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Traditional Cultural and Historic Sites

Seoul, which is often characterized by its latest technological advancements, is home to a number of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) palaces that continue to exude traditional and majestic beauty of Korea. Visit one of the five ancient palaces and Jongmyo Shrine to learn about the palatial architecture from the Joseon Dynasty era, or visit the districts of Samcheong-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insa-dong for a glimpse of Korean traditional living. Moreover, integrated tickets (10,000 won) admit visitors to the palaces anytime during the course of a month.

① Deoksugung Palace – (20 minutes) - ② Gyeonghuigung Palace – (20 minutes) - ③ Gyeongbokgung Palace –(10 minutes) - ④ Samcheong-dong – (10 minutes) - ⑤ Bukchon Hanok Village – (10 minutes) - ⑥ Changdeokgung Palace – (10 minutes) - ⑦ Changgyeonggung Palace – (10 minutes) - ⑧ Jongmyo Shrine – (15 minutes) - ⑨ Insa-dong

Description: The first palace with a European-style garden and fountain

Transportation: Subway Line 1 or 2, Seoul City Hall Station, Exit #2, 5-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-771-9951

Description: Used as a secondary palace from the 17th through the 19th centuries, the palace has restored buildings and art galleries, and is a great place for a walk

Transportation: Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit #1, 10-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-724-0274

Description: The first of five Seoul palaces to be built, and also the largest and most impressive in terms of architecture

Transportation: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #5, 5-minute walk; or Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit #2, 10-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-3700-3900

Description: A residential district between Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace with many antique-style restaurants and galleries

Transportation: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit #5, 10-minute walk in the direction of Samcheong-dong Police Station

Tel / links: +82-2-1330

Description: A residential district since the Joseon Dynasty that offers various traditional cultural programs including craft classes and exhibitions

Transportation: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit #2, 5-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-731-0851 / Bukchon Cultural Center , Museum of Korean Buddhist Art

Description: A palace built “in harmony with nature”; UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

Transportation: Subway Line 1, 3 or 5, Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit #6, 5-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-762-9513

Related Column: Cultural Heritage Sites > Changdeokgung Palace

Description: A palace built to serve as living quarters for the royal family

Transportation: Subway Line 4, Hyehwa Station, Exit #4, 15-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-762-4868

Description: A royal shrine where the tablets of the Joseon Dynasty kings and queens are preserved; UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

Transportation: Subway Line 1, 3 or 5, Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit #8, 5-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-765-0195

Related Column: Cultural Heritage Sites > Jongmyo Shrine

Description: A district of traditional cultural artworks such as antiques, arts, crafts and accessories

Transportation: Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit #6, 1-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-734-0222

Related Column:
Galleries in Insa-dong: Abundance of Traditional Culture and Art
Where to Shop > Insa-dong

Description: A venue for various traditional cultural programs including performances, exhibitions and Taekwondo

Transportation: Subway Line 3 or 4, Chungmuro Station, Exit #3, 10-minute walk

Tel / links: +82-2-2264-4412

Related Column: Traditional Activities and Programs > Taekwondo

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