well as all of the nearby streets and alleys. It is called Gyeongnidan Street because the Korean army's central finance corps, or Gyeongnidan in Korean, used to be located here, and has gained fame for presenting a different vibe than that of Itaewon despite being part of Itaewon-dong. Gyeongnidan Street is an area of culture and youth where people are able to enjoy diverse and special cuisine and dishes at unique restaurants and cafes. Although it resembles a typical neighborhood of Seoul, it features foreigners who have come from many different places around the globe living in natural harmony with Korean locals, which exudes a unique, exotic atmosphere. It is fun to walk along the various streets and alleys to discover novel and sophisticated shops.

Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

8.0Km 2020-10-30

38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-6882

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs'' feet. Jokbal (pig's trotter) is a representative food loved by Koreans.

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

8.0Km 2020-10-30

2F, 38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6882

A barbecue specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. A store famous for flower-shaped pork belly. The most famous menu is grilled pork belly.

Olive Young - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

8.0Km 2024-04-22

1, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

8.0Km 2024-11-28

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) - Area information - Korea travel information