Seoul/Jongno

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Jongno (종로) is in Seoul, and constitutes the northern half of the historic core of Seoul, along with Jung, the southern half. As the soul of Seoul (to coin a phrase), Jongno is home to a plethora of beautiful Joseon Dynasty palaces, shrines, temples, parks, historic neighborhoods, and other traditional sights. Jongno holds four of the five Grand Palaces of Seoul: Gyeongbok-gung, Changdeok-gung,Changgyeong-gung, and Gyeonghui-gung. It also has Jongmyo Shrine, the headquarters of the Korean 'Seon' Buddhist Order Jogyesa Temple, the Bukchon Hanok village, Insadong antiques through-way, the Presidential Palace Cheongwadae, the National Folk Museum of Korea (formerly the National Museum of Korea), and Hyehwa, a district filled with small, independent theaters.

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Gwanghwamun Plaza

address: 172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
A center of Seoul. The name came from the main gate of the Gyeongbokgung. The site was a location of the Six Ministries during the Joseon dynasty, and was a large motorway since then. In 2009, the middle of the road was opened to public as a renovation project. It's now home to festivals and events. There are two statues in the plaza: Admiral Yi Sun-sin (A legendary admiral who won numerous battles in harsh circumstances), and Sejong the Great (the most famous and popular king in the Korean history, inventor of Korean alphabