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Recommended Sites
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Insa-dong
Address :
Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
Insa-dong,
located in the middle of the city, is an important place where old
but precious and traditional items come and go. There is one main
road in Insa-dong with a labyrinth of alleys on each side. Within
these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, traditional
teahouses, and cafes. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among
all age groups, because each store brings it’s own uniqueness. The
galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100
galleries in the area and you can see every example of Korean
traditional fine art from paintings to sculptures. The more famous
galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of
folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists,
and Gana Art Center. The best way to visit these galleries is to use
the “art center bus.” It will take you to over 10 of the most famous
galleries at a very reasonable price. The teahouses and restaurants
are the perfect compliments to the galleries. At first they might be
hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting
alleyways, the “looking” in itself can become fun. If you had to
choose just one teahouse from the hundreds that are here, Gwicheon
would be the place to go. Poet Cheon Sang-Byeong’s wife is the
proprietor of the tea house. The shop isn’t very big, but you can
see pictures and books of famous poets. You might even run into one.
Mokwacha is their best tea and it is famous for its fragrance. Every
Sunday from 10:00 – 22:00, some streets are blocked off from traffic
and it becomes a place cultural space. This is when the stores will
set up booths outside. Not only the stores that are here, but all
kinds of people come here during this time and set up shop, such as
Korean candy merchants and old fortune tellers. There are
traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is
especially popular with foreign tourists. This is where they can
experience and see Korean traditional culture firsthand, and also
purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy
and traditional pajeon (Korean pancake), and see many foreigners
lost in all the joyous festivities of the street.
Directions :
Get off at
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit No.6.
Information :
Homepage:
http://www.insadong.or.kr (Kor)
Insa-dong Store hours:
Galleries: 10:00-18:00 / Traditional Art Shops, Pottery and Hanbok
Shops: 10:00-19:00 / Traditional Teahouses & Drinking Places:
10:00-24:00
- Gallery Shuttle Bus: 09:00-19:10, Departs every 30 minutes from
the Insa Art Center
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Address : 1
Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
Gyeongbokgung
was the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). One of
five palaces in Seoul, it has a 500 year history. It was built by
the founding King of Joseon dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye, in 1395 as he
moved the capital city from Gyeseong to Seoul. Located in the
northern part of Seoul, it is sometimes called “Bukgwol.”
Gyeongbokgung is 5.4 million square feet and rectangular in shape.
On the south side is the main gate Gwanghwamun. To the north,
Sinmumun, east, Yeongchumun, and west, Geonchunmun. In the palace
are the Jeongak buildings such as Geunjeongjeon, Gyotaejeon,
Jagyeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong. Geunjeongjeon, the
main hall, was where inquiries and morning sessions were held. In
the front courtyard, three granite walkways are present. The
slightly more elevated middle walkway was for the King. The ones on
the side were for his court. In the yard, Pumgyeseoks stand on each
side. Jagyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon were the King’s mother and Queen’s
sleeping quarters. Jakyeongjeon is famous for it’s flower wall and
Sipjangsaeng guldduk (chimney). The guldduk is recognized as the
most beautiful made in Joseon period, and is listed as National
Treasure no. 810. Gyotaejeon was the Queen’s personal living area,
and the wall and the rear entrance overlooking Amisan Mountain are
particularly eye-catching. What adds to the elegance of
Gyeongbokgung is its lotus pond. Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeoung.
Gyeonghoeru was where foreign dignitaries met and special festivals
were held when good events occurred in the nation. Hwangwonjeong is
behind the sleeping quarters, and is in the back courtyard. It also
has a lotus pond, but has a distinct feminine feel to it compared to
Gyeonghoeru’s. Its architecture makes great use of the surrounding
Amisan’s geography, and the area blends in beautifully, a great
example of traditional Korean palatial structure. There is also the
library, sujeongjeon, and the King’s work quarters, Sajeongjeon.
