32 Best Sights in Jongno-gu, Seoul

Running through Bugaksan mountain, the Baegak Trail begins and ends at two minor gates of the Seoul City Wall, from Changuimun to Hyehwamun. The trail reaches a height of 342 meters (1,122 feet) and takes about three hours to complete. The trail has a lot of history: it's where North Korean Special forces infiltrated Seoul in 1968. As a result of this history, visitors to the area are required to bring identification in order to enter. Highlights of the trail include the January 21 Incident Pine Tree, a tree with traces of bullets fired during a gunfight with North Korean forces, and Malbawi Observatory, a scenic viewpoint from which both Seongbuk-gu and Jongno-gu are visible.

With its labyrinthine street and rustic stone and clay houses, Bukchon is one of the few places to get a glimpse of old Seoul. This hilly neighborhood is one of the most picturesque and charming places in the city. Historically home to the upper crust of Korean society, in recent years Bukchon has become a cultural center for residents and tourists alike. Mixed in with the traditional Hanok houses are numerous galleries, cafes, small museums, and guesthouses. To best experience this area, visitors can stay at a traditional hanok guesthouse, such as Gongsimga. The top of the hill offers beautiful views of the city and palaces below, making it a great place to visit at sunset or sunrise. For rest and refreshment, stop by one of the many cafes along Samcheong-gil, which forms the eastern border of the neighborhood.

If you only have time for one of Seoul's five palaces, Changdeokgung is the one to see. Built in 1405, it is the Joseon Dynasty's second palace and is now registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Changdeokgung has an older, more historic feel than some of the other palaces and was designed to blend in with the natural landscape surrounding it. What truly sets it apart, however, is the Secret Garden, only accessible via a reserved tour. Nestled on a hill and featuring a lotus pond and 300-year-old trees, the garden follows the serene flow of the four valleys that divide it. Before you visit, check to see if the palace is offering its special nighttime hours, as the building is exceptional in the glow of lamp light. For guided tour times in English and for a roster of seasonal events, visit the palace website. 

The oldest and most famous of Seoul's palaces, Gyeongbokgung means "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven." Built in 1395, it served as the main seat of government throughout much of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Destroyed in 1592, the palace was unused for nearly 270 years as the government moved its seat to Changdeokgung. In 1867 the palace was rebuilt on a grand scale, with 5,792 rooms in over 330 building in the sprawling complex which again becoming a self-functioning city within a city. Unfortunately all but ten buildings of this majestic complex were destroyed during the Japanese occupation in the first part of the 20th century. Adding insult to injury, the colonial powers built the Japanese Government General building directly in front of Gyeongbokgung's throne hall. Restoration of the palace began again in 1990, and though no longer the seat of government, the palace has been restored to some of its former glory. A must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture, Gyeongbokgung is the most visited tourist sight in Korea so crowds can be dense, especially in the warmer months and on weekends.   At the palace gate, Gwanghwamun Gate, you can see the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony each day at 10 am and 2 pm except Tuesday. 

The Ihwa Mural Village was created in 2006 when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited more than 70 artists to paint or create sculptures for their “Art in the City'' initiative to revive the area. Formerly known as a Daldongnae, “Moon Village,” because of the unobstructed views of the moon seen from the hills, the village was home to the lower and working class, and Korean War refugees during the 1950s. 

The vibrant displays of artwork mixed with historic Seoul have revitalized the area, attracting locals and tourists. The most famous pieces are the Koi Fish staircase ( Ihwajang 1na-gil), Mosaic Flower staircase ( Yulgok-ro 19-gil), and Angel Wings ( 9-396 Ihwa-dong) where there is always a line for photos. In fact, the area has become so popular that the district has enforced a “Silent Campaign.” While you’re meandering the alleyways looking for the next masterpiece, remember to keep your voices low, respect the privacy of residents, and hold on to or properly dispose of your trash to ensure the continuity of the village for years to come.

