Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

1.8Km 2024-10-10

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.

Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

1.8Km 2024-07-17

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

The 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.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

1.8Km 2025-01-13

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

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

GRANDHAND. Seochon (그랑핸드 서촌)

1.8Km 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.

Daelim Museum (대림미술관)

1.8Km 2022-07-29

21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0667

The Daelim Museum, built by the Daelim Group, was first established in Daejeon in 1996 and later moved to Jongno, Seoul in 2002. The art gallery studies, analyzes, and presents modern art through the lens of photography and holds exhibitions centered around photo media.

The museum is located in the residential area of Tongui-dong, near the time-honored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum, which was designed by French architect, Vincent Cornu, and built by the Daelim Corporation, opened its door to the public in late May 2002.

On the first floor, there is a garden, parking lot, reception desk, storage area, and conference room. On the second and third floor are offices and exhibition hall approximately 595 m² in size, consisting of small and large rooms, a long gallery, and a special high-ceilinged exhibition space. On the fourth floor, there is a seminar room that can seat up to 120 guests and a balcony with a beautiful view. From the balcony of the seminar room, Visitors can also enjoy a wide open view of Inwangsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. The stained glass panels (designed to reflect the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloth) and the scenic lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building add to the overall charm.

Above all else, the museum was designed with consideration of the photos, which are very sensitive to humidity, light, and temperature.

Cheolgil Tteokbokki (철길떡볶이)

1.8Km 2024-03-18

35-6 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Cheolgil Tteokbokki is a famous pilgrimage site for tteokbokki lovers. As the name suggests, it is located next to the railroad (“cheolgil” in Korean) near Chungjeongno Station. There is a wide variety of Korean dishes available, from tteokbokki that will bring back childhood memories to gimbap, deep-fried dishes, and sundae. As the name suggests, it is located next to the railroad near Chungjeongno Station. The restaurant has been in operation for two generations while maintaining its original appearance. The old signboard and exterior have a nostalgic feeling. Unlike tteokbokki in soup, which is currently popular, this tteokbokki with chewy rice cakes is coated well with thick spicy sauce. It's very delicious when mixed with the restaurant’s deep-fried foods. Visitors are recommended to take the seat outdoors to enjoy the view of the railroad tracks while eating.

The Place Seoul (traditional Korean-style guesthouse) / 복합한옥공간 곳

1.8Km 2025-03-05

52-11 , Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-3255-1289

The Place Seoul in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, is a meeting place of traditional and modern Korea. It has a yard with a beautiful 80 year-old dogwood tree, and a small garden in which guests can enjoy the passage of the seasons. The Place Seoul is an environment-friendly place which uses eco-friendly consumables such as toilet paper and shampoo. Breakfast is simple and healthy. There are many good cafes in nearby Bukchon, and local tourist attractions include the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인)

1.8Km 2024-04-22

236-1, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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National Theater of Korea (국립극장)

1.8Km 2024-03-06

59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2280-4114

The National Theater of Korea opened in 1950 as the first national theater in Asia. It is the only production theater that takes traditional arts to recreate them as contemporary art. It offers various types of theaters, such as Haeoreum Grand Theater, Daloreum Theater (middle-size), Immersive Studio ByeolByeol (small-size), and Haneul Round Theater with a circular stage structure. In addition, the Museum of Performing Arts, Cultural Plaza, and other convenience stores and coffe shops offer pleasure and relax to its visitors.

Irilju (일일주(日日酒))

1.8Km 2021-03-30

4, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-1717

It is a delicious restaurant in Gwanghwamun with a good atmosphere. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is salmon sashimi.

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