City: Jongno 1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Top Things to do in Jongno 1.2.3.4 ga-dong
The 8 Best Historic Sites in Jongno 1.2.3.4 ga-dong, South Korea
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
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1. Changdeokgung Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,612 reviews
This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.
Reviewed By Inspire818731 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Interesting Palace to learn about ancient Korea and its architecture.The English tour guide to the hills and valleys of the Secret Garden was a superb insight to the life and times of the early dynasties. The Palace is spread over a wide area, which is mainly flat, but there are some steep areas, so allow plenty time to visit.Crowds,queues,heat not a problem in September.
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,654 reviews
The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located on the grounds of this palace, built six centuries ago by the founder of the Chosun dynasty.
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
At the heart of Seoul lies this ancient yet historically significant center of the Joseon dynasty - the Eternal, Grand, Beautiful and Enchanting Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and grandest of the 5 palaces built during the Joseon dynasty in 1395 by King Taejo, the first King of Joseon.. It is the seat of the King, His household and the government. To date it is one of the most famous attractions in Seoul and South Korea. Millions of tourist visit this Palace and it is a must visit. You could take the Seoul metro and could alight at Gyeongbokgung station which is connected via Heungnyemun Gate or outside via Gwanghwamun station and you need to walk via North direction passing by the statue of King Sejong the Great. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located via Heungnyemun gate. The entrance fee to this palace is around 3K Won for adults. As you enter the main gate of Gwanghwamun in the south you will be greeted by several other gates as you walk north into the Geunjeongjeon (Throne hall). The cobbled stones floor indicates that you are entering history. Other significant buildings include the beautiful Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Banquet hall) with a lake surrounding it, Gangnyeongjeon (King's residential quarter), Gyotaejeon (Queen's quarter), Hyangwonjeong (2 story Hexagonal shape pavillion on lake connected by Chwihyanggyo bridge), and many more. We went here during Fall season and it's magical we were surrounded by trees of red, yellow and orange. The wind blowing adds to the beauty of the falling leaves. Despite the plenty of tourists we have space to take beautiful photos and videos. There are even Korean cultural dance shows with photo opts afterwards. Behind this massive complex stands the mighty Mt. Baegaksan (a 342 m high granite mountain) a perfect background for your beautiful photos and videos. Some tourists rent traditional Hanbok dress, a traditional Korean clothes. Rental prices vary depending on the time starting at around 13K to 15K Won for about 4 hrs. It adds to the total experience you could get while walking around this historical palace not to mention it adds beauty to your photos and videos. Between 10 to 3 PM the traditional changing of the guards occur every hour which is a spectacle of Korean culture and tradition. We left at 5 PM which is also the closing time at this Eternal Grand Palace. It is my 2nd time to visit this but it still amazes me every time.
3. Jongmyo Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 736 reviews
The ancestral shrine of the Choson kings, is one of Korea's most precious cultural monuments. In 1995, UNESCO recognized the value of the shrine by including it on its World Heritage List.
Reviewed By SPSurat
A must visit site that can be visited ONLY with free guided tours provided on-site. English speaking tours are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. You are not allowed to join other language tours. On saturdays, you can enter the shrine on your own without a tour guide. Entrance fee is 1000 won incl tour guide
4. Gwanghwamun Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 982 reviews
This gate was constructed in 1395 as the main entrance from the majestic Sejong Boulevard into Kyongbuk Palace. Three arched gates and a two-story pavilion are typical of the architectural design of that period. Completely reconstructed after years of conflict and falling into disrepair, it is now made of modern concrete and steel. It presently serves as a secondary entrance to Kwanghwamun Park.
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
There are 3 gates that you must enter to reach the palace. It is the Gwanghwamun Gate that is the first gate. It is not the prettiest or most intricate. However, it is the this gate that separates the world of the 1400’s from the 21st century. It seems easy to say but unless you visit you will not understand this juxtaposition. On one side are modern skyscrapers, heavy traffic and the bustle of the current world. On the other side is the palace which when in it appears like it’s isolated in the calm natural environment. It is quiet and ancient and appears just as it was 600 years ago. However these two different environments are separated by only 15 feet of wall. Again you just have to experience it.
5. Gyeonghuigung Palace
6. Chilgung
7. Unhyeongung
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Culinary-Consultants - Ferrara, Italy
This place is seemingly like most palaces we have seen in Seoul. Speaking fro a design, layout and architectural pint of view. But historically speaking the Unhyeongung Palace has a rich history on its own. The Unhyeongung Palace, also known as Unhyeongung Royal Residence, is a former Korean royal residence here in, Seoul, Korea. It was formerly the residence of the Heungseon Daewongun; a prince regent of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty in the 19th century, and father of Emperor Gojong. We had the luck to go during a sunny day regardless of the bitter winter this January 2020. The thing that stroke us the most is its seemingly resemblance to Japanese style homes and the materials used in it; which are also in line with the Japanese style. The gardens are filled with large, medium and nano Bonsai trees. The total atmosphere is one of relaxing and one of meditation. A real treat today for us. This palace is quaint and not nearly as colorful as the others. The wood has not been painted the colorful hues of green, red and yellows like the grander palaces, Changdeokgung for example, but that means this one is just a little different and just a little special that way. We highly recommend this beautiful palace as one of the least good looking ones, but the one with most charm of all the 5 palaces to be visited in Seoul.
