Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

7.1Km    2025-10-23

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, the future King Taejo and founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because of its location to the north, comparied to Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

7.1Km    2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

Himart - Gaebong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 개봉점)

Himart - Gaebong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 개봉점)

7.1Km    2024-04-19

334, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul

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Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

7.1Km    2024-03-06

172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.

CheongKwanJang - Doksan Sageori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 독산사거리)

7.1Km    2024-04-18

1F, 409, Siheung-daero, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul

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Yangbandeck (양반댁)

7.1Km    2024-03-18

19-18 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-5507, +82-2-730-1112

Yangbandeck is a traditional Korean house in Insa-dong, serving ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and bori gulbi (barley-aged dried yellow croaker). Theganjang gejang is made from crabs filled with roe, matured in soy sauce. The taste of barley-aged dried yellow croaker, made from dried yellow croaker matured in sea breeze and served on top of rice, is exceptional. Each meal comes with a hot pot rice, and side dishes such as soybean paste jjigae, pancakes, kimchi, and japchae are served as standard.

Gallery Hyundai (갤러리 현대)

Gallery Hyundai (갤러리 현대)

7.1Km    2021-03-18

14, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2287-3500

Gallery Hyundai has been improving daily for over 40 years since April 1970, working closely with various Korean artists in modern art. Gallery Hyundai introduces varied artists including prominent artists, as well as up-and-coming artists, regardless of genre through sophisticated exhibitions, showing domestic and overseas art all in one place.

Dugahun (두가헌)

7.1Km    2024-03-20

23 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-2100

Dugahun is a wine restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning "a very beautiful house." Located in a traditional hanok from the 1910s, it offers a taste of Western culture with wine. Only lunch and dinner courses are available, and customers can select wines from the underground wine cellar or bring their own. Across the street, Gallery Dugahun, housed in a historic Russian-style brick building built in the late period of Joseon, showcases high-quality art pieces.

National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

7.1Km    2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

7.1Km    2025-10-27

6F, 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

It is an experiential museum where you can feel the variety of colors with all your senses. If you want to have a picture with a pretty background like a fairy tale, there is no better place than this museum. The pool filled with adorable pink balls is the most popular section that brings happy smiles to everyone, adults and children alike. You can also find various souvenirs related to bathing, such as exfoliating towels and natural soap.