City: Sejongno-dong
Top Things to do in Sejongno-dong
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Sejongno-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.
Restaurants in Seoul
1. 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.
2. Bugaksan Seoul Fortress
3. 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.
4. Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
I had never heard of this famous 16th-century Korean admiral until I visited Gwanghwamum Plaza, where his bronze statue anchors its southern end. But now I know that Admiral Yi Sun-Sin has a fascinating background, including incredible military achievements during the Imjin War (1592-96) when he defended Korea against Japanese invaders. Yi Sun-Sin invented the ironclad "turtle" ship. It was so successful that it took only a few to win a battle with hundreds of the enemy's traditional ships. Sculptor Kim Se-jung's 1968 work depicts the war hero standing in armor, with a massive sword in the right hand. A miniature replica of the turtle ship appears just below the statue. The bronze and its high pedestal rise about 56 feet above the plaza. The 12:23 fountain nearby received its name from the 23 battles the admiral fought with 12 ships. It was not operating during my day visit in October, but I saw it in action with colored lights, passing by in a bus one night. As a history buff, I enjoyed the small museum under the plaza devoted to Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and King Sejong.
5. Statue of Sejong the Great
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By moniquebolivar
Ever since I've watched a drama about King Sejong, I knew I had to visit his statue and take a photo with him. Little did I know that it's in the center of Seoul. It is very easy to find and impossible to miss when visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and other famous spots in Seoul. King Sejong's statue is among the popular tourist spots in the area so don't miss taking a souvenir photo with him. You might just have to fall in line. And maybe ask for someone to take your photo if traveling alone like me.
6. The Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 214 reviews
Located just past Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) is the imposing official residence of South Korea’s president. This lovely complex is built mainly in the traditional South Korean architectural style and tours are a great way to learn about the country’s history and politics. Tours must be booked via online application at least three weeks in advance.
Reviewed By x96lee26 - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Visited The Blue House (Korean: 청와대; Hanja: 靑瓦臺; Cheong Wa Dae; literally "pavilion of blue tiles") is the executive office and official residence of the South Korean head of state, the President of South Korea, located in the Jongno district of the capital Seoul. It is painted in blue to show superiority and high ranking of the Korea Government. Lovely architecture and teh “fengsui” of the building is said to be facing the river water and behind is the mountain for good “Fengshui”.☺️☺️
7. Gyeonghuigung Palace
8. Chilgung
9. Gwanghwamun Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 732 reviews
Reviewed By 590jhl - Seoul, South Korea
One of the most popular touristic spots in Seoul. Good to visit. - The best time to visit is when it has the least protest. - The cascaded water path having the tree of Korean kings on the ground is impressive.
10. The Story of King Sejong & The Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By blairabroad2012 - Hong Kong, China
We saw the two statues and decided to explore further. Lovely little find - on our way to Gyeongbukgong Palace - all underground - and a great experience to learn more about Seoul's history. A great surprise and really fascinating!
