4.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Experience a blend of rich history, premium shopping, and cultural immersion at the Shinsegae Department Store, standing on the hallowed grounds of Korea's pioneering department store - the Misreukkosi Department Store from the 1930s. Shinsegae redefines luxury shopping as we know it, rising from the ashes of its extensive remodeling in 2007 to become an unparalleled shopping paradise. Here, tradition meets modernity, and international luxury blends seamlessly with innovative designer brands. Housed within its grandeur is a cornucopia of the world's top three luxury brands, intermixed with the fresh flair of emerging designer labels. But Shinsegae is more than a retail extravaganza - it's a testament to the transformative power of luxury, a place where you don't just shop, you embark on a retail journey unlike any other. Unveil the elegance of our Trinity Garden, a serene oasis amidst the shopping frenzy, and lose yourself in the enchanting masterpieces at our art gallery, a beacon of the finest artistry. Shinsegae is not merely a department store, but a cultural haven where shopping meets arts, crafting a unique lifestyle proposition for the discerning shopper. Nestled in the heart of Seoul, our location offers more than just shopping - it's an access point to a world of cultural exploration. From the panoramic views of Namsan Mountain to the bustling lanes of Namdaemun Market, you're always just a stone's throw away from Seoul's renowned attractions. Step into the world of Shinsegae Department Store – a nexus of shopping, culture, and history – and let us guide you on a luxury journey beyond your wildest dreams. Our doors are always open for you to discover, indulge, and explore. The magic of Shinsegae awaits. Welcome to luxury, reimagined.         The flagship store in Myeong-dong is the pride of Shinsegae. Located in the heart of Seoul, where tradition meets modernity, the Main Store is a luxurious premium shopping venue. The Main Store consists of the ‘main building’, which is a premium and the very first department store of Korea, and the ‘new building’, an urban style department store. *For purchases of KRW 30,000 or more you can have the VAT tax refunded which typically amounts to 7%-8% (some fresh food items excluded). *English/ Japanese/ Chinese interpretation services available       SHINSEGAE FAQ *How do I get a tax refund? When you make a purchase over KRW 30,000, you can get approx. 3 ~ 9% of the tax refunded at your departure from the country. For details, see the (Tax Refund Info.). *I have a Shinsegae Coupon for foreigners. How do I use this? Take your coupon to the concierge or information desk of your nearest Shinsegae store to receive the benefits of the coupon. *Are products of famous premium brands sold in department stores the same as those in duty free shops? Some are the same. Department stores mostly focus on the new arrivals. So, some of the new products can only be found in department stores. *I heard that if I buy jewelry in a department store, I can get a bigger tax refund. How much would it be? For purchases over KRW 2,200,001, you can get at least 8% to as much as 24.8% of the tax refunded. Please inquire at the brand shop for details. *Where can I use the Shinsegae gift cards? In addition to Shinsegae stores, you can use Shinsegae gift cards as cash in E-mart, Starbucks, Westin Chosun Hotel and Chelsea Outlet. For making payments, you can use Shinsegae gift cards together with credit card or cash. When 60% or more of the face value of the gift card (80% or more for KRW 10,000 card) is used, the balance is returned to you in Korean won. *Where should I go when I have questions while in the store? Please go to the information desk or concierge or call the 023101601/1004 for assistance in English, Japanese or Chinese Language. *When I don’t like a purchase afterwards, can I have it exchanged or refunded? An exchange or refund is possible within 7 days from the date of purchase except some brands. Bring the product and receipt to the store of purchase for an exchange or refund. Please note that an exchange or refund is not possible for repaired or damaged products. *When are the stores closed? What are the service hours? Each Shinsegae Department Store is closed once a month. The closing day varies from store to store and is different each month. Also, service hours may vary depending upon the store. In general, stores are open during weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, open hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For details, please check the shopping hours per store.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located to the north of COEX building, and was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple at the east of King Seongjong’s royal mausoleum and renamed the temple as Bongeunsa. Originally located near the royal maulsoleum (1km southwest), the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee, are stored here. The Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa, is held every September 9th of the lunar calendar, where monks march carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).


