Things to Do in Seoul

Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Seoul

Jongmyo

Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, one of the most important cultural sites in the country, originally served as the ancestral shrine for Joseon Dynasty kings. Built between 1335 and 1408 by Lee Seong Gye, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Jongmyo was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995 based on its well-preserved and authentic Confucian architecture.

The shrine is divided into 19 rooms, each dedicated to a different Joseon king and has existed as is since the 1500s. On the first Sunday of May, Jongmyo hosts a memorial service called Jongmyo Jaery, a rite lasting around six hours and thought to be the oldest ceremony in the world. Attending the ceremony allows you to witness songs and dances dating back more than 500 years. No matter when you come, touring the world’s oldest Confucian sanctuary offers insight not only into Korean history, but into Confucianism as well.

South Korea

From $ 43

Hanji Theme Park

The Hanji Theme Park is located in Wonju, a city in South Korea’s Gangwon province and home to the annual Hanji Festival. Hanji (literally meaning ‘Korean paper’) is handmade from the inner bark of mulberry trees; it’s an ancient and complicated process, and therefore it’s said that the paper’s beauty and durability reflects the wisdom of all those who have the knowledge and patience to produce it. Hanji plays a special role in the history and culture of this region. It was once offered as homage to the king and even used to decorate the residences of Korea's Permanent Representative to the UN. The adaptability of hanji means it has many uses, and this is one of the things visitors learn during their visit to the theme park in Wonju.The Hanji Theme Park covers more than 26,000 squaremeters, with a twostory building at its center. This features a history room, an experience center, and a cafeteria on the first floor, with rooms for special exhibitions and seminars on its second level.

Practical Info

To reach the Hanji Theme Park, catch the No. 6 bus from Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal.

151, Hanjigongwongil, Wonju, Gangwon, South Korea

From $ 1,790

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s first and oldest covered market, was originally the place to buy traditional Korean clothing items, such as hanbok. Though the market still specializes in textiles, it’s become one of Seoul’s biggest street food hot spots, where foodies can sample nearly any type of Korean cuisine under the same roof.

The Basics

Gwangjang Market ranks among the most popular for foodies. Some sightseeing tours of the city stop here, especially food-centric walking tours, where travelers can taste some of the market’s best bites. If you’re in the market for a tailored silk dress or set of high-quality bed sheets, head upstairs to the wholesale shops, where most anything can be custom-made at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Seoul’s high-end shopping districts.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gwangjang Market is a must-visit for foodies and fashionistas looking for custom-made clothes.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Many vendors will offer a discount if you pay in cash instead of using a credit card.
The market is largely wheelchair-accessible, though not all food stalls offer accessible seating.

How to Get There

To get to Gwangjang Market, take the Seoul metro to either Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5). Several buses also stop at the nearby Jongno 5-ga Station bus stop.

When to Get There

The market tends to be busy all day, Monday to Saturday, though it’s a bit quieter on weekdays. Most of the shops close on Sunday, but the food court remains open.

What to Eat at Gwangjang Market

In the food court, dozens of vendors pack tightly together, busily preparing quick meals for shoppers passing through. The variety is astounding, but bibimbap (a Korean rice dish with ground meat and vegetables), dumplings, and savory mung bean pancakes are always safe and tasty bets.

6-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 52

Joint Security Area (Panmunjom)

The Joint Security Area (JSA), aka Panmunjom, offers a look at the still simmering tensions that remain from the Korean War. The North and South technically remain at war, and the JSA, located deep within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the only place where visitors can see the actual border and North Korean soldiers on the other side.

Within the town at the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) Conference Room, visitors can even cross the border without a visa. The blue building is still used for face-to-face negotiation between the two sides and is bisected by the border, meaning travelers can technically cross into North Korea by walking to the other side of the room.

The Basics

Due to the tension and security concerns involved, travelers are required to join an organized tour group in order to visit the truce village better known as the JSA. Day trips to the DMZ from Seoul include stops at the JSA, as well as other area attractions like Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Bridge of No Return, and an observation point where it’s possible to observe a North Korean village across the border through a telescope. Some tours also include a stop at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.

Things to Know Before You Go

The JSA is a must-see for history buffs and anyone looking for a better understanding of the Korean conflict.
All Panmunjom tour participants are required to carry a valid passport, be at least 10 years of age, and dress appropriately.
Refrain from wearing worn or faded jeans, exercise clothes, sleeveless shirts, collarless shirts, short skirts, shorts, tight fitting clothes, military clothes, or sandals.
A DMZ tour from Seoul can last six to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.
Many tours to the JSA require booking several days in advance.

How to Get There

Panmunjom sits less than 40 miles from Seoul. However, visits can only be made via organized tour groups, which include strict rules of conduct, dress codes, and restrictions on photography to avoid starting an incident with the North Korean soldiers.

When to Get There

The Joint Security Area is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. While the site is open for tours throughout the year, expect temps in the 80s and high humidity in summer, and temperatures below freezing in the winter.

The Process of Entering the JSA

To enter the JSA, visitors must pass through multiple checkpoints before arriving at Camp Bonifas, escorted by either US or South Korean soldiers. Here, JSA tour participants receive a security and safety briefing and sign a release form in case something happens.

Kaesŏng, Seoul, South Korea

Varies

From $ 90

Imjingak Park

Imjingak Park is located within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of North Korea and South Korea. The park is dedicated to the 10 million South Koreans who were separated from their families when the peninsula was divided, with various monuments, statues, and other points of interest throughout.

Imjingak Park is located on the banks of the Imjin River and is the furthest point north that South Koreans can freely travel. There’s a three-story observation deck that provides an aerial view of the Imjin River and beyond towards North Korea. The Freedom Bridge, connecting North and South, was where 13,000 POWs were exchanged in the 1950s and is located where the former railroad bridge once stood.

Mangbaedan Alter is where Koreans separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing their heads towards their hometowns on certain days of the year. The park also features a wall of commemorative ribbons, a number of souvenir shops, and a restaurant.

Practical Info

Only designated shuttle buses can enter this area, so it is recommended to book onto a DMZ tour to visit Imjingak Park.

Imjingak Park, DMZ Zone, Paju, South Korea

From $ 40

Gana Art Gallery

The Gana Art Gallery is located in the residential area of Pyeongchang-dong, in the foothills of Mount Bukhansan. It’s the largest exhibition space in South Korea, featuring three halls showcasing over 400 exhibitions. The first exhibition hall features international works from throughout history, displaying many pieces by artists that are now deceased. The other two vast halls are used for temporary exhibitions, plus a range of plays, concerts, and other special events. There is also a restaurant, a shop, and a seminar room on-site, making the Gana Art Gallery a multi-functional cultural center.

Both the exterior and interior of the center blend a sleek, modern design alongside more natural styles. The building is the work of architect, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who also designed Incheon International Airport.

Practical Info

The Gana Art Gallery is open Monday to Sunday, from 10am until 7pm. To reach the Kana Art Gallery by public transport from Seoul, take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung. Leave the station at exit 3 and take the 1020 or 1711 bus from the Gyeongbokgung Station bus stop nearby. Alight at Lotte Apartments and walk to the gallery from there.

97 Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Mon-Sun 10am-7pm

From $ 73

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Built during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376, historic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is one of only a few Korean temples on the coast, and it honors Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), a goddess believed to live in the ocean where she rides atop a dragon.

Legends aside, the east-facing temple offers a spectacular view of the rising sun – a site that’s especially popular on the morning of the Lunar New Year when Buddhist devotees come to make a wish for a prosperous new year. At the heart of the temple sits a three-level pagoda with four lion statues that symbolize joy, sadness, happiness and anger.

Practical Info

The temple is free to enter and is open throughout the year, though one of the best times is from mid-April through May, when the cherry blossoms are peaking.

416-3, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

Daily, year round

From $ 11

Hongdae

Always abuzz with energy and excitement, the district of Hongdae is known for its lively nightlife. Set on Seoul's western end near Hongik University, the area's quirky cafes, avant-garde art galleries, boutique shops and gourmet eateries make it a popular spot for young locals, not to mention a fascinating place for visitors.

Visitors can marvel at Hongdae's street art and performances, immerse themselves in the lively cafe culture or indulge in some retail therapy in the shopping district, perhaps making a stop at the Hongdae Beauty Shop, just as the locals do. A weekend market runs from March to November, with stalls springing up near the university's front gate and selling Korean handicrafts and other souvenirs throughout the afternoon until sunset. By night, Seoul's youth comes out in force to have a good time at the area's dozens of bars, taverns, karaoke dens and clubs.

