Vestis - Gyeongbokgung Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (베스티스 경복궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Vestis - Gyeongbokgung Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (베스티스 경복궁)

879.4M    2024-04-18

1F, 17, Jahamun-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

880.4M    2022-12-27

198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄 김치간)

884.4M    2024-03-18

(4-6th floor, Maru Art Center), 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6002-6456

Museum Kimchikan is a museum dedicated to kimchi in Insa-dong’s Maru Art Center. The exhibition details the culture, history, trajectory, and efficacy of kimchi and teaches the visitors how to make kimchi through videos. Visitors can also sample different types of kimchi. The museum offers both individual and group experience programs, which require reservation via email.

Knife Gallery (나이프갤러리)

Knife Gallery (나이프갤러리)

885.4M    2020-04-30

7, Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-4431

The only knife specialty museum in Korea, this Insa-dong gallery is home to over 6,000 knives from all over the world. They include traditional Korean and Japanese knives, Chinese knives, decorative knives, knives by famous artists, and knives shown in movies. There are a variety of knives for both daily and decorative uses. Customers who order custom knives may observe the entire manufacturing process.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

886.0M    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

893.2M    2022-12-26

35, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-2232

To popularize hanbok, Dolsilnai offers modified hanbok suited for daily use. Focusing on simple elegance, Dolsilnai hanbok is known for all-cotton fabrics and pigment dyeing. While it doesn't ignore the beauty of traditional hanbok, Dolsilnai hanbok also emphasizes functional and practical qualities essential for modern daily living.

GRANDHAND. Seochon (그랑핸드 서촌)

GRANDHAND. Seochon (그랑핸드 서촌)

893.7M    2023-08-21

14-2, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Lauched in 2014 at a small hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Korea perfume brand now has six stores around Seoul as well as a cafe brand KOMFORTABLE. With no adversements or online sales, GRANDHAND has preserved its roots for over 7 years. GRANDHAND. Seochon located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and various art museums has customers of all ages and nationalities. 

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

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

899.8M    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.

Sanchon (산촌)

Sanchon (산촌)

899.3M    2019-06-13

30-13, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-0312

Founded and opened by Monk Jeongsan, Sanchon is a vegan-friendly restaurant that mainly serves temple foods. The dishes found here are a results of Kim Yun-sik, who was inspired by the simple, clean and healthy diet that a Buddhist practitioner taught him years ago. Now, being a top authority on vegetarian food in Korea, Kim Yun-sik helped perfect the standard and quality of temple food.  

The dishes are made with all natural ingredients such as vegetables and mountain herbs, and are cooked without chemical additives. The actual dishes served vary by season, and in order to meet the tastes of the general public, the restaurant includes "five spices" (garlic, shallots, mountain leeks, etc.), which monks are typically not allowed to eat. Those who would like their food without these ingredients are asked to make their request at least one day prior to visiting.

Yetchatjip (옛찻집)

901.9M    2024-03-18

33-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5332

Yetchatjip in Insa-dong offers a variety of teas including ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea), jujube tea, lotus leaf tea, ginger tea, and citrus tea. Their signature dish during the summer is the yennal patbingsu (old-fashioned shaved ice with red beans), topped with sweet red bean and sweet rice cakes, served on finely shaved ice. Additionally, they offer traditional Korean snacks such as grilled rice cake stick, yakgwa (honey cookie), and traditional Korean sweets to accompany the tea.