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

2.8Km 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.

Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

2.8Km 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.

Hwang Seonsaeng (황선생)

2.8Km 2021-03-18

19-2, Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-744-3301

This is a Asian restaurant located in Daehak-ro, Seoul. Try a variety of Thai dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is pad Thai.

Hannam Bugeotguk (한남북엇국)

2.8Km 2021-03-24

65-7, Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2297-1988

It's a popular bar with pancake as its specialty. This restaurant's signature menu is dried pollack soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Vincent Van Gogh(빈센트 반 고흐)

2.8Km 2024-10-11

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 148 (혜화동)

Dalgaebi (달개비)

2.8Km 2024-03-15

16 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-82-2-765-2035, 2068

Dalgaebi is a restaurant specializing in Korean table d'hote, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Its flagship menu is the teukseon sangcharim jeongsik (special set menu), which includes porridge, seasonal dishes, main courses, and desserts. The galbi sangcharim (galbi course), featuring premium Korean beef galbi grilled over charcoal and served with soybean paste jjigae, is also popular. Known for its private dining spaces and upscale ambiance, reservations can be made via phone.

Uniqlo - Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (유니클로 광화문D타워)

2.8Km 2024-04-17

17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Whale forest (고래의숲)

2.8Km 2021-03-18

136, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7543-3313

A restaurant serving Korean-style western dishes. The best menu at this restaurant is house-made pork loin cutlet. This is a Japanese cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul.

PAULIN PANCAKE - Daehakro Branch(폴인팬케이크 대학로)

2.8Km 2021-04-15

136, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-332-8952

Souffle pancake is a popular dessert in Korea. The best menu at this restaurant is souffle pancakes. This is a cafe located in Daehak-ro, Seoul.

Tailorable - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (테일러블 한남점)

2.8Km 2024-04-23

2, Daesagwan-ro 7-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information