Many walking, cycling and even kayaking tours (on the Han River) of Seoul begin and end at Hongdae Station. The family-friendly and hugely popular Trick Eye Museum is also located in the area.

Practical Info

The main access point to Hongdae is via Hongdae Station on subway lines 2 and 6. The area is also served by Hongik University Station and Sangsu Station.

Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 25

Garosu-gil

Garosu-gil, meaning “tree-lined street” in Korean, is a 700-meter-long street in the trendy Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. Just like the name suggests, the street is lined with gingko trees, whose leaves offer shade in the summer and make for a colorful display in fall. Whether you are shopping for haute couture and international brands or hunting for unique pieces by local independent designers, the artfully built and landscaped fashion promenade is the place to be for fashionistas and up-and-coming artists. Shoppers are drawn into the chic stores with elaborately designed storefronts, many of which are an attraction of their own.

Seoul is a mecca for coffee lovers and along Garosu-gil, there are lots of little bakeries, coffee shops and bistros that serve beautifully arranged meals and drinks. One of them is the enchanting Café Oui, which is renowned the cozy interior and the cool coffee art they create. Another is the famous Garosu Mansion Café. Run by four interior designers, the place doesn’t only fascinate with vintage furniture but also with delicious homemade cookies. Apart from the many cafés and stores, Garosu-gil is also known for hosting lots of fusion restaurants where Asian meets European cuisine as well as a selection of art galleries, studios and ateliers.

Practical Info

Garosu-gil is a street located in the center of Seoul and runs from Sinsa Station to Hyeondae High School. To get to Garosu-gil, take subway line 3 to Sinsa Station, exit via gate number 8 and walk the remaining three blocks.

Garosu-gil, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 12

Insadong

Insadong is Seoul’s cultural and artistic hub—the place to shop for local crafts, visit a traditional Korean tea shop, or catch an impromptu street performance. The neighborhood, located in the Jongno-gu district, offers one of the largest antiques and craft markets in the country, with many shops and cafés housed in historic buildings.

The Basics

Insadong is one of the Korean capital’s most popular neighborhoods. Locals and foreign visitors alike come here for its shopping, art scene, and traditional Korean teahouses. Most sightseeing tours of Seoul make a stop in this neighborhood, along with nearby Changdeokgung Palace. Insadong is also one of 22 stops on the Seoul hop-on hop-off bus.

Things to Know Before You Go

Insadong is a must-see for art lovers, shoppers, and first-time visitors to Seoul.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; some of the streets are cobbled.
Come hungry; Insadong has some of the best street food in Seoul.
Combine your visit to Insadong with a stop at either Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace; both are nearby.

How to Get There

Insadong is centrally located and easy to reach by taking one of several public bus lines, or by riding the metro to Anguk Station (Line 3) or Jonggak Station (Line 1).

When to Get There

Insadong comes alive on the weekends, when the main street is blocked off to vehicle traffic and the pedestrian area fills with vendors, fortune tellers, and buskers making the most of the weekend crowds. Many of Insadong’s shops and galleries are closed Monday.

What to Buy in Insadong

The markets and shops of Insadong are some of the best places in the city to pick up gifts and souvenirs to take back home. Favorites include traditional Korean masks, decorated chopstick sets, calligraphy scrolls, handmade paper and stationary, or personalized stamps with your name in Korean letters.

South Korea

From $ 18

Jagalchi Fish Market

South Korea has become famous among travelers for its freshly caught seafood, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to sample it than at the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. The largest seafood market in the country, Jagalchi is unique in that its run largely by women who are known as Jagalchi Ajumma. This tradition dates back to the Korean War, when many of the men were off fighting and their wives took over the family businesses.

Walking through the market is like visiting an exotic aquarium, as many of the wares are kept live in tanks to maximize their freshness. You’ll find nearly any type of seafood you could want, including more varieties of shellfish than you knew existed. The market also houses a collection

of seafood restaurants where you can bring your purchases to have them cooked up and served to you on the spot.

Practical Info

If you want to see the market at its most active, come early in the morning or in the late afternoon hours.

Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea

Daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed last Tuesday of every month

From $ 90

Gyeongju

If you’re interested in exploring the dynamic and long reaching history of Korea, there’s no better place to start than the coastal region of Gyeongju, also one of Korea’s ancient capital cities. It’s known as “the museum without walls” because it’s one of the most culturally rich sites in the entire country, a historical hotspot packed with ancient tombs, temples, pagodas and palaces.

