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

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

7.6Km    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.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

7.6Km    2025-06-19

4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

Asian Table (아시안테이블)

7.6Km    2021-03-18

11, Seonggyungwan-ro, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7608-1763

This is a Asian restaurant located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A pub where you can try a variety of Southeast Asian beers. The best menu at this restaurant is pad Thai.

King Sejong The Great Museum (세종대왕박물관)

7.6Km    2024-03-08

56, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-969-8851

King Sejong The Great Museum is a cultural complex located in the heart of Seoul, near Gwanghwamun Plaza.The Hangeul Room exhibits documents published during the reign of King Sejong, the Science Room displays Cheugugi and celestial planisphere, and the Korean Traditional Music Room showcases various traditional Korean musical instruments. The Biography Room features Portrait of King Sejong and paintings depicting scenes from his life. Outdoors, there are statues of King Sejong, the  scahe sundial, the clepsydra, and Cheugugi.

The Unexpected Man(홀연했던 사나이)

7.6Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 259 (명륜2가)

Yu Yuan (유 유안)

7.6Km    2017-02-24

97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

With a name derived from Shanghai's beautiful garden, Yu Yuan displays the glamorous exuberance and abundance of Shanghai in the 1920s. Offered menus are mostly based on Guangdong cuisine along with other Chinese regional specialties such as Bejing Duck.

Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

7.6Km    2024-03-15

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This bar is named after the legendary American writer Charles H. Baker. It is inspired by speakeasy bars, which were bars hidden from sight during the Prohibition period, so its door blends into the surrounding walls. So, when one steps into the space, it is like stepping into a secret hangout. A cover charge of 10,000 won gives patrons a welcome drink, finger foods, and snacks. The menu is inspired by cocktails that Charles H. Baker had across the world, such as New York City, Mexico, Shanghai, Cuba, and Tahiti. It won 7th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and 42nd place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The ambience is relaxed, and attentive services ensure that you can have a comfortable time here.

Yangpyeong Haejangguk (양평해장국)

7.6Km    2021-03-30

48, Sungkyunkwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-6960

It is a favorite place frequently visited by the residents of Hyehwa-dong. This restaurant's signature menu is hangover soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

7.6Km    2022-09-13

jiha 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 헌릉(태종,원경왕후)과 인릉(순조,순원왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

7.6Km    2021-07-24

36-10, Heonilleung-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-445-0347

Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs house the mounds for two kings of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) and their wives: King Taejong (1401-1418) and Queen Wongyeong, along with King Sunjo (1800-1834) and Queen Sunwon. Together, the tombs are referred to as Heonilleung Royal Tomb. The site possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon dynasty.