Travel Information


Gyeongbokgung Palace

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· Introduction


Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.


The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).


Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.


The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.


Current Statues

Historic Site No.117 (Designated on January 21, 1963)

Closed

Tuesdays

Operating Hours

November-February 09:00-17:00

March-May 09:00-18:00

June-August 09:00-18:30

September-October 09:00-18:00

Restrooms

Available

Tour Schedule

English 11:00, 13:30, 15:30

Japanese 10:00, 12:30, 14:30

Chinese 10:30, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00


· Reservations are required for groups of 10 to 30

· Group reservation : +82-2-3700-3904



Bukchon Hanok Village

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· Introduction


Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno.


Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture.



Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Tour Course Information

Waliking Tour Course (3 hours 39 minutes)


· Reservation: Online at dobo.visitseoul.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese).

  Please book at least 3 days before the desired tour day.

· Reservation's confirmation: via text message or official website.

· Language services offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

· Inquiries: +82-2-6922-0777


Insa-dong

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· Introduction


Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries and traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.


The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most 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 teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. At first they might be hard to find, but if you take the time to stroll around the twisting alleyways, the window shopping in itself can be very entertaining. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.


Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked off from traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can eat Korean taffy and traditional pajeon (green onion pancake), and lose yourself in all the joyous festivities of the street.


Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Available facilities

Outdoor stages (located in Naminsa Madang), souvenir shops, restaurants, craft shop, etc.

Restrooms

Available

Interpretation Services Offered

Tourism Information +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)




Namsan Seoul Tower

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· Introduction


Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243m) and the tower’s own height (236.7m), making it one of the tallest towers in the Orient. It is comprised of Seoul Tower Plaza, recently opened to public access after 40 years, and N Seoul Tower, operated by CJ Foodville since 2005. The tower was first established as a broadcast tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul.


Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Operating Hours

Sunday – Friday : 10:00 ~ 23:00

Saturday : 10:00 ~ 24:00

* Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

* Operating hours are subject to change depending on weather or business schedules.

Restrooms

Available


· Inquiries: +82-2-3455-9277, 9288