There are many designated Cultural Assets in the Palace. Many of
these were collected from all over the nation, such as
Gyeongcheonsa’s 10-story stone tower (No. 86), Beomcheonsa’s
Jigwangguksa-Hyeonmo tower (No.101), and Borugak’s Automatic Clock
and Heumgyeonggak’s Water Clock and Cheonsang Clock. In 1910, when
the Korea-Japan Treaty was signed, Japan tore down all the Jeongak
buildings in the south area and built their Command Center on the
spot. The Japanese building has now been dismantled and the palace
is in the process of being restored.
Directions :
Get off
Gyeongbokgung station (subway line 3), exit no. 5. 5-min walk.
Information :
- Hours: Mar.
- Oct. 09:00-18:00, Nov. - Feb. 09:00 - 17:00
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Inquiries: Gyeongbokgung Administration Office 03-732-1931 (KOR)
- Homepage: http://www.ocp.go.kr (KOR/ENG)
Admission Fee:
Ages 7-24 - 500won
Age 25 and over - 1000won
(Group: 400won, 800won respectively)
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Deoksugung Palace
Address : 5-1
Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Description :
Located at
the corner of the busiest intersection of downtown Seoul, Deoksugung
Palace is, among other things, a palace famous for its elegant
stone-wall road. It is the only one that has western buildings
beside it, and it adds to the uniqueness of the scenery. Deoksugung
Palace originally belonged to Wolsandaegun (1454-1488), the older
brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. It
became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended the
throne and gave the palace the name Gyeongwungung in 1611.
Afterwards, the name was changed to Deoksugung. Enter Deoksugung
Palace and Daehanmun, and Geumcheon appears, with the Geumcheon
bridge, wide enough for the king’s carriage to pass. The Beopjeon
Building Junghwajeon is very stately looking, telling of its long
history. The Jeukjodang Building received its name because
Gwanghaegun and In-Jo both ascended to the throne here. The front
sign on Jeukjodang was written personally by GoJong in 1905 after he
became king. Hamnyeongjeon was where GoJong slept, and Hamnyeong was
named so to wish GoJong lasting peace. The East Wing served as the
King’s room, and the west wing was for the Queen. Jeonggwanheon was
the first western style building built in the palace in 1900. GoJong
enjoyed drinking coffee and spending his free time here. The back of
the building had secret passageways to the Russian Emissary, which
still exist today. Seokjojeon is the other western style building
that still remains in Gyeongwungung, and it was in the process of
being built by a British man for his company when in 1905 the
property rights became that of Japan. It was finally completed in
1910. After Gojong’s death, Seokjojeon became a Japanese art gallery
and open to public, and after Korean Independence, the
American-Russian joint commission was held here as well in May 1946.
The east wing of Seokjogwan building now serves as a Palace Treasure
exhibition, and the west wing is used as part of National Modern
Arts Center.
Directions :
Subway - Get
off at City Hall Station. If coming from Subway Line 1, go out Exit
No. 2, and if coming from Subway Line 2, go through Exit No. 12.
Walk for about 2-5 minutes.
Information :
- Inquiries:
Deoksugung Palace Tourism Office Tel : 756-0045 (Eng, Chi, Jap)
- Homepage:
http://www.junggu.seoul.kr/tour/korean/index.php (Kor, Eng, Chi, Jap, Rus)
- Hours: Mar.-Oct. 09:00-18:00 (weekdays) , 09:00-19:00 (weekends)
Nov.-Feb. 09:00-17:30
- Closed: Every Monday
- Admission Fee:
Individual
Age 19-24 : 500 won
Age 25-64 : 1000 won
Age 65+, 18 or under : Free
Group
Age 19-24 : 400 won
Age 25-64 : 800 won
The Palace Treasure Exhibition is included.
