Hongneung Arboretum

1GJGHoegi Station

1GJGCheongnyangni Station

6Korea University Station

Hoegi Station, Exit 1, approx. 20-min by bus (No. 273) or 15-min by taxi

Located 1.45 kilometers west of Hoegi Station is the nation’s first arboretum - Hongneung Arboretum. Built on the Hongneung burial site, the royal tomb of Queen Myeongseong, the garden boasts plants from both home and abroad, and is a representative forest located in the heart of Seoul. Although it is a research-centered arboretum managed by the Korea Forest Services, it is open to the public free of charge, except Mondays and public holidays when it is closed.

Seoul Folk Flea Market

12UISinseol-dong Station

Sinseol-dong Station, Exit 6, approx. 10-min walk

Seoul Folk Flea Market first originated from the flea market in Hwanghak-dong, where many street shops and vendors gathered around Cheonggyecheon Stream. It had moved to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (formerly Dongdaemun Station) while Cheonggyecheon Stream was undergoing renovations, and was later restored and modernized to its current state. Seoul Flea Market mainly offers electronics and household items, selling antiques on the first floor while leisure sports items and regional specialties can be found on the second floor.

Dongmyo Flea Market

16Dongmyo Station

• 【 Photo: Dongmyo Shrine 】
• 【 Photo: Dongmyo Flea Market 】

Dongmyo Station, Exit 3, approx. 2-min walk

Known as the outdoor version of Seoul Folk Flea Market, Dongmyo Flea Market gained popularity among the younger generation after famous Korean celebrities are known to have shopped here. Tourists can also get a taste of unique shopping experience at a relatively low cost. With just 10,000 won, you can buy interesting secondhand items including books, snacks and other vintage items.

Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun Gate)

14Dongdaemun Station

【 Photo: Heunginjimun Gate 】

Dongdaemun Station, Exit 6, approx. 3-min walk

Heunginjimun Gate, Designated Treasure No. 1, is the easternmost gate among the eight gates in Seoul. It was first completed in 1398 and rebuilt in 1869. This two-story building with an arched stone gate at its center features elements of architectural style from the late Joseon Dynasty. One of the special features of this gate is the presence of ongseong, an outer fortress built for double protection of the gate, a characteristic not found in other gates of Seoul.

Dongdaemun Fashion Town

14Dongdaemun Station

245Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station

【 Photo: Dongdaemun Fashion Town 】

Dongdaemun Station, Exit 7, approx. 5-min walk

The Dongdaemun Fashion Town Special Tourist Zone consists of both wholesale and retail markets. From Pyeonghwa Fashion Town and a variety of shopping complexes to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), this is an area with a wide assortment of shopping options. The greatest perk of this area is the fashion boutiques of young and avant-garde high-end fashion designers. Moreover, gorgeous lighting at night and a wealth of cultural events add to the fun of shopping.

Gwangjang Market

1Jongno 5(o)-ga Station

25Eulji-ro 4(sa)-ga Station

• 【 Photo: Gwangjang Market interior 】
• 【 Photo: Food at Gwangjang Market 】

Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, Exit 8, approx. 5-min walk

Formed in 1905, Gwangjang Market is Korea’s oldest market established by private retailers. Imported goods can mostly be found on the second and third floors while bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), gimbap, yukhoe (beef tartare) and many other delicious street foods are notably found on the first floor of the market. Although it is a traditional market, Gwangjang Market is one of the most popular attractions in the Jongno area among the local youth and international tourists.

Jongmyo Shrine

135Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station

• 【 Photo: Jongmyo Shrine’s Jeongjeon Hall 】
• 【 Photo: Jongmyo Jerye 】

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 11, approx. 5-min walk

The primary place of worship throughout the Joseon Dynasty and where the ancestral tablets of Joseon's kings and queens are kept, Jongmyo Shrine is Seoul’s representative UNESCO World Heritage. In particular, Jongmyodaeje (Royal Ancestral Memorial Rite of Joseon) ceremony, a UNESCO designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is held at Jongmyo Shrine every May. International visitors can make an online reservation for commentary guides in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Tapgol Park

135Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station

1Jonggak Station

• 
• 

【 Photo: Tapgol Park (right, credit: Cultural Heritage Administration) 】

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 1, approx. 5-min walk

Emblemized as the first modern park to be built in Seoul, Tapgol Park was constructed in 1897 at the former site of Wongaksa Temple. Previously known as Pagoda Park and renamed Tapgol Park in 1992, the park is of great historical value and national spirit as it was the starting point of the Independence Protest on March 1, 1919. Another attraction of the park is the 12-meter high Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple (National Treasure No. 2), built in 1465.

Insa-dong

135Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station

3Anguk Station

• 【 Photo: Insa-dong streets 】
• 【 Photo: Ssamziegil 】

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 1, approx. 10-min walk

One of Seoul’s representative tourist attractions is none other than the traditional streets of Insa-dong. Many shops selling books, antiques and traditional products can be found here. Visitors can also experience traditional art culture as several art galleries and museums renovated from hanok (traditional Korean house) can be found as well as the popular art street, Ssamzie-gil Road. Another attraction not to be missed at Insa-dong is the variety of delicious foods sold at traditional restaurants and street vendors.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

1Jonggak Station

2Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station

5Gwanghwamun Station

【 Photo: Cheonggyecheon Stream 】

Jonggak Station, Exit 5, approx. 5-min walk

Cheonggyecheon Stream stretches a total of 10.84 kilometers from Jongno-gu to Jung-gu, and has been at the center of Seoul citizens' lives for a long time. The Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project took place in 2003, and transformed the former neglected waterway into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. A total of 22 bridges are built over the stream along with a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area.

Bosingak Belfry

1Jonggak Station

【 Photo: Bosingak Belfry 】

Jonggak Station, Exit 9, approx. 2-min walk

Bosingak Belfry was used during the Joseon Dynasty to notify time. Since 1985, a special ceremony has been taking place at Bosingak Belfry to ring in the New Year, where the bell is rung 33 times in front of large crowds. Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony program is available every day except Mondays at 11:40 on the second floor for visitors who wish to experience bell ringing. Take note that the bell ringing ceremony on Tuesdays is limited to international visitors only.

Jogyesa Temple

1Jonggak Station

3Anguk Station

【 Photo: Jogyesa Temple 】

Jonggak Station, Exit 2, approx. 10-min walk

Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism that was established in 1910 by monks with aspirations of self-liberation, ethnic-liberation, and restoration. Lacebark pine and other tall trees about 400-500 years old decorate the yards of the main temple building, Daeungjeon Hall, where it houses a Buddha Triad. Jogyesa Temple offers Templestay program as well as an opportunity to learn more about Korean Buddhism at the Memorial Museum of History and Culture of Korean Buddhism located within the temple grounds.

Seoul Museum of Art

12City Hall Station

【 Photo: Seoul Museum of Art 】

City Hall Station, Exit 1, approx. 5-min walk

Jeongdong-gil Road is a representative cultural street in Seoul. Conveniently located at the center of the street is the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), a Korean modern art museum where visitors can appreciate the combination of modern architecture and art. Formerly the Supreme Court building, SeMA moved into the location in 2002. The old façade was preserved, while the building was renovated into a three-story building with six exhibition halls, a lecture hall for educational programs, and a library with a collection of 3,500 pieces of art by famous artists. An outdoor sculpture garden is also available, serving as a good promenade for a pleasant stroll.

Deoksugung Palace & Deoksugung Stone-wall Road

12City Hall Station

【 Photo: Deoksugung Stone-wall Road 】

City Hall Station, Exit 1, approx. 5-min walk

Originally called Gyeongungung Palace, Deoksugung Palace is one of the five royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can get a glimpse of the royal culture by watching the Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony held in front of Daehanmun Gate, a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. With prior reservations, visitors can participate in the royal guard-changing ceremony as well. The stone-wall road along Deoksugung Palace leading to Jeongdong Theater from Daehanmun Gate is also known as one of Seoul’s representative walking trails. The site is particularly beautiful during the peak fall foliage, and is a top filming location for Korean dramas.

Jeongdong Theater

12City Hall Station

【 Photo: Jeongdong Theater 】

City Hall Station, Exit 1, approx. 10-min walk

Opened in 1995, Jeongdong Theater is historically significant in that it represents the restored Wongaksa, the first modern theater in Korea from 1908. The theater offers famous performances, including pansori and a series of traditional musicals created by Jeongdong Theater. Several performances provide subtitles in English, Chinese and Japanese.

Seoul Plaza

12City Hall Station

2Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station

5Gwanghwamun Station

【 Photo: Seoul Plaza 】

City Hall Station, Exit 5, approx. 2-min walk

Seoul Plaza, located in front of Seoul City Hall, is a place loved by both local residents and international tourists. It is where the historic March 1st Movement and June Democratic Movement took place and where tens of thousands of Korean soccer fans gathered to cheer during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Games. Seoul Plaza is used as a venue for various events and cultural festivals. During winter, it transforms into the outdoor Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink. Visitors can also easily access Seoul Metropolitan Library and the Seoul Citizens Hall from the plaza.

Sungnyemun Gate

14ASeoul Station

4Hoehyeon Station

【 Photo: Sungnyemun Gate 】

Seoul Station, Exit 4, approx. 5-min walk

Also referred to as Namdaemun Gate, Sungnyemun Gate is designated as National Treasure No. 1. It is the longest-standing stone structure in the city, and boasts a beauty achieved by balance and moderation. In 2008, Sungnyemun Gate was destroyed by fire and its reconstruction was completed in 2010. A plaza is built around the Sungnyemun Gate where visitors can get a close feel of the gate’s majesty.

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market

19Noryangjin Station

Noryangjin Station, Exit 1, approx. 15-min walk

If you want to smell the sea in downtown Seoul, pay a visit to Noryangjin. With a wide variety of marine products available, the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is one of the largest seafood markets in Korea. Visitors can freely look around as well as shop and try fresh seafood. Visitors can also take their purchased seafood to one of the restaurants inside the market to have the ingredients cooked and served at a reasonable price. Open all year round, the market offers an authentic marketplace feel with bustling patrons every day.

Gasan Digital Complex Shopping Outlet

17Gasan Digital Complex Station

Gasan Digital Complex Station, Exit 1, approx. 10-min walk

Gasan Digital Complex is the name given to the industrial complex near the old Garibong-dong neighborhood. However, the area is popular as a shopping haven rather than an industrial complex among the youth. Recently, mega outlets in the area have created a fashion district, luring in young people from all over the country. Above all, visitors will find many brand shop products sold at a 50% to 80% sale price, making the area even more attractive and worth a visit.

Hwaseong Fortress

1BSuwon Station

1Hwaseo Station

• 【 Photo: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress 】
• 【 Photo: Hwaseong Forest Tourist Trolley
  (Credit: Suwon-si) 】

Suwon Station, Exit 4, approx. 20-min by bus (No. 66, 66-4) or 15-min by taxi

Hwaseong Fortress, constructed in 1796, is an impressive and representative structure of the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress wall that stretches over a total distance of 5.7 kilometers is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hwaseong Fortress Tourist Trolley circulates around major tourist attractions spread throughout Suwon, taking passengers from Yeonmudae Post to Paldalsan Mountain, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Nammun Traditional Market, Suwon Hwaseong Museum, and then back to Yeonmudae Post. In spring, royal azaleas bloom along the walkway between Changnyongmun Gate and Paldalmun Gate. In addition, the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is held every October here.

Paldalmun Gate

1BSuwon Station

【 Photo: Night view of Paldalmun Gate 】

Suwon Station, Exit 4, approx. 20-min by bus (No. 11, 13) or 10-min by taxi

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress. A semi-circular wall called ongseong is built on the gate’s exterior. Unlike most ongseong walls built during that time, Hwaseong Fortress’ ongseong has its entrance at the center rather than at the wall’s corner end. Paldalmun Gate was able to survive the Korean War with minimal damage, preserving its original condition.

Incheon Chinatown

1Incheon Station

【 Photo: Incheon Chinatown 】

Incheon Station, Exit 1, approx. 3-min

Incheon Chinatown was formed by Chinese immigrants who settled in the area after the opening of the Incheon Port in 1883. Known to be the home of jajangmyeon (black soy bean noodles), the streets are lined with top-quality Chinese restaurants. The Samgukji Mural Street, depicting scenes from China’s Three Kingdoms, and Jajangmyeon Museum, a special museum renovated from a Chinese restaurant built in 1908, are significant attractions found within the area. If time allows, stop by the Historical & Cultural Town located in the vicinity to learn more about the history and culture of Incheon Chinatown.

Wolmido Island

1Incheon Station

【 Photo: My Land on Wolmido Island 】

Incheon Station, Exit 1, approx. 25-min by bus (No. 23, 45) or 10-min by taxi

Wolmi Traditional Park, cruises, culture streets, cafes, restaurants and great sea views make Wolmido Island the perfect place for a pleasant walk or a retreat from the city. It also has popular amusement parks such as Wolmi Theme Park and My Land. My Land offers various exciting rides, such as the Tagada Disco and Viking Pirate Ship ride.