Seoul
Places to visit in Jongno-gu
This is Seoul's old city center, where palaces, hanok alleys, and historic markets are close together. Walk around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon, or plan a route that takes in museums, Insadong, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Explore on the mapPlaces to visit
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Jongno and Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone
This area brings together traditional shops, markets, and old alleys around Jongno and Cheonggyecheon. Enjoy the lively main streets and a walk by the water.
View on mapGyeongbokgung Palace
This was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty. Enter through Gwanghwamun to explore the broad courtyard of Geunjeongjeon, the pond at Gyeonghoeru, and paths between the palace buildings.
View on mapGwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace
This central city area stretches from Gwanghwamun to Deoksugung Palace. Walk among palaces, plazas, and stone wall paths to see both historic and present-day Seoul.
View on mapBosingak Pavilion
This traditional pavilion stands at the Jongno intersection and is associated with the bell that once marked time in the walled capital. Take a look at the pavilion standing in the middle of the main street.
View on mapChangdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine
This area includes Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo, the royal ancestral shrine. Follow the palace buildings, forest paths, and walls to experience the distinct atmosphere of these royal spaces.
View on mapDongdaemun Station
This station area is a stop on the way to Heunginjimun Gate and the Dongdaemun shopping district. Explore the gate, city walls, and streets lined with clothing shops.
View on mapHyehwa Station
This is a starting point for Daehangno's theaters and Marronnier Park. Walk through the alleys between small theaters, then stop by nearby restaurants and cafes before or after a show.
View on mapGwangjang Market
This traditional market combines fabric and clothing shops with food alleys. Try market dishes such as mung bean pancakes and enjoy the lively, narrow lanes.
View on mapBukchon Hanok Village
Traditional Korean houses cluster in this village between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace. Take in the alleys and views over the rooftops, and walk quietly where residents live.
View on mapSeochon
These old residential alleys lie west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Walk among hanok houses and small shops, and explore the area around Tongin Market to see everyday neighborhood life.
View on mapInsadong
This street is lined with traditional craft shops, art galleries, and teahouses. Explore the main street, then look for small exhibition spaces and shops in the inner alleys.
View on mapGwanghwamun Square
This city square sits on Sejong-daero in front of Gwanghwamun. See the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, along with the open view toward Gyeongbokgung Palace.
View on mapIkseon-dong
These alleys are lined with restaurants and cafes in small, renovated hanok houses. Follow the narrow, winding lanes to admire the buildings and courtyards.
View on mapSonghyeon Green Plaza
This urban green space opens up the Songhyeon-dong site, once hidden behind high walls. It is a good place to take a break while walking among nearby palaces and Bukchon.
View on mapSeoul Museum of Craft Art
A museum where you can explore craftworks and how they are made.
View on mapNational Museum of Korean Contemporary History
A museum exploring Korea's modern and contemporary history.
View on mapSeoul Museum of History
A museum exploring Seoul's history and how the city has changed.
View on mapBugaksan Mountain
A mountain north of central Seoul and one of Hanyang's four inner mountains. Walk its trails for views of the ridges and the city.
View on mapSukjeongmun Gate
Built in the mountains north of the Seoul City Wall, this gate is also known as the North Gate. Follow the forest path to see the gate and nearby walls.
View on mapBaegak Section
This is the Baegak section of the Seoul City Wall trail along Bugaksan Mountain. Follow the wall and mountain paths for views over northern Seoul.
View on mapUnhyeongung Royal Residence
This royal residence belonged to Heungseon Daewongun and is known as the place where King Gojong and Prince Heungchin grew up. See buildings from the late Joseon period.
View on mapIkseon-dong Hanok Village
A neighborhood of small renovated hanok houses built in the 1930s. Walk its narrow alleys to find restaurants and cafes among the traditional homes.
View on mapJogyesa Temple
A downtown temple and the headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Explore its grounds around the large Daeungjeon Hall and Iljumun Gate.
View on mapMuseum Kimchikan
This museum covers kimchi's history, regional varieties, ingredients, and preparation. Explore exhibits about kimchi in Korean food culture.
View on mapSewoon Arcade
A group of mixed-use commercial buildings stretching along Cheonggyecheon-ro, known as Korea's first mixed-use apartment complex. See an old downtown shopping district and its architecture.
View on mapTapgol Park
A downtown Jongno park connected to the history of the March 1st Movement. Walk beneath the trees to see historic sites alongside the busy city.
View on mapJongno Tower
A 33-story landmark tower in the heart of Jongno. Its distinctive silhouette has three pillars supporting a ring-shaped space near the top.
View on mapDaehangno Street
A cultural street in Jongno-gu lined with performance venues and small theaters. Stroll through the theater alleys and experience the lively atmosphere.
View on mapDoosan Art Center
A cultural venue in Jongno-gu presenting performances and exhibitions. See creative work on stage, including theater, other performances, and art exhibitions.
View on mapMarronnier Park
A neighborhood park in Daehangno on the former site of Seoul National University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. See old marronnier trees alongside the area's performing arts scene.
View on mapHyehwa-dong Catholic Church
A modern church completed in 1927 and designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage. See its historic architecture in the alleys of Hyehwa-dong.
View on mapChanggyeonggung Palace
A Joseon royal palace once known as part of the Eastern Palace complex with Changdeokgung Palace, and connected to Jongmyo Shrine. Walk among the palace halls and around Chundangji Pond to explore its history.
View on mapSungkyunkwan
Explore the former grounds of Joseon's foremost educational institution, including traditional buildings such as Munmyo Shrine and Myeongnyundang Hall. Learn about the history of education and ancestral rites.