Around the time of Jesus, this city became the heart of the Shilla dynasty, which reigned here for 1,000 years as a cultural center of the Far East. The Cheomseongdae Observatory is the oldest existing observatory in the region, built by Queen Seonduk in 634, and the National Museum of Gyeongju is the best place to see artifacts recovered from myriad sites around the city, including the golden crown of Geumgwanchong and King Michu's golden sword. And as you explore Gyeongju, you may notice grassy hills, which are ancient burial mounds, such as that of King Wonseong, whose tomb is surrounded by carved stone artifacts.

Practical Info

Gyeongju sits in the southeast corner of the Korean Peninsula, about 170 miles from Seoul. The best way to get here from the capital is by train, which takes about two hours. Once in Gyeongju, rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the vast collection of historical sites.

Gyeongju, Seoul, South Korea

Daily

From $ 195

Han River

Spanning more than 310 miles (500 km) at about 0.62 miles (1 km) wide, the Han River (Hangang) is one of the most important rivers in South Korea. A full-on tourism destination, a warm or even brisk day affords you the chance to explore the well-groomed pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths. Take the kids around as visitors and locals alike enjoy the soothing ambiance of the river beside while jogging, fishing or just hanging out in one of its many cafes. If you are so inclined you can even jet ski.

The Hangang Park also has playgrounds if you just want to sit and relax while the kids use up some energy. Unfortunately there are no real restaurants, but it is still a great place to picnic with the family or a loved one. One of the more popular things to do here is to take a boat cruise for a relaxing ride around, or for special occasions, boats can be booked a night soiree.

There are several subway lines that will cross the river depending on where you are and where along the river you want to go. For a lovely nighttime stroll, get out at the Yeouinaru Subway and go directly to the Cascade shown on the directional map at the entrance of the park. Otherwise, if you are looking for a little exercise, you can rent bikes for the day for about $5 at a few easily accessible locations that also offer drop-off points.

Seoul, South Korea

From $ 55

Gangnam District

For better or worse, Korean rapper PSY's 2012 hit song "Gangnam Style" has drawn the world's attention to Seoul and the district of Gangnam. Long before the K-pop hit rocketed to the top of the charts, Gangnam was already one of Seoul's hippest neighborhoods—a spot in the southern part of the city where the young come to see and be seen.

The Basics

Gangnam bustles by day and after dark. Besides being one of Seoul’s biggest commercial districts, it’s also home to several top attractions, including the sprawling COEX Mall (home of the Kimchi Museum and COEX Aquarium) and Bongeunsa Temple. Once the sun goes down, Gangnam transforms into one of Seoul’s hottest nightlife spots, particularly around Gangnam Station and the posh clubs of Apgujeong.

Just about every K-pop and shopping tour of Seoul will stop in Gangnam, but those who want to learn more about Gangnam can join a guided walking tour of the neighborhood for a day of shopping and exploring top attractions, including the COEX Aquarium, Bongeunsa Temple, and the Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gangnam is a must-visit for shoppers and music lovers.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; the neighborhood is quite large, so prepare to spend some time on your feet.
Walking tours of Gangnam can last four to seven hours, depending on the activities.

How to Get There

The best way to reach Gangnam is to take the Seoul Subway to Gangnam Station (Line 2).

When to Get There

The best time to visit Gangnam depends on the experience you prefer. Shoppers should visit during the day when the boutiques and shops of COEX Mall are open for business. After the sun goes down, the neighborhood comes alive as a nightlife spot full of clubs and restaurants.

Samsung D’light

Samsung, the popular phone brand, is a Korean company, and the Gangnam District is home to a unique Samsung attraction. Samsung D’light is a museum and exhibition space where electronics aficionados can check out the latest Samsung technology and play around with the latest gadgets.

Seoul, South Korea

From $ 54

Gukje Market (International Market)

During the 1950s, refugees of war-torn Korea began opening up small shops to try to earn a living. This modest collection of shops has transformed into what is now Gukje Market (International Market, or Kookjae Market), Busan’s largest traditional market with vendors selling practically everything under the sun – items both new and secondhand.

While Gukje Market is very much a place where local Koreans still shop, travelers will find plenty of interest as well, besides the atmospheric street market atmosphere. It’s a great place to find hanbok, the traditional Korean formalwear, small souvenirs, T-shirts and favorite Korean street snacks, all at bargain prices. Whether you’re looking for bargain clothes, vintage glasses, some new electronics, or dried seaweed, prices are cheap and bargaining is totally accepted. Korean culture is based around dignity and respect for one another, so do bargain with a smile and always be polite.

This is a good place to stop for a bite to eat too. If you’ve never slurped noodles from a stall in the middle of a street, here’s your chance. A maze of a market, don’t worry if you get lost. Just ask anyone for Jagalchi subway station, and they’ll help you out.

Practical Info

You can reach Gukje Market by way of Nampo-dong Station. Take exit #1. It is also a five-minute walk northeast from Jagalchi subway station, which is on line 1.

Gukje Market, Busan, South Korea

Daily

From $ 68

Gate Gwanghwamun

Originally built in 1395 by the first Joseon king, Gwanghwamun is the main gate to Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five Joseon Dynasty palaces. After being destroyed twice by fire and war, the gate that stands today was rebuilt in 1968 using concrete and steel instead of the original granite.

The Basics

As one of Seoul’s most prominent landmarks, Gwanghwamun Gate is featured on most sightseeing tours of the city, along with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong, and Jogyesa Temple. Korean and foreign visitors alike come to Gwanghwamun Square to see the gate with Inwangsan Mountain in the backdrop, as well as the imposing statue of King Sejong the Great, inventor of the Hangul alphabet, seated on his throne.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gwanghwamun is a must-see for history buffs, families, and first-time visitors.
Both the gate and the changing of the guard are free, but Gyeongbokgung Palace charges an entrance fee.
The gate and palace are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rent.

How to Get There

The gate’s central location in the heart of Seoul makes it easy to reach via public transportation. The most convenient way to get there is to take the metro to City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2), Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5). Several public buses also stop nearby.

When to Get There

Plan your visit to Gwanghwamun to coincide with the changing of the guard, a ceremony that occurs hourly from midmorning until mid-afternoon. If you’re visiting during the summer, plan to visit early in the day to avoid the heat.

Gwanghwamun Gate and the Japanese Occupation

For many Koreans, Gwanghwamun represents a tragic chapter in Korean history. In 1926, during the Japanese occupation of South Korea, the gate was destroyed to make way for a Japanese government building. The gate was rebuilt in a different location in 1968, then moved to its original spot as part of a $24 million renovation in 2006.

South Korea

From $ 18

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The royal palace grounds stretch for 100 acres (40.5 hectares) and offer a number of sights to see, including the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Hyangwonjeong Pond, and the National Folk Museum of Korea, which features more than 98,000 artifacts that detail Korean history and culture. Other highlights are the Third Inner Gate (Geunjeongmun), the Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon), the Executive Office (Sajeongjeon), and, of course, the king's and queen's quarters. If you can time your visit right, you'll get to see the twice-daily royal guard-changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, the imposing main gate that separates the palace from one of the busiest parts of the city. Get ready to see full Joseon-era regalia in all its glory.

A stop at Gyeongbokgung Palace is included in most of Seoul city tours and on just about every royalty-themed tour of Seoul. Visit on a bus or walking tour that includes entry and you can explore all parts of the complex while also stopping at other cultural sites such as Jogyesa Temple, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Namsangol Hanok Village.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the complex's vast grounds.
Some areas of the palace complex offer limited access for wheelchairs.
Last admission is offered one hour before closing. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Restrooms are available onsite.
Pets are not allowed at the palace.

How to Get There

The closest metro station is the aptly named Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3). Get out at Exit 5 and you'll emerge right at the palace grounds. A parking lot sits to the left of the palace.

When to Get There

Gyeongbokgung Palace is open from Wednesday to Monday year-round, and on weekdays, it’s often full of touring Korean schoolchildren. Fall is a popular time to visit thanks to the autumn foliage that turns a deep red, while springtime brings cherry blossoms. If you want to see Gyeongbokgung Palace at its quietest, come early in the morning. (The Korean palace complex opens at 9am throughout the year but has varying closing hours.) The site is huge, though, so you should be able to find some peace and quiet no matter the time of day.

161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Varies

From $ 7

Gyeonghuigung Palace (Gyeonghui Palace)

Overview

One of Seoul’s five Joseon Dynasty-era palaces, Gyeonghuigung Palace (Gyeonghui Palace) was built in 1623 by King Gwanghaegun. Portions of the structure were rebuilt after a 19th-century fire, and today, you can visit several reconstructed living and meeting halls. The Seoul Museum of History and SeMA Museum of Art are also located on site.

The Basics

Admire the ornately carved Heunghwamun Gate, see the king’s living quarters at Jajeongjeon Hall, and visit Taeryeongjeon Hall—the compound’s main reception area, where formal banquets and meetings were once held. For insight into South Korea’s storied past, stroll across Geumcheongyo Bridge to visit the site’s Seoul Museum of History.

Gyeonghuigung Palace is included as a stop on some Seoul walking tours, and it’s also possible to see the palace on a private city tour. To explore at your own pace, visit independently on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Gyeonghuigung Palace is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
Wear shoes suitable for walking through the palace grounds.
Some structures may not be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Parking is available at the Seoul Museum of History.

How to Get There

Gyeonghuigung Palace is located in central Seoul, roughly 10 minutes by road from City Hall. Public transportation is a good way to travel in this Korean city—to get to the palace, take the subway to Seodaemun Station in the Jongno-gu District.

When to Get There

You can visit the palace year-round, as this historic site sees fewer crowds than Seoul’s larger Joseon palaces. Spring and fall are good times to visit, when the weather is typically sunny and mild.

What to See Near Gyeonghuigung Palace

You could easily spend your whole day in the Gyeonghuigung Palace area. The SeMA Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art—a branch of the Seoul Museum of Art—is set on the palace grounds along with the Seoul Museum of History, which explains the capital’s history and culture through various exhibits.

45 Saemunan-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 84

Jogyesa Temple

Established in 1910, Jogyesa Temple serves as the center of Zen Buddhism in South Korea. The temple complex is home to Daeungjeon, Seoul’s largest Buddhist shrine, as well as a garden area with a white pine tree that is more than 500 years old.

The Basics

Its location in the heart of Seoul makes Jogyesa Temple among the most visited in South Korea. Just about every sightseeing tour of the South Korean capital stops at the temple, along with other notable attractions like the Blue House, Insadong neighborhood, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong commercial district, and the Joseon Dynasty palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

Those who want to learn more about Korean Buddhism can participate in daytime Temple Life or overnight Temple Stay programs, which include activities like Zen meditation, a tea ceremony, and lessons in how to make lotus flowers or salt mandalas.

Things to Know Before You Go

Jogyesa Temple is a must-visit for spiritual travelers or those interested in the history and heritage of Korean Buddhism.
Remember to dress respectfully, as this is an active place of worship.
The temple and its main shrine (Daeungjeon) are wheelchair accessible.
Public restrooms are available on the temple grounds.

How to Get There

The temple’s central location makes it easy to reach via public transportation. The most convenient way to get there is to take the Seoul metro to Jonggak Station (Line 1), Anguk Station (Line 3), or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).

When to Get There

The temple grounds are open daily year-round, though Temple Stay programs are only available on select dates and must be booked in advance. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the annual festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday, when the grounds are decorated with hundreds of paper lanterns.

The Trees of Jogyesa Temple

While the temple buildings only date back to 1936, two landmarks on the Jogyesa Temple grounds are much older. Baeksong is a lacebark pine tree that is more than 500 years old. A Chinese scholar tree growing near the main hall is believed to be more than 450 years old; these trees are often found near temples and palaces, as they’re believed to transform energy from negative to positive.

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 33

Gongsanseong

Gongsanseong is a mountain fortress in South Korea that served as a royal palace and defensive fort during the Baekje period. This commanding stone structure is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers much to explore, along with some superb views over the town and the Geumgang River.

There are two ways to tour the fortress; one is to start from the parking lot, passing the west gate before following the road around, the other is to walk along the top of the castle via Sanseong Road. The latter route has many twists and turns and is a more challenging trek, but it also has the advantage of following alongside the river.

There are numerous pavilions scattered around the site that have been sympathetically reconstructed according to archeological evidence. A changing of the guards ceremony takes place at the main entrance between 11am and 4pm on weekends throughout April, May, June, September and October. Every evening the fortress is lit up by floodlights.

Practical Info

To reach Gongsanseong, take an intercity bus to Gongju Bus Terminal before connecting on one of the regular bus services from here to the Gongsanseong Fortress.

280 Ungjin-ro, Gongju, Chungcheong, South Korea, South Korea

Daily 9am-6pm (last admission: 5:30pm)

Adults: 1200 Won; Children: 600 Won

From $ 659