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Myeong-dong
Address :
Myeong-dong Jung-gu, Seoul
Description :
Myeong-dong
resembles a massive shopping city. Myeong-dong Street spreads about
1km from Myeong-dong Station (Seoul Subway Line No.4) to Lotte
Department Store at Euljiro. All kinds of brand name shops and
department stores are clustered on the streets and alleyways. You
can purchase various products such as clothes, shoes, and
accessories at these shops. Compared to Namdaemun or Dongdaemun,
there are many good-quality brands here in Myeong-dong. For example,
there is the Lotte Department Store and Shinsegae Department Store
and other shopping malls like U-too Zone, Myeong-dong Migliore and
Avatar. You can purchase good-quality products at the department
stores or other fashionable products at low prices at Migliore or
Avatar. Moreover, all kinds of brand shops are densely located along
the main street and lanes. Myeong-dong also has family restaurants,
fast food and Korean, Western and Japanese food. Among many
restaurants, Myeong-dong pork cutlet and kalguksu (noodles) are
strongly recommended. Other than restaurants, there are many
convenient facilities such as hair shops, banks and theaters. Myeong-dong
Catholic Church is an especially famous tourist attraction. It is
the first and main church of Catholics in Korea and built in the
Gothic style. Behind the church is a space where you can relax and
refresh yourself from long touring hours.
Directions :
At Euljiro
1(il)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line No.2) or at Myeong-dong Station
(Seoul Subway Line No.4), 5-minute walk from either station
Information :
- Contact:
Myeong-dong Tourist Information Tel: 02-757-0088 (Kor, Eng, Chi,
Jap)
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Changdeokgung Palace and
Huwon
Address :
2-71 Waryong-dong Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
Changdeokgung
Palace is composed of the public official space, the king’s
residence and the rear garden. Changdeokgung Palace is the only
palace that preserves the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty.
The rear garden used to be the king’s resting place where
300-year-old trees, pond and pavilion are harmoniously organized
with nature itself. Past Donhwa Gate and into the palace, Geumcheon
Bridge appears from the right. Constructed during the 11th year of
King Tae-Jong’s (1411) reign, this stone bridge is the oldest of
it’s kind that remains in Seoul. The entrance of Injeongjeon (the
royal audience chamber) is at the end of the bridge and the ridge of
this chamber’s roof is unusually decorated with flower patterns.
These patterns were attached by the Japanese to disgrace the royal
family and cannot be found at any other ridge. There are nine
statues each on the eves of Injeongjeon. These statues prevent evil
spirits from entering, and the number of statues differ – five
statues for each eve at Jinseonmun, and seven for Donhwamun. Behind
the right door of Injeongjeon, there is the king’s official chamber
called Seonjeongjeon. Blue tiles were used only for the palace,
which gives an explanation for the blue tiles of the Presidential
Residence of Korea. The cement road between the walls of
Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace lead to Huwon
garden. Buyongjeong and Johapru here frequently appear in photos
introducing Korea. The garden is formed in the shape of the Korean
alphabet ‘ㄷ’ with a pond in the center. Also, one must pass Bulo
gate made of a big stone into the ‘ㄷ’ shape to step out of the
palace and reach Yeongeongdang, the 99-room house of the highest
ranking nobleman.
Directions :
At Anguk
Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3) walk towards Biwon for 15 minutes.
Pass by Nagwon Arcade At Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway line
No. 5)
Information :
- Tel:
02-762-8262 (Eng/Jap/Chi)
- Homepage: http://www.ocp.go.kr/ (Kor, Eng)
- Hours : Mar.-Oct. 09:15-17:15 (at 30 minute intervals) / Nov.-Feb.
