Explore Seoul
Curated travel attractions — browse by region or category.
Changdeokgung Palace
Jongno District · Landmarks
Changdeokgung Palace is a Joseon Dynasty palace located in the Jongno District of Seoul, situated to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and is therefore also known as 'East Palace'. It is famous for being one of the best-preserved palaces in Korea and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, with the rear garden being the most popular highlight among visitors.
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongno District · Landmarks
Jongmyo Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Jongno District of Seoul, serving as the royal ancestral shrine for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The area is surrounded by vast pine forests and traditional Korean architecture, creating a solemn and tranquil atmosphere, making it a representative site for understanding Korean Confucian ritual culture and royal ceremonies. Jongmyo is adjacent to traditional neighborhoods such as Insa-dong and Ikseon-dong, making it an ideal part of a day trip exploring the cultural heritage of Seoul.
Sungnyemun
Jung District · Landmarks
Sungnyemun is one of the most representative ancient city gates in downtown Seoul and serves as the main southern gate of the four great gates of the Joseon Dynasty capital, Hanyang, commonly known as 'Namdaemun'. It is designated as National Treasure No. 1 of South Korea. Originally built between 1395 and 1398, it was one of the main gates protecting Hanyang City. Today, it stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. In 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by arson, and after more than five years of meticulous restoration, it reopened to the public in 2013, showcasing the solemn appearance of a wooden pavilion city gate from the Joseon era. The gate is located near the bustling Namdaemun Market and Seoul Station, making it a must-visit historical landmark and photo spot in Seoul.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Jongno District · Landmarks
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most important main hall and symbolic building within Gyeongbokgung in Seoul. It is also the core space for the coronation ceremonies, royal meetings, and significant national rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. The hall was originally built between 1394 and 1395, and the existing structure is a wooden hall reconstructed in the 19th century. It has been designated as South Korea's National Treasure No. 223 and is located in the central area of Gyeongbokgung in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Visitors typically start their exploration of Gyeongbokgung from Gyeongbokgung Palace, where they can enjoy an elegant view of the palace complex set against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain from the square.
Jogyesa Temple
Jongno District · Temples & Shrines
Jogyesa Temple is a representative Buddhist temple located in the Jongno district of central Seoul, and it serves as the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The temple is close to Insa-dong, Anguk Station, and Jonggak Station, and it is open year-round, making it a great stop for a walking and worship itinerary in downtown Seoul.
Namsan Seoul Tower
Jung District · Landmarks
Namsan Seoul Tower is a landmark observation tower located at the top of Namsan Mountain in the Yongsan District of Seoul. Standing approximately 236.7 meters tall, it combines an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, cafes, and multimedia exhibition spaces, making it a representative spot for enjoying panoramic views and night scenes of Seoul.
Cheonggyecheon
Jung District · Nature & Scenery
Cheonggyecheon is located in the heart of Seoul and is an urban stream and walking path that has been restored and revitalized, connecting Gwanghwamun, Jongno, and Dongdaemun areas. During the day, visitors can stroll along the stream to enjoy the water views and bridges, while at night it is famous for its lighting and night scenery, making it one of Seoul's most iconic urban natural attractions.
Changdeokgung Palace Injeongmun
Jongno District · Landmarks
Changdeokgung Palace Injeongmun is the main gate leading to the main hall of Changdeokgung Palace, known as Injeongjeon, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changdeokgung in the Jongno District of Seoul. Injeongmun was originally built in the fifth year of King Taejong's reign (1405), and after being damaged during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt in the first year of King Gwanghaegun's reign (1608). It was further restored during the reign of King Yeongjo due to a fire, witnessing the rise and fall of the Joseon Dynasty throughout its history.
Statue of Sejong the Great
Jongno District · Landmarks
The Statue of Sejong the Great is located in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and serves as an important landmark commemorating the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, Sejong the Great. In front of the statue, visitors can see exhibitions on science and history, while behind it is the Sejong Story Museum, making it a great addition to a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Jongno District · Museums, Culture & Arts
The Seoul Museum of Craft Art is Korea's first public craft museum, opened in July 2021 after being renovated from the former site of the Yongpung Women's High School in the Anguk-dong area of Jongno District. The museum focuses on the display, research, and education of crafts, housing over 20,000 craft works and materials from traditional to modern, making it ideal for travelers looking to gain a deeper understanding of Korean craft and design culture.
Wongaksa Temple Site Ten-Story Stone Pagoda
Jongno District · Landmarks
The Wongaksa Temple Site Ten-Story Stone Pagoda is a representative stone pagoda from the Joseon Dynasty located in Tapgol Park, Jongno District, Seoul. It is also designated as National Treasure No. 2 of South Korea. The pagoda is carved from stone to resemble wooden construction and is well-preserved, currently displayed under glass protection in the heart of Seoul, connected to the modern historical landscape of Tapgol Park.
Cheondogyo Central Cathedral
Jongno District · Landmarks
The Cheondogyo Central Cathedral is located in the Jongno District of Seoul, near Gyeongun-dong and Insadong, serving as the headquarters and a representative historical building of Cheondogyo. Construction began in 1918 and was completed in 1921, and it is designated as Seoul's tangible cultural heritage No. 36.