Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Stn. EXIT 5 -> 250m | 4 minutes
Jeong Dojeon, a founding member of the Joseon Dynasty, named the palace to mean "greatly blessed." As the principal palace of the dynasty, Gyeongbokgung offers beautiful scenery all day long. The palace’s Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong pavilions are especially beautiful in spring, when cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, and in fall when they are surrounded by fiery red and yellow autumn foliage. If you wear a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), admission is free.
Address 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website www.royalpalace.go.kr Tel 02-3700-3900 Fee Adults (ages 19 – 64) 3,000won Hours 09:00 – 18:00 (last admission at 17) Closed Tuesdays
Photo : kay kim of Unsplash / Daniel Bernard of Unsplash
Sejong Village_Seochon
Gyeongbokgung Stn. EXIT 3 -> Village entrance
Today’s Seochon Village was originally called Sejong Village because it was where King Sejong the Great, the creator of hangeul (Korean writing system), was born and raised. The cafe that renovated an old bookstore and still uses its original signboard, the more than 50 years old Chinese restaurants, and various other places carry on the village’s history to this very day. The herbal medicine shop where visitors can enjoy a hot cup of tea while checking their physical constitution is very popular among foreign tourists.
Address Cheongun-dong & Hyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tongin Tea & Herbal Medicine : 29 Pirun-daero 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website www.tonginherb.com (CHI) Tel 02-725-0111 Hours 10:00 – 19:00 / Closed Sundays
Use yeopjeon to buy lunch with at Tongin Market’s Dosirak (Lunchbox) Cafe!
The market’s food tour is an attractive feature of Seochon Village. You have to buy old Korean coins called “yeopjeon” to pay for side dishes for your lunch tray. One of the most popular dishes is gireum tteokbokki, or oiled spicy rice cakes.
Address 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Hours 11:00 – 17:00 Closed Sundays
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Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gwanghwamun Stn. EXIT 8 -> 580m | 9 minutes
Located on the foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, Gyeonghuigung was the secondary palace during the late Joseon period with unique architectural features. Towards the back of the palace is a huge rock called Seonam, which means "propitious rock," and from here, the view of the entire palace is exceptionally beautiful.
Address 45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Tel 02-724-0274~6 Fee Free Hours 09:00 – 18:00 Closed Mondays
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Gwanghwamun Stn. EXIT 5 -> 140m | 2 minutes
Cheonggyecheon flows through downtown Seoul amid a forest of skyscrapers. It serves as a relaxing restarea, and also hosts a great number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Unique sections such as the "Proposal Wall” and various street performances attract many tourists.
Cheonggye Plaza - Address 14 Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Tel 02-2290-7111
Changdeokgung Palace
Anguk Stn. EXIT 3 ->300m | 4 minutes
As the best preserved palace of the Joseon Dynasty, the Changdeokgung Palace Complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. One of the most attractive features of the palace is its Huwon Garden. Passed the square Buyongji Pond is Bullomun Gate, a stone gate said to bring longevity if walked through. You can enjoy a peaceful walk around the palace.
Address 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Tel 02-3668-2300 Website www.cdg.go.kr(ENG) Fee Adults (ages 25 – 64) 3,000won Hours 09:00 - 18:00 (Feb – May, Sept & Oct) / 09:00 - 18:30 (June – Aug) / 09:00 - 17:30 (Nov – Jan) / Closed Mondays 
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Bukchon Hanok Village
Anguk Stn. EXIT 3 -> 240m | 4min
This was the residential village of government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty, and the traditional homes called “hanok” have been very well-preserved to this day. The 8 Scenic Spots of Bukchon, cultural activities, unique museums and much more attract plenty of tourists to this cozy village. Tourist maps, guidebooks and other information are available at the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center and tourist information centers around the area.
Address 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website hanok.seoul.go.kr (Korean only) Tel 02-2133-1371~2
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Insa-dong
Anguk Stn. EXIR 3 -> 120m | 2 minutes
Couples wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and kkultarae (honey skein) stands are easily seen in this neighborhood. The unique and traditional arts and crafts at Ssamziegil, the antiques alley, the galleries, traditional tea houses and much more provide plenty to do and see. You can also experience various cultural and traditional activities such as making your very own stamp at Yhlayuen Jeongak Academy, or try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) with makgeolli (rice wine) in the traditional alleys.
Yhlayuen Jeongak Academy
Address Dongil building, 23 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website www.kaja.re.kr (KOR)
Jogyesa
Insa-dong Stn. EXIT 2 ->360m / 5 minutes
An ancient temple in the middle of downtown Jongno
At Jogyesa Temple you can find peace while in the center of Seoul. The temple offers overnight templestays as well as a daily program every Wednesday where participants can enjoy tea with a monk, experience Seon meditation, make lotus flowers, and more.
Address 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website www.jogyesa.kr Tel 02-768-8600
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongno 3-ga Stn. EXIT 11 -> 230m | 4 minutes
The drums announcing the beginning of the Royal Ancestral Ritual (Jongmyo Jerye), and the music of Chwitadae (Korean traditional marching band) fills the area. Every 1st Sunday of May, a reenactment of the Royal Parade presents a unique scene of the king’s march accompanied by civil and military officials dressed in elaborate and colorful traditional uniforms. Both Jongmyo Shrine and the Ancestral Ritual were acknowledged by UNESCO for their value and importance in preserving the royal court’s ritual formalities.
Address 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Website jm.cha.go.kr Tel 02-765-0195
Hours Saturdays & Culture Days (last Wednesday of month) Feb – May, Sept & Oct 09:00 – 18:00, June – Aug 09:00 – 18:30, Nov – Jan 09:00 – 17:30 / Closed Tuesdays
*Guided tours in Englishttps offered daily (except Saturdays) at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 & 16:00.
*Japanese and Chinese tours also available. 1,000won (free on Culture Days)
Wear a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), stay at a hanok (traditional Korean house) and eat hansik (Korean cuisine) for the “full” Korean experience. And, you should also experience the traditional as well as the modern nightlife of Korea.
" The hanbokwas beautiful, and so was the palace. "
Takahashi Yuka, Japanese
It was great to try on the hanbok I had only seen on TV and magazines. The pavilions and ponds were so beautiful I couldn’t stop taking pictures. All the pictures I took wearing the colorful hanbok turned out great!
" If I could, I’d love to go to the night market again! "
Wang Wen Hao, Chinese
The long alleys filled with people made it feel like a festival or carnival, and I was surprised at the variety of food. I joined the long line of people waiting for samgyeopsal gimbap (grilled pork belly rolls) and it was one of the best meat-vegetable combinations ever!
" I think the bibimbap I made tasted better than storebought! "
Maria Yeltsina, Russian
I got to make bibimbap at a Korean cooking class. Cutting and stirfrying all the ingredients was a lot of fun. It required more preparation and devotion than I thought, but it certainly looked and tasted excellent.
" Spending a night at a 100+ year-old hanok was very special. "
Daniel Wilson, American
I’ve always wanted to stay at a hanok and this was a great opportunity. The woody scent and warm sun were great! And although I was a bit worried about sleeping on the floor, the beautifully embroidered sleeping mats were actually quite comfortable.
Namsan Seoul Tower Observatory
Namsan Seoul Tower was chosen as one of the most memorable night-time destinations by foreign tourists. At night, the colorfully lit tower and the picturesque Palgakjeong Pavilion next to the tower create a beautiful view, and from the observatory, you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul.
Address 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Website www.seoultower.co.kr (ENG) Tel 02-3455-9277
Hours 10:00 – 23:00 (Saturdays until 24:00) Fee 10,000won
Deoksugung Palace Night Hours
Deoksugung is the only of the “Five Grand Palaces of Seoul” that offers night hours all year-round. Junghwajeon Hall viewed from Junghwamun Gate is exceptionally beautiful with the subtle lights illuminating its multi-colored decorative paintwork. On the last Wednesday of every month, which is "Culture Day" in Korea, a classical music performance is held at Seokjojeon Hall.
Address 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website www.deoksugung.go.kr (ENG) Fee 1,000won
Hours Weekdays 9:00 – 21:00 (last admission at 20:00) Closed Mondays 
Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace
Passed the palace’s main gate, which is guarded by royal guards, you’ll see Seonjeongjeon Hall, the king’s working quarter, and Nakseonjae Hall, which known for its unique door frame. Then ultimately you’ll come upon Huwon Garden, the highlight of the tour. You can walk around the palace’s beautiful garden while enjoying the night view and a traditional performance under the moonlight.
Address 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website www.deoksugung.go.kr (ENG) Fee 1,000won
Hours Weekdays 9:00 – 21:00 (last admission at 20:00) Closed MondaysSeoul Lantern Festival
Hundreds of thousands of lanterns colorfully illuminate Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream. Large lantern sculptures of famous characters, world-famous attractions are installed along the stream for the annual Seoul Lantern Festival held in November. The festival sets a different theme every year.
Cheonggyecheon Stream - Website www.seoullantern.com Hours Every November
Deoksugung Palace
City Hall Stn. EXIT 1 or 2 -> 80m | 1 minute
Deoksugung was the royal palace of the Korean Empire (a.k.a. Daehan Empire) during Emperor Gojong’s reign. This is the only traditional palace of the Joseon era that also houses Western architectures like the Renaissancestyle Seokjojeon Hall. In mid to late April, Jeonggwanheon, where Emperor Gojong used to host various banquets, is surrounded by red peony blossoms, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Deoksugung is located within palace grounds.
Address 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul Tel 02-771-9951 Website www.deoksugung.go.kr Fee 1,000won Hours 09:00 – 21:00 (last admission at 20:00) / Closed Mondays
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Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
City Hall Stn. EXIT 1 -> 430m | 7 minutes
At Deoksugung Palace you can see and experience the royal court culture of Korea then follow the stonewall fence and visit the Seoul Museum of Art, a major art museum of Seoul that believes “art changes lives” and is dedicated in creating “a space for relief, joy and refreshment.” Museum Night is a unique program offered by SeMA in which visitors can enjoy art, music and various other genres of art until late at night.
Address 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Website sema.seoul.go.kr (ENG) Tel 02-2124-8800 Fee Free (except special exhibits) Hours Tue–Fri 10:00 – 20:00 (Sat, Sun & holidays until 18:00 (Nov–Feb) | 19:00 (Mar–Oct) Closed Mondays and Jan 1
Museum Night 19:00 – 22:00 | 2nd and last (Culture Day)Wednesdays of month.
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Sungnyemun (Namdaemun)
Hoehyeon Stn. EXIT 5 -> 290m | 4 minutes
This was the main gate of the fortress wall that circled Hanyang, the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. Although officially Sungnyemun, it is better known as Namdaemun, which literally translates to South Gate, due to its location. The colorful traditional decorative paintwork (dancheong) and flared eaves reaching for the sky are especially eye-catching. You should also watch the reenactment of the gate guards.
Sungnyemun Guard Ceremony - Address Sungnyemun Plaza Website www.royalguard.kr (ENG) Hours 10:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:30
Namdaemun Market
Hoehyeon Stn. EXIT 5 -> Market entrance
This traditional market continued for more than 600 years since the Joseon era is full of life and energy. There are rows and alleys of stores selling accessories, eyewear, cameras, silver/dinnerware, imported goods, and much, much more! Another reason for visiting traditional markets in Korea is the food, and Namdaemun Market is known for noodle soup (kalguksu ), stewed beltfish (galchi jorim) and oxtail soup (kkori gomtang).
Address 21 Namdaemunsijang 4(sa)-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Website namdaemunmarket.co.kr (ENG) Tel 02-753-2805 Hours Closed Sundays
Seoullo 7017, a Pedestrian Overpass Connecting Seoul Station to Namsan Park
The Seoul Station Overpass, which was constructed in 1970 to ease traffic, has been renovated and re-purposed into a pedestrian overpass in 2017. Stairs and elevators were constructed to connect the overpass to subway stations, and other convenient facilities, and various amenities like cafés, stages, bookstores and more were installed along the overpass. The 1.5-year-long Seoullo 7017 project has made touring Seoul much easier and pleasant.
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Myeong-dong
Myeong-dong Stn. EXIT 6 -> Myeong-dong main street
Known for shopping and tasty street food, people here are usually seen carrying shopping bags on one hand and a delicious something on the other. The latest and hottest fashion, makeup and even food trends can be seen as you walk the streets of Myeong-dong. You will be amazed at the variety of food carts to choose from.
Myeongdong Cathedral
Myeong-dong Stn. EXIT 8 -> 470m | 7min
Now a symbol of Korean Catholicism, this is the Cathedral Church for the Archdiocese of Seoul. The nightscape of this Gothic-style cathedral is almost majestic, and although a religious facility, it is very popular among tourists for its grandness, and central location.
Address 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Website www.mdsd.or.kr Tel 02-774-1784 Hours Tue–Fri 09:00–20:30 (Sat until 20:00 & Sun until 21:00) Closed Mondays
Delicious Bibimbap Served in Brassware of the Royal Court
Mok Myeok San Bang is a Korean restaurant near Namsan Park that was included in the 2019 Michelin Guide Seoul. The restaurant specializes in variations of bibimbap including Sanbang Bibimbap, Bulgogi Bibimbap and Gangdoenjang Bibimbap.
Address 71 Goegye-ro 20gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Tel 02-318-4790
Website mmmroom.co.kr Hours 10:30 – 20:30
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Namsan Cable Car & Namsan Seoul Tower
Myeong-dong Stn. EXIT 3 -> 800m | 12 minutes
An appealing and pleasant way of touring Seoul includes the Namsan Cable Car, which offers exceptional aerial views of the city. As the cable car reaches the top of Namsan Mountain, the tall skyscrapers and the long Hangang River create an attractive and refreshing panoramic view. The night view is especially beautiful.
Namsan Seoul Tower is a landmark of the city that offers spectacular views of the entire city. Hanging padlocks on the fence is very popular among couples, and the Palgakjeong Pavilion and Namsan Beacons offer a spectacular nightscape. Especially unique is the rotating restaurant that makes a full 360o rotation so you can enjoy the view and your delicious meal as well.
*Namsan Cable Car
Address 83 Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Tel 02-753-2403. Website www.cablecar.co.kr (ENG) Hours (day time) 02-757-1308 (night time) Hours 10:00–23:00 (extended hours may be offered on Fridays, Saturdays and days before holiday.). Fee 9,500won (round-trip), 7,000won (one-way)
*Namsan Seoul Tower
Address 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Website www.seoultower.co.kr
Namsangol Hanok Village & Korea House
Chungmuro Stn. EXIT 3 or 4 -> 130m | 2 minutes
You can hear the gayageum (traditional Korean 12-string zither) while resting in Cheongnyujeong Pavilion, or see a traditional wedding held in one of the houses in the village. The taekwondo demonstrations held at the outdoor stage of Cheonugak Pavilion are staggering, and you should also try traditional experience programs like making bibimbap and wearing hanbok (traditional clothing) offered at Korea House.
Adress 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Website www.hanokmaeul.or.kr (KOR) Fee Free Tel 02-2261-0500 (performances) | 02-2261-0517 (festivals & experience events) Hours Summer (Apr – Oct) 09:00–21:00 | Winter (Nov – Mar) 09:00–20:00 Closed Tuesdays
*Korea House
Website www.koreahouse.or.kr (ENG, JPN, CHI) Tel 02-2266-9101 Hours 12:00–20:30
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