Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

K-guesthouse Insadong 2, which brings people and cultures together, is located in Jongno-gu, only minutes from Jonggak Station on Subway Line 1. Being right along Jongno’s “Street of Youth,” guests can experience the dynamic atmosphere of Korea, while also enjoying Insa-dong’s “Culture Street” right across the street. Traditional palaces of Korea such as Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung are located nearby, so guests can learn, tour and experience the traditional beauty of Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents over 4,000 historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people. Here you can fully immerse yourselves in previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, and learn about Korea’s cultural beliefs. The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent and two special exhibitions as well as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

There are ancient palaces well-matched with modern buildings in Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone. Not only cultural assets from Joseon Dynasty, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, but a number of museums are also located in this zone. Those who visit this zone can encounter diverse streets like Insa-dong Culture Street, Gwancheol-dong Street of Youth, Jewelry Shopping Street, Seun Electronics Market, Lighting Store, Gwangjang Market and Stationary Store Street. Besides these areas, there is still more to see in this zone. Today, the zone is a must-visit place for foreign tourists. Visitors can experience Korean culture and traditions at Sancheong-dong, Bukchon and Insa-dong. Bukchon offers Hanok (Korean traditional house) stays and cultural experiences, and visitors can feel the aesthetic essence of Korean culture. Restaurants around Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong serve fusion cuisine as well as traditional dishes. Along the streets are galleries of various sizes where one can spend some quiet time. Gwanghwamun Gate, where newspaper companies, government and public agencies and bookstores are located, is a great place to learn about the lifestyle and culture of people in Seoul. The trail along Cheonggyecheon Stream is well-managed. In the area around Jongno there are more than 14,000 shops and stores dedicated to fashion, including clothing and footwear, jewelry, electronics, stationary goods and accessories. There are many unique things to see. Many of them are old and have stood witness to the ups and downs of the area for decades. Various festivals take place in the area around Jongno and Cheongyecheon Stream, and it is worthwhile to take a look at the narrow alleys that hold on to the atmosphere of an old neighborhood. It is also near Cheongwadae, the presidential residence. For a Cheongwadae tour, it is required to submit an application in advance. * Current State Jongno & Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Gwanghwamun Building~ Sungin-dong Intersection (Areas around Seorin, Gwancheol, Gwansu, Jangsa and Yeji-dong, parts of Sinmunno 1(il)-ga, Jongno 1 (il) to 6 (yuk)-ga, Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul) 2) Area: 540,602㎡ * Tourist Attractions palaces, art galleries, museums, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Bongraeheon serves savory royal Korean dishes in a great natural environment. It was designated a Proud Korean Restaurant in 2007 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is located in a traditional Korean building built by Lee Il-gu, a master carpenter and Human Cultural Property who participated in the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace. With high ceilings, the whole building has a soothing smell of pine. It’s a popular place for business dining as well as the first meeting between the parents of soon-to-be bride and groom. The restaurant specializes in course meals including gujeolpan, geonoljeolpan, sinseonno, jeonbokcho, hanbang kkorijjim, and stone baked mushrooms.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Palais de Seoul is an art gallery that first opened in January 2010 in Tongui-dong, Seochon of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a rising hub of culture and art in Seoul. Palais de Seoul, meaning a palace in Seoul in French, is 330py in size with 1 basement floor and 2 floors above the ground. The gallery houses three exhibition halls, an art shop on the first floor and a rooftop garden that accommodates various events and opening ceremonies for the exhibitions the gallery holds. Hosting various genres of exhibitions ranging from paintings, photos, videos, body paintings to glass installations, the art gallery has been leading the effort to promote the work of art of the famous artists from home and abroad, as well as some experimental artwork of new young talents.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Hotel Kota is located right next to the Dongdaemun Subway Station Exit 6. Guests can appreciate the beautiful view of Dongdaemun Gate from the interior of the hotel and enjoy safe and comfortable 24/7 shopping at the Dongdaemun Shopping Town. As the hotel is adjacent to Jongno, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), Myeong-dong, and other landmarks of Seoul, it is popular among all kinds of guests including family groups, business travelers and foreign tourists. Situated in a convenient transportation hub, the hotel offers guests the ideal opportunity to enjoy exciting experiences in Dondaemun, the heart of Seoul.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The street in front of Cheongwadae (Blue House) is open to the public and includes both Hyoja Samgeori (Hyoja three-way intersection) in Hyoja-dong and Palpan Samgeori (Palpan three-way inetersection) in Palpan-dong. When walking along Hyoja-ro Road from Gyeongbokgung Station, sights include a fountain, Mugunghwa Garden, Yeonmugwan Hall, Daegogak and Yeongbingwan Hall.Cheongwadae Sarangchae consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, including Korean Culture Exhibition Hall, Planned Exhibition Hall, a gift shop, and rest area (Korean Food Promotion Hall, Café) on the first floor and Cheongwadae Hall and Haengboknuri Hall on the second floor. Daegogak Hall houses a book donated to former president, Kim Young-sam for expressing the past spirit of Sinmungo (Petitioner's drum from Korean History). Yeonmugwan Hall is a martial art and fitness center for guards. Mugunghwa Dongsan, formed after the ansa (Safe House) was demolished in 1993, includes a well, mock fortress, and rest area. Located behind Mugunghwa Dongsan is Apostolic Nunciature in Korea and Chilgung (Seven Palaces).At the beginning of the street in front of Cheongwadae, dense trees and beautiful flower gardens decorating both sides of the road make it a nice place for taking a walk. The area from the north gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Chunchumun, to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Geonchunmun, is Samcheongdong-gil Road. This road is home to many art galleries, including Kukje Gallery, Growrich Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Jin Art gallery, in the area of Hyoja-ro.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Of the 4 Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by the Emperor of 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the Emperor of 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bukak Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bukak Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul in one breath.