4.0/1
Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu)

Seoul International Fireworks Festival is an annual event of extravagant firework displays by firework masters from home and abroad. Prior to the firework show, visitors will be able to enjoy various performances and programs. Visitors can enjoy firework displays by professional teams from home and abroad.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom. A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is "The Restaurant." Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.


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

Jogyesa Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first thing you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old. One locust tree is about 26-meter high, and in the summer, provides a large amount of shade to enhance the mood of the temple. The baeksong tree is designated as a Natural Monument. The Daeungjeon building is a stately building built in 1938. The Dancheong is particularly beautiful with all the different colors painted on it, and inside the building is the statue of Seokgamoni. In front of the Daeungjeon building, you can also see a seven-storey stone pagoda containing Jinsinsari. Jogyesa Temple does not give off the solemn and traditional air of the other temples located deep in the mountains, or offer the seasonal scenery of the mountains and the sea. But because it is located in the middle of the city, the transportation is convenient, and is well connected to the surrounding areas. It is good for tourists on a tight schedule. Along the street around Jogyesa Temple are many Buddhist specialty shops, selling such things as prayer beads, Buddhist writings, incense, as well as souvenirs such as dolls and key chains. If you are interested in Buddhism, these stores may be worth looking around.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Since its inception in 2009, the annual Seoul Lantern Festival has managed to put on remarkable displays of lanterns on the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul. During the festival period, hundreds of lanterns, each with a unique design and story, will be lit on Cheonggyecheon Stream. Visitors can expect to see lanterns made by international artists, as well as local citizens.


4.5/2
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

On August 1st, 2009, the redesigned Gwanghwamun Square opened to the public. With the inauguration of the square, Sejong-ro, located at the center of the 600-year-old historic city of Seoul, was transformed into a human-centered space that harmonizes with the beautiful scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukaksan Mountain. The close to 20,000m2 Gwanghwamun Square is located at the center of Sejong-ro which connects Gwanghwamun Gate and Cheonggye Square. The square is divided into the sections, “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza,” “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza,” “Korea Main Plaza,” “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza,” “Downtown Plaza” and “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector.” The “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza” section is at the entrance of the plaza, where a stone base called Woldae and a statue of Haetae, a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire, have been restored. Near Sejong-ro Park is “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza” where Yukjo Street, the main street of old Seoul (Formally known as Hanyang) was recreated. On the side is also a miniature depiction of Yukjo Street. The Statue of King Sejong the Great has been relocated in the “Korea Main Plaza” where Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, is projected on a fountain water screen. Between the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is the “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza” with a range of attractions and services including accommodation facilities for visitors, exhibition halls, elevators, a meeting plaza, and art galleries. “Downtown Plaza,” located near the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, symbolizes Sejong-ro. The Square has water facilities such as a pond and pop-jet fountains. The “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector” functions as a connecting walking path between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gyeongbokgung Palace. In addition, there is the “Memorial Waterway”, flowing underground water, which goes from both Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun subway stations to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Plus, behind the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is “Sunken Square” which connects Gwanghwamun subway station and the ground allowing people to access the Square more easily. Two statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and Sejong the Great, who are great and influential people in Korean history, are situated at Gwanghwamun Square where the beatification ceremony will take place. Visitors can see “Waterways of History” and “King Sejong Story” exhibitions, the latter of which highlights the achievements of King Sejong and history of Hangeul.    


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Dong Seoul Bus Terminal is located at Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2). Buses running to every corner of Korea including Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Gyeongsang, Chungcheong and Jeolla regions depart from this bus station. Bus reservations may be made through the official website or mobile application available, and tickets can also be purchased at the ticket window upon arrival at the bus station. *Online ticket reservations may  be applicable to Koreans or foreigners residing in Korea only


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider view of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the late afternoon and coming back down in the early evening (to beat the nighttime rush). To get to the cable cars without having to walk too much, take the Namsan Oreumi, (Namsan outdoor elevator). The Namsan Oreumi is the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. It runs a distance of 140m (from the entrance of Namsan 3rd Tunnel to the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car) and takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in about two minutes, as opposed to the usual 20-min. walk. Maximum capacity is 20 people and operating hours are the same as the Namsan Cable Car (09:00 to 23:30). The other way to get to the Namsan Cable Car station is by going out of exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, subway line 4 (see ‘directions’ section for details).