Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁) - Area information - Korea travel information

Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁)

1.9Km    2024-03-04

464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-9090

Located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace was a residence of royalty in Joseon period. It was the place where Gojong (1582-1919, reign 1864-1907), king of Joseon (1392-1897) and emperor of the Korean Empire (1897-1910), was born in, as well as the place where Heungseon Daewongun (1821-1898), his father, had resided in. Buildings include Noandang Hall, Norakdang Hall, and Irodang Hall. The Royal Residence offers programs like traditional weddings and traditional culture experiences, while the exhibition hall showcases Joseon-era artifacts. 

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul [MMCA Seoul] (국립현대미술관 서울관)

1.9Km    2023-06-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-9500

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) opened in 2013 as a city venue of the MMCA, which opened in 1986 in Gwacheon. The museum site was where many of Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved, both during the Joseon dynasty and after the Korean War. The Seoul venue of MMCA stands out from other museums through its use of Korea’s traditional architectural concept of "madang," a spacious courtyard where people can come and gather to socialize. The exterior of the building stands in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the museum is equipped with many facilities, including a reference center, project gallery theater, and multipurpose hall. MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public.

Osulloc - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오설록 현대미술관)

1.9Km    2024-04-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Let's Jongno Festival (종로축제 렛츠종로)

1.9Km    2023-09-19

84 Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-4746-1773 / +82-70-4600-5719

Let's Jongno Festival is comprised of nine smaller festivals themed on traditional culture taking place throughout the Jongno district in October. Both local residents and visitors from near and far are invited to participate in the many activities. The festival kicks off with Jongno Culture Night during the first week of the month, followed by Gugak-ro Road Festa, Donghwamun-ro Road Culture Festival, and K-Jewelry Festival the second week; Jongno Hanbok Festival, Bukchon Craft Studio Festival, and Traditional Food Festival the third week.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

1.9Km    2024-10-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

1.9Km    2020-03-12

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4683

This traditional tea ceremony experience takes place at Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is by reservation on a first come, first serve basis.

The ceremony includes a tea culture demonstration and experience, making honey cakes, traditional etiquette introduction, and lectures related to tea culture. To participate in the tea ceremony, download the application form from the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website and submit the form through email.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Special Evening Admission (경복궁 야간 특별관람)

1.9Km    2022-03-24

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3700-3900~1

The special evening admission to Gyeongbokgung Palace takes place for a limited time every year. Visitors can purchase tickets for this special evening program online.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

1.9Km    2024-12-10

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.
 SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.
The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.
<Credit: Seoul Museum of Craft Art>

The Hanok Smith Likes (스미스가 좋아하는 한옥)

1.9Km    2024-03-11

22-7 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7003

The Hanok Smith Likes is a restaurant located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, housed in a renovated hanok. It offers a fusion of Korea's traditional beauty with Italian cuisine. Specializing in oven-baked pizza and pasta, it also features a variety of Italian dishes. The oven-baked pizzas are particularly popular, known for their chewy crusts and generous toppings. In 2023, it was selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul.

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

1.9Km    2022-10-26

24-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-2430

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.