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 Tourist Sites Leisure/Sports Cultural Centers Recommended Sites
Tourist Sites
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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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Dongdaemun (East Main Gate)
Address : Jongno 6(yuk)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
Dongdaemun is National Treasure No.1, originally called Heunginjimun, and is the east gate of Seoul City. Dongdaemun was built by King Taejo in 1396, renovated by King Danjong in 1453, and its present structure was built by King Gojong in 1869. Apparently people started calling the gate Heunginjimun from King Sejo's (reign 1455-1468) time. Although the gate is generally known as Dongdaemun, many people still call it Heunginjimun with the intention of preserving its old heritage. The most interesting characteristic of Dongdaemun is that it has an ongseong, a specially built outer wall, usually a half-moon shape, that surrounds a city wall. The area where Seoul Palace was built was a low region, and difficult to defend from invaders, so they built this wall to counter such disadvantages. You can see that the gate was made with considerable consideration to the surrounding geography. The ongseong rocks have different colors, and these are from the many renovations the gate went through. At the center of the stone reinforcement wall is the Hongyemun, above it is a middle floor composed of five sections at the front and two sections on each side, and the roof is in the Ujingak style. On the eaves of the roof there are Japsang statues, which resemble animals and are said to drive away evil spirits. The structure of Dongdaemun has a very intricate and effeminate side to it, and there is strong emphasis on decoration, which show the architectural style of the latter day Joseon Period very well.
Directions :
Get off at Dongdaemun Stadium Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit No.1 and walk for 5 minutes.
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Dongnimmun
Address : 945-beonji Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Description :
Dongnimmun stands on a spot that was known originally as Yeongeun, where envoys were once treated. When a Chinese envoy visited, the King would go out to this door to greet him. This gate, which represented the diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries, was set up in 1898. At that time Korea was being invaded by Japan. This gate was made to inform Japan and the other neighboring countries of Korea's independence. The money to construct this gate was collected by the people. The traces of the past still remain on Dongnimmun. The two pillars in front of Dongnimmun are the remains of Yeongeunmun. Dongnimmun may remind you of the Arc de Triomphe of France. They are very similar because the Arc de Triomphe was the architectural model of Dongnimmun. With granites Dongnimmun was built up like a wall, and there is a passageway with a height of 14.28 meters. On the top it is written ‘Dongnimmun' in Korean with the national flag drawn on each side. On the inner-left side there are stone stairs leading to the attic. The national flower Mugunghwa are planted around Dongnimmun. Now surrounded by roads, it is an eye-catching site to view when passing by.
Directions :
Subway - At Dongnimmun station (Seoul subway line No.3) exit No.4.
Information :
Nearby Attractions: Seodaemun Prison Hall of History, March 1st Movement Memorial Tower, Independence Hall.
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Gwanghwamun
Address : 1-57, Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Description :
Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung, founded in 1395 by the first king of Joseon, Tae-Jo. It is the south gate of the four gates of the Kyeongbokgung Palace. The name means “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world”, and it carries the high purpose the founding people of Joseon had in creating a new dynasty. Gwanghwamun was constructed out of granite. In the center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun, and above that is a gate tower. Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, the Japanese governing general, in order to kill the spirits of the Korean citizens, destroyed the gate and built his government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it's about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, there was no official bulletin by the Korean government that would make it a national treasure because it is made of concrete. The government is now in the process of destroying the Japanese building and restoring the palace. Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see “Haetae,” looking southward. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was fire element around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes was put beside the gate.
Directions :
Get off Gyeongbukgung station, (subway line 3), exit no. 5, 5-min walk
Information :
02-732-1931 (Kor)
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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: 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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Gyeonghuigung Palace
Address : Seoul > Jongno-gu > Sinmunno 2-ga
Description :
In the latter Joseon period, Gyeonghuigung served as the secondary palace for the king, and because it was at the west side of Seoul, it was also called Seogwol(a palace of the west). Secondary palace is usually the palace where the King moves to in times of emergency. From In-Jo to Cheol-Jong, about ten kings of Joseon dynasty stayed here at Gyeonghuigung. This palace was built using the slanted geography of the surrounding mountain, has traditional beauty in its architecture and a lot of historical significance. For a time, it was of a considerable size, even to the point of having an arched bridge connecting it to Deoksugung palace. For the king's royal audience, there were the Sungjeongjeon and Jajeongjeon buildings, and for sleeping, Yungbokjeon and Hoesangjeon buildings. Altogether there were about 100 small and large buildings in the palace. But when Japan invaded Korea in 1908, the Japanses school Gyeongseong middle school came into the palace, and much of the palace became leveled or moved. At present, Gyeonghuigung's front gate, Heunghwamun, is being used as front gate for Silla hotel's main entrance, and Sungjeongjeon is at Dongguk University. The school moved to a different place, and the Sungjeongjeon and some of the other buildings have been reconstructed. Near Gyeonghuigung palace are the Seoul History Museum, Jeongdong street, and the busy Jongno street. After you have been to Gyeonghuigung, you can cross to Jeongdong street and walk to Deoksugung palace. The stonewall road to Deoksugung palace is considered one of the most elegant roads in Seoul.
Directions :
Get off at Seodaemun station (subway line 5), exit no. 4, walk for about 15 minutes.
Information :
- Hours:
Mar.-Sep.-9:00-18:00 / Nov.-Feb.-9:00-17:00
- Closed: Every Monday
- Admission Fee: Free
- Parking Space: 30 parking spaces available
- Inquiries: Administration Office 02-731-0808 (Kor)
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Han River Citizen's Park
Address : Hangang River, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Description :
Hangang River Citizen's Park is a representative people's park located by Hangang River. It was created through the “Hangang River Comprehensive Development Project” in the 1980s, covering a huge area that is dedicated to the citizens, providing areas for sports and relaxation. You can see many people strolling or jogging along the trail paths, in-line skaters, bicyclers, and soccer fields or basketball courts. The Citizen's Park is composed of Gwangnaru, Jamsil, Ttukseom, Jamwon, Banpo, Ichon, Yeouido, Yanghwa, Mangwon, Seonyudo, Nanji, and Gangseojigu - a total of 12 districts. Each park has its unique characteristics that fit the district, and especially Yeouido, Jamsil, and Ttukseom districts are very popular because of the ferry cruise services on Hangang River. The most popular are the ones in Yeouido and Ttukseom. Because the Yeouido area is where all the major TV Studios are located, countless dramas use this park for their shoots. Here you can also observe the birds of Bam Isle, a designated ecological preservation area. On the other hand, Ttukseom district is called the windsurfing and water-skiing mecca, and you can experience all sorts of leisure sports here. It is a sports heaven. Hangang River Citizen's Park is beautiful in the evenings as well, filled with the lights from Hangang River, the surrounding city buildings, streets, and the traffic. The sound of the river waves blend well with the city's nightscape. It is especially good to use the ferry cruise in the evening as well, viewing the river area and scenery in the pleasant river breeze.
Directions :
Ttukseom district >> Subway-get off at Ttukseom Yuwon District Station (Subway Line 7), Exit No.2.
Gwangnaru district >> Subway-get off at Cheonho Station (Subway Line 5), Exit No. 1, walk for about 5 min.
Yeouido District >> Subway-get off at Yeouinaru Station (Subway Line 5), Exit No. 2 or 3.
Yanghwa District >> Subway-get off at Dangsan Station (Subway Line 2), Exit No. 3, walk for about 5 min.
Information :
- Inquiries: Han River Administration Office, Tel : 02-3780-0701-7-5 (Kor)
- Park Facilities: Soccer Field, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Gateball, Boating, Water-Ski, Windsurfing, Swimming pool (July, Aug), In-line skating, Nature studies, Bicycle roads.
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Hangang River Ferry Cruise
Address : 85-1 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Description :
“The Night Lights Of Seoul” Hangang River Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around Hangang River that flows through Seoul. Cool wind from the river, the surrounding scenery, which get more beautiful in the evenings, are the rewards the ferry cruise can offer you. Currently there are 6 ferry cruises, going from Yanghwa to Jamsil, and they operate all through the year. There are 4 places to get on or get off the ferries, at the Yeouido, Jamsil, Nanji, and Yanghwa docks, and there are two kinds of cruise schedules. One cruise leaves the dock, goes on the Hangang River cruise course, and comes back, and the other course starts from either Yeouido, makes a stop at Ttukseom Island, then end at Jamsil, or start from Jamsil, make a stop at Ttukseom Island, and finish at Yeouido. On the cruise, you can see Hangang River's beautiful scenery, the surrounding islands, Jeoldusan Park, the 63 Building, Namsan Tower, Jamsil's Multi Sports Complex, and other famous tourist spots. The cruise is often used for weddings, birthday parties, music performances and other events. The live concerts connect piano playing with singing voices, and will live on in memories. During the summer, the docks also offer motor boat rentals.
Directions :
Yeouido dock>>Take Subway Line 5 and get off at Yeouinaru Station. Go to Exit No. 3 and walk 5 minutes.
Jamsil dock>> Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Sincheon Station. Go to exit No. 6 and walk 10 minutes
Yangwha dock>> Subway-Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Dangsan station. Go to Exit No. 3 and walk 20 minutes.
Nanji dock>> Subway-Take Subway Line 6 and get off at World Cup Stadium Station. Go to Exit No. 1 and walk 15 minutes.
Information :
- Inquiries : Semo Ferry Cruise Inc. Tel : 02-785-4411 (Kor)
- Homepage : www.pleasureboat.co.kr (Kor)
- Convenient facilities, restaurants, coffee shops, toilets, etc.
- Ferry Cruise Fee
Course 1: Return Ferry
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Course |
Travel hour |
Fee |
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Yeouido-Yangwha-Yeouido |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Yangwha-Han river bridge-Yangwha |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Nanji-Yeouido-Nanji |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Jamsil-Hannam bridge-Jamsil |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Yeouido-Yeouido (Live course) |
1 hour and 30 min |
10,000 won |
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*50% discount of adults fee for Age 13 and under |
Course 2 : Depart from a dock and get off at a different dock.
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Course |
Travel hour |
Fee |
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Yeouido-Jamsil |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Jamsil-Yeouido |
1 hour |
7,000 won |
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Jamsil-Nanji |
1 hour and 30 min |
10,000 won |
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Nanji-Jamsil |
1 hour and 30 min |
10,000 won |
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*50% discount of adults fee for Age 13 and under |
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Heoninneung Royal Tomb
Address : San 13-1 Naegok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Description :
Mt. Daemosan behind Heoninneung Royal Tomb was originally called ‘Halmisan' (meaning grandmother in Korean) since it resembles the shape of an old lady. Mt. Daemosan embraces Heoninneung Royal Tomb, guarding the royal tomb. Heoninneung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heoninneung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond. Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang that are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep. There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.
Directions :
: At Yangjae Station (Seoul Subway Line No.3) exit 7, take bus #36, 366, #239-1 to Heoninneung. Then walk for about 10 minutes.
Information :
Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Mar.-Oct.) / 09:00-17:00 (Nov.-Feb.)
Closed: Mondays
Inquiries: 02-445-0347 (Kor)
Admission:
| Age |
25-64 |
19-24 |
Over 65 / Under 18 |
| Individual |
500 won |
300 won |
Free |
| Groups (over 30 persons) |
400 won |
200 won |
Free |
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Hongneung Arboretum
Address : Cheongnyangni 2-dong ,Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Description :
Hongneung Arboretum is the first generation arboretum of Korea. It was established in 1922 when experiment forests were built on Hongneung burial model, which is the royal tomb of Queen Myeong-Seong. On the 780 square meter area southwest of Mt. Cheonjangsang, there are 9 gardens such as a garden of conifers, a garden of broadleaf trees and an ornamental garden, 3 botanical gardens with edible & medicinal plants garden, an aquatic garden and a wetland garden. There are 6 resting places as well. Hongneung Arboretum has beautiful scenery for every season. The garden of broadleaf trees behind the main building is the one that shows the change of season most dramatically. The hundreds of broadleaf trees appear in their best in autumn. It is good for nature education walks in the arboretum because of good explanations on nameplates of species and characteristics of trees. There are also many things to see at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall which provides visitors with knowledge and information of the value of forests, forestry, and the forest industry. The building itself is an exhibition because the hall is made of Korean wood. Inside, there are three general exhibition rooms, a regular exhibit hall, a planning exhibit hall, and a special exhibit hall. You may look around from Garden 1 to Garden 9 in regular order or take the course from Garden 2, pass the Forest Science Exhibition Hall to the mountain ridge ending at Garden 1. Note that it takes approximately 3 hours whichever course you may take.
Directions :
At Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 1) 15 minute walk.
At Korean University Station (Seoul Subway Line No.6) 8 minute walk.
Information :
- Contact : 02) 961-2873-4, 2525 (Kor)
- Homepage: http://www.kfri.go.kr (Kor/Eng)
- Hours: Opened to the public on Sundays, no reservation required.
(Hongneung Arboretum:
(Nov.-Feb.) 09:00-17:00 / (Mar.-Oct.) 09:00-18:00;
Forest Science Exhibition Hall:
(Nov.-Feb.) 10:00-16:00 / (Mar.-Oct.) 10:00-17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
