Must-See Attractions in Jongno District
South Korea · Seoul · Jongno District
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.
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.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Jongno District · Landmarks
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty located in the Jongno District of Seoul. Built in 1395, it sits on a vast terrain south of Bukaksan Mountain and is one of the most representative palaces in Korea. The palace retains significant historical monuments such as Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, and visitors can also explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea nearby.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bukchon Art Museum
Jongno District · Museums, Culture & Arts
Bukchon Art Museum is a community-based art museum located in the Jongno District of Seoul, near the traditional neighborhoods of Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong. The museum showcases a range of works from traditional Korean art to contemporary pieces, allowing visitors to experience a diverse artistic perspective within the historical and cultural atmosphere of Bukchon. Situated in a tranquil residential area dense with hanoks, it is also ideal for combining visits with a stroll through Bukchon and exploring nearby cultural attractions and alleyways.
Kumho Museum of Art
Jongno District · Landmarks
The Kumho Museum of Art is a modern and contemporary art museum located on Samcheong-ro in the Jongno District of Seoul, adjacent to the eastern side of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Samcheong-dong arts and culture district. Founded by the Kumho Cultural Foundation, it began as the Kumho Gallery in 1989 and was expanded and relocated to its current site in 1996, with a core mission to support outstanding young Korean artists and promote contemporary art. In addition to permanent and special exhibitions, the museum features a chamber music hall, a café, and an art shop, creating a small yet refined cultural space that combines exhibitions and performances.