View on mapNational Children's Science Center
A national science museum between Daehangno and Changgyeonggung Palace, with science exhibits for children. Explore and take part in science activities with your family.
View on mapNaksan Park
A park along the Naksan ridge with walking paths on the Seoul City Wall and views over downtown Seoul. Near sunset, the walls and city form a shared view.
View on mapSeoul City Wall
A historic heritage site encompassing the walls and gates that surrounded Hanyang, the capital of Joseon. Walk the routes along different sections for views of the city and mountains.
View on mapHyehwamun Gate
A small eastern gate in the Seoul City Wall, with a restored gate pavilion. See the old city gate along the wall trail.
View on mapHeunginjimun Gate
A gate on the eastern side of the Seoul City Wall and one of Seoul's best-known fortification heritage sites. View the gate pavilion and walls up close from the city streets.
View on mapSeoul Donggwanwangmyo Shrine
A historic Seoul shrine completed in 1601 to honor Guan Yu. Explore its gate and halls, which are designated as a Treasure.
View on mapChangsin-dong Quarry Observatory
A viewpoint at the site of a former quarry in Changsin-dong. Look out over downtown Seoul from the exposed rock face and the hillside.
View on mapSanmaru Playground
A public playground in Changsin-dong and a neighborhood spot for families. Climb and run along the hillside paths with children.
View on mapChanguimun Gate
A small northern gate in the Seoul City Wall that retains features from the Joseon period. See the old gate and nearby mountain slopes at Jahamun Pass.
View on mapYoon Dong-ju Literature Museum
A literature museum exhibiting materials about poet Yoon Dong-ju's life and work. Explore exhibition spaces built into a former water tank and a hillside walking path.
View on mapBaeksasil Valley
A natural spot with forest and stream scenery on the hillsides of Buam-dong. Walk at an easy pace beneath the trees and alongside the water, close to downtown.
View on mapSeoul Museum
A private art museum in Buam-dong where you can visit exhibitions and Seokpajeong. After exploring the museum, see the old garden and pavilion.
View on mapChilgung Shrine
A Joseon royal shrine housing the spirit tablets of royal concubines who gave birth to kings. Explore its traditional buildings and courtyard in the area north of Cheong Wa Dae.
View on mapNational Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
A national art museum beside Gyeongbokgung Palace, with modern art exhibitions and a lawn courtyard. The museum grounds also include the former Jongchinbu building.
View on mapKumho Museum of Art
A private art museum in Samcheong-dong presenting exhibitions on contemporary art, design, and architecture. See art exhibitions while walking around downtown.
View on mapSeoul Jeongdok Public Library
A public library run by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in the former Hwadong campus buildings of Gyeonggi High School. See modern school architecture and a spacious, tree-lined courtyard.
View on mapWhanki Museum
A contemporary art museum on the hillsides of Buam-dong. Explore its exhibitions and learn about Kim Whanki and Korean modern art.
View on mapSeMA Art Archives
An archive branch of the Seoul Museum of Art that collects and exhibits materials left by artists, critics, and curators. Explore records of the art-making process.
View on mapInwangsan Mountain
A rocky mountain spanning Jongno-gu and Seodaemun-gu, with city wall paths, rugged rock formations, and views over Seoul. Follow its trails to enjoy nature close to downtown.
View on mapDilkusha
A modern historic house in Jongno-gu where you can explore modern and contemporary architecture in Seoul and traces of life from that period. Take a history walk through the surrounding alleys.
View on mapDaelim Museum
A private art museum in Tongui-dong presenting a range of art exhibitions, including photography. Explore the exhibition spaces and architecture, which opens toward a garden.
View on mapGyeonghuigung Palace
A historic site where you can explore the grounds and surviving halls of a Joseon palace. Take a walk through the palace scenery beside the Seoul Museum of History.
View on mapNational Police Museum
A national museum about the history and culture of the police. Explore materials and exhibitions tracing the changes in Korean policing.
View on mapNational Meteorological Museum
A national museum housed in the Seoul Weather Station building, built in 1932. See the old observatory architecture and learn about the history of weather observation in Korea.
View on mapUijeongbu Historic Site Plaza
A historic plaza opened to the public after restoration of the former offices of Uijeongbu, Joseon's highest administrative body. Explore the remains of an old government office in the heart of downtown.
View on mapSejong Center for the Performing Arts
A major performing arts venue in Gwanghwamun, presenting a range of stage arts and exhibitions. It is a spacious cultural complex connected to the downtown plaza.
View on mapIlmin Museum of Art
A private art museum opened in the renovated former Dong-A Ilbo headquarters. Explore contemporary exhibitions and the museum spaces inside a modern historic building.
View on mapNewspaper Museum
A museum about newspapers located on the fifth and sixth floors of the former Dong-A Ilbo headquarters. Explore the history of newspapers and journalism through exhibits and archival materials.
View on map
Scenes of the area
- From palace grounds to hanok lanes and markets.
- Jongno's museums of crafts and history.
- Baegaksan Mountain and the northern gates
- Jongno's palaces and temples
- Downtown Jongno and Sewoon-gil
- Performances and parks in Daehak-ro
- Changyeonggung Palace and the history of Daehak-ro
- A walk along the fortress wall by Naksan Mountain
- Changsin-dong's hills and shrine
- A stroll through the valley in Buam-dong
- Palaces and art museums in Samcheong-dong
- Art archives in Pyeongchang-dong
- A historic trail on the western side of Inwangsan Mountain
- Palace grounds and museums on Sinmun-ro
- Performances and media in Gwanghwamun