09:00-16:00 (at hourly intervals)
It is recommended that visitors tour along with guides, as separate
tours are not allowed (one hour and 20 minutes required for tour)
- Guide
* Korean
(Mar.-Oct.) -:15, :45 minutes of the hour (16:45-17:15 last guide)
(Nov.- Feb.)-:45 minutes of the hour
* Japanese
(Mar.-Oct.)-10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30
(Nov.- Feb.)-10:30, 12:30, 14:30
* English
(Mar.-Oct.)-11:30, 13:30, 15:30
(Nov.- Feb.)-11:30, 13:30, 15:30
* Chinese
(Mar.-Oct.)-09:30, 14:00
(Nov.- Feb.)-09:30, 14:00
- Closed : Every Monday
- Admission Fee : Age 25 and over 2,500 won, Age 7-24 and Youth
1,300won
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Lotte World
Address :
Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Description :
Lotte World
is the place to be for entertainment and sightseeing in the center
of the city. It is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, an ice
rink, different kinds of parades, a folk museum, walk trails by the
lake, and much more. About 6,000,000 visitors come here every year,
and about 10% of the visitors are foreigners. The structure inside
makes use of the natural sunlight, and it is open for visitors 365
days a year, regardless of the weather.
In order to have fun, you need to first have proper information.
Lotte World is divided into ‘Adventure’ inside the building, and
‘Magic Island’ outside beside Seokchonho Lake. Lotte World Adventure
has streets representing different countries, with different kinds
of facilities and souvenir shops. You can enjoy fantastic parades,
numerous films, laser shows, and foods of different nations, even
during holidays. On the other hand, Magic Island situated outside
the building has magic castle, thrilling high-altitude free fall
amusement rides that you can only experience outside the building,
and the pleasant trail walks around the lake. One of the major
reasons tourists are attracted to Lotte World is the amusement
rides. The Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing are the top crowd pleasers – you
can free fall 70 meters, or taste the thrilling sensation of being
inside a tornado. There is even a sign for you to take your shoes
off before you get on, as they may come off during the ride. You can
also take the flume ride, a log boat that passes through the
Jurassic Age, stay above a high-altitude wave, and ride a Spanish
pirate ship that swings at a thrilling 75 degrees. Besides the
thrill of its amusement rides, Lotte World also has a variety of
parades and laser shows. The 200 performers-strong World Carnival
Parade has music, singing, and dancing, and adds excitement to the
theme park. The parade goes on at 2pm and 7:30pm, and the laser show
proceeds in the darkness at 9:30pm. Once you’ve been on the rides,
try the ice rink and don’t miss out on visiting the museum. The
ice-rink is indoors on the B3 floor, open throughout the year. Its
pleasant atmosphere is perfect for family and couples. It opens from
10:30 to 22:30, and runs during the holidays as well. Its facilities
include a restaurant, ticket booth, snack bar, sports shop, skate
rental service, and change room. The Folk Museum, on the other hand,
is the most popular spot for foreign tourists. It has folk culture
displays of 5,000 years of Korean history, miniature villages, and a
playground. Everything is organized to be fun and easily understood.
There are also audiovisual and miniature models to aid in multimedia
presentations.
Directions :
Subway - Get
off at Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line No.2 and No.8) Exit No.4.
Lotte World is connected to the subway.
Information :
* Information
- Hours of Business: 09:30-23:00 (open all year)
- Homepage http://www.lotteworld.com (Eng/Jap/Chi)
- Facilities: Diaper Change Room (Diapers and Women’s Items
available), Stroller and Wheelchair Service
- Fees
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Tickets |
Age 19 and over
(won) |
Ages 14-18 (won) |
Age 13 and under
(won) |
Notes |
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Day Pass |
28,000 |
24,000 |
20,000 |
Free usage of all
facilities. Includes admission(Game attractions excluded) |
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Admission |
18,000 |
15,000 |
12,000 |
Admission and free
performance viewing |
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Night Pass |
24,000 |
20,000 |
17,000 |
Free pass for after
5 p.m. |
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Attractions nearby: Seoul Playground, Jamsil Sports Complex, Jamsil
Seonchakjang, Olympic Park, Mongchon Clay Castle, Baekjegobun.
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