Founded by world-famous collector Kim Chang-il, this contemporary art museum is housed in a striking brick building from the 1970s. In addition to the rotating exhibitions, there are several dining options including the standout Fritz Coffee and Le Cochon, a French restaurant in the attached glass building.

Designed by prominent Korean architect Kim Swoo-geun, the ARKO Art Center was established in 1979 under the direction of the Arts Council Korea, also known by its acronym, ARKO. Kim's goal was for his architecture to represent a poem written by light and bricks. He achieved just that, as the center's red brick is an iconic symbol of Hyehwa-dong. The building consists of an exhibition space, archive, cafe, and other facilities dedicated to showcasing Korean contemporary art and supporting emerging Korean artists. Most exhibitions are free.

Changgyeonggung stands out for its quiet beauty. Constructed in 1418, the palace was originally a residence for former queens of the Joseon Dynasty. Along with the adjacent Changdeokgung Palace, it was referred to as the East Palace. In 1762 the palace was home to one of Korea's famous royal murders. As the story goes, Prince Sado, the heir to the throne, was quite strange. Worried about what would happen should he take power, the emperor lured him into a rice casket in the palace, locking him in until he starved to death. Later, during the Japanese occupation, the palace was home to a zoo and amusement park which lasted until the 1980s. Today, Changgyeonggung has been restored to its former state and although the gate is a bit of a hike, it is well worth a visit to see one of Seoul's serenely landscaped palaces without the crowds of neighboring Changdeokgung.

You may know the White House, but do you know the Blue House? Officially known as Cheong Wa Dae, meaning “pavilion of blue tiles,” this striking former residence of the president in the Jongno-gu district was built on the site of a royal garden, dating from 1104. It’s beautifully backdropped by Bugaksan, one of the city’s most popular hiking mountains, the top of which makes for an excellent vantage point to observe Cheong Wa Dae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the entire city beyond. Free history tours are offered year-round in Korean only, but there’s an English audio option—be sure to book at least three weeks ahead of time.

Running east–west through the city, this path-lined stream is one of the best places in Seoul to go for a stroll, especially in summer when it's a cool respite from the heat. Simple scenes of folks taking a break from Seoul's hectic pace play out daily: couples walk hand in hand; students gather; and businesspeople relax on the steps during their lunch break. A good place to start exploring is Cheonggye Plaza at the west end of the stream with its striking Claes Oldenburg pop-art sculpture, Spring. Every November, the Seoul Lantern Festival is hosted here, during which hundreds of delicate lanterns light up the waters.

Although the Starfield Library in Gangnam’s COEX Mall is likely Seoul’s most famous, the Cheongun Literature Library a short bus ride away from Gyeongbokgung Station is hands down its most beautiful. The library is spread over two levels: the lower level houses approximately 20,000 books in a conventional library setting, and the ground floor consists of two units of a hanok. The hanok’s bonchae (main building) has several rooms with Korean floor-style seating for those looking to read or study in private and a one-room nujeong (annex) open to the public. While visitors cannot check out books, the library’s unique design and nearby Cheongun Park make the trip worthwhile.

Contemporary art, and especially photography, is the focus of this small but special museum near Gyeongbukgung Palace. Its colorful galleries are the reason you come, but be sure to admire the exterior, a modernist cube comprised of stained glass panels. From the balcony, you can spot Inwansan and Bukhansan mountains in the distance.

At this cafe and museum in the Ihwa Mural Village, the price of admission includes a drink and access to its Lock, Pottery, and Kitchen mini-museums. (The Lock Museum is particularly famous). The owner spent decades collecting these Korean artifacts to showcase in his own space. Although explanatory text is limited, the staff are more than happy to offer insights as you sip your drink from room to room. There are also outdoor seats on the observation decks with breathtaking views of Seoul’s skyline. This is also a great place for a bathroom break (with paid admission) as the public ones in the village are often closed.

This lovely contemporary art gallery is worth a stop if you're in Insa-dong and in the mood for perusing quirky, thought-provoking pieces from local and international artists. The space itself is bright and easy to navigate.

The large public square facing Gyeongbokgung Palace has long been a historical center of Seoul. After a renovation, the square doubled in size in 2022. Leafy trees, water fountains, and more pedestrian walkways now line the plaza, making this a sensible starting point for (or respite during) your adventures of the neighborhood. While here, admire its recently restored platform, once a stand for kings to communicate with the people that was later destroyed during Japanese occupation, plus two iconic statues, one of King Sejong and another of Admiral Yi Sunshin. The U.S. Embassy is across from the square.

Gyeonghuigung, the Palace of Light and Joy, is by far the least grand of Seoul's palaces, but also the least visited. Built in 1617, it is also the most recent of Seoul's palaces, but like the others Gyeonghuigung suffered a similar cycle of destruction during Japanese occupation and restoration. The palace is often used as a set in Korean films and dramas, so lucky visitors may even happen upon a movie shoot. Next door is the Seoul Museum of History.

Within this maze of hanoks (traditional Korean houses) you'll find a host of trendy bars, cafes, shopping, and hip restaurants. The quaint alleyways are a great place to stroll among the area's history as it mixes with contemporary Korean culture.

Full of restaurants and street vendors, modern art galleries and traditional crafts, this neighborhood is buzzing with energy year round. An interesting blend of the old and new, it connects the historic neighborhoods and palaces of northern Seoul to the fast-paced modern downtown. While there are any number of interesting shops, teahouses, and restaurants, the modern Ssamzie-gil complex is worth a special stop. The four-story building is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, from inexpensive crafts to works by world-famous designers. Insa-dong is one of the best places in the city to shop for souvenirs or antiques. A number of shops sell generic "made in China" ceramics and goods though, so be sure what you are getting is the real thing. Although it has become more tourist-centered in the past few years, Insa-dong remains one of Seoul's best areas to spend the day.

Just northwest of downtown Seoul, Inwangsan mountain rises just 338 meters (1,109 feet) making it an easy place to hike if you want stellar views of Seoul and its ancient fortress wall. A moderate 1.1-mile out-and-back trail takes you along city wall, past rock formations, and to views of the city. It takes about 45 minutes to complete, but note there are some challenging sections.

Nothing screams "modern art gallery" quite like the cube architecture of Kukje, which aims to share the work of contemporary Korean artists like Kwon Young-Woo and Ha Chong-Hyun with the world. The gallery regularly participates in Art Basel and other globally acclaimed art festivals. International artists such as Damien Hirst, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Anish Kapoor are also represented.

This small park right outside Hyehwa Station Exit 2 is the heart of Hyehwa-dong. Named after the Marronnier (horse chestnut) trees that are planted there, it was once a part of Seoul National University’s former campus. Today it’s where people come to stroll around before performances or to watch street performances. The park transforms into an open-air stage in the evenings and on weekends during the warmer months. Unlike the street performances in Hongdae that lean more toward the K-Pop genre, here you’ll find mimes, magicians, and acoustic guitar performances. 

Despite its size, there are a handful of landmarks within the park, including ARKO Arts Theater, ARKO Art Center, and sculptures, including a large statue of Kim Sang-ok, a political activist who died fighting for Korean independence. At the center of the park, there’s a Seoul National University monument, a miniature recreation of the university that once occupied the area. From May to June, the Marrionner trees are in bloom, showing off vibrant red and white flowers while offering much needed shade and in the fall, the foliage turns amber. It’s an excellent place to sit within nature and people-watch any time of year.

At this institution for learning about and making kimchi, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibit highlighting the history and significance of the beloved fermented cabbage dish via a free audio guide. They can also reserve one of two kimchi-making classes four days in advance. A 40-minute kimchi making class focuses on seasonal kimchi recipes, and while it is quite introductory, beginners can go home with five pounds of the delicious dish for ₩20,000. There is also a do-it-yourself, one-day kimchi program for visitors who want to take home almost a pound of red cabbage kimchi.

Located on Naksan, one of the four guardian mountains of Seoul, Naksan Park is perched on top of the hill and offers stunning views of the city. The park and mountain are named after the camel’s hump, nakta (Korean for camel), and san (Korean for mountain). The natural area, including the solid granite bedrock of Naksan, was destroyed during the developments made under Japanese occupation. To restore and preserve the remaining green belt, the Seoul Metropolitan Government established Naksan Park in 2002. Today, Naksan Park features a traditional Korean pagoda with colorful, ornate painted details, several observation decks, badminton and basketball courts, an exhibition hall, and a small convenience store.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds are home to this museum dedicated to the traditional and present-day lifestyles of the Korean people. It's a great introduction to the culture and history of the country for first-time visitors, especially the captivating permanent exhibition that covers daily life in villages from the 17th to 20th centuries. There's also a rotating special exhibit; its past subjects have included folklore, makgeolli, and the history and development of towns such as Busan and Incheon. Although there is no daily tour in English, groups of 10 can reserve English tours in advance at least five days before arriving, and audio guides can be rented at the information desk. A cafe on site sells snacks and sandwiches.

Located across from Gyeongbokgung Palace, this free history museum not only displays documents and photos that chronicle the recent past of the city but also has some stunning views of the Gwanghwamun area from its 8th floor rooftop garden. The museum has several permanent exhibitions spanning the years 1894 to the present day and is a good place to go to begin to understand the city's modernization, independence, and shift to democracy. English language guided tours are available for groups of five or more with advance reservation.

Arguably the best known institution of contemporary Korean art, the MMCA has four branches; this location opened in 2013 as its headquarters. Spread across four stories, its facilities include a media lab, digital library, and outdoor courtyard in addition to several galleries. Past exhibitions include a retrospective on Lee Kyungsung, collected works of Duchamp, and a curation of films by Guy Maddin. The museum is a co-sponsor of several prestigious art awards, including the annual Korea Artist Prize for innovative, visual artists addressing social issues, and the museum frequently hosts exhibitions gathering works of such artists. Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s book shop and gift store for souvenirs highlighting contemporary Korean artists. 

On Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, the street in front of the Hyehwa Catholic Church transforms into Little Manila with a lively open-air market with Filipino vendors selling traditional foods like baked bananas and balut (fertilized duck egg), hard-to-source produce, toiletries, and more. The church holds mass in Tagalong on Sunday afternoons, so the market also serves as a gathering place for the Filipino community in Seoul.

Becoming ever more trendy, Seochon is the neighborhood to come for fine dining and a glass of wine. Vintage shops, traditional hanok houses, and an art museum, Park No-soo Art Museum, can be explored along its streets, which lie just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Traditional food can be sampled at Sejong Village Food Street.

It's worth the hike just west of Jongno-gu in the district of Seodaemun to explore this former prison built in 1908. It once imprisoned Korean independence activists who were pro-democracy during the Japanese occupation; today it houses history exhibits and various prison rooms documenting their suffering and honoring the lives lost on the road to Korean independence. English tours can be booked a week in advance.

The first public museum in the country to specialize in craft arts, SeMoCA opened in 2021 on the site of the former Pungmoon Girls High School. The museum showcases more than 23,000 pieces across four exhibition buildings and includes samples of embroidered fabrics, furniture, and traditional games dating back hundreds of years. While the topic of craft art may not appeal to everyone, the curation here is exceptionally well-done with many detailed explanations and interactive elements. Parents are particularly fond of the museum’s Craft Village, which has kid-friendly studios dedicated to metalwork, ceramics, and wood crafts. Classes for children are also available through the museum's reservation system.