Explore Jongno District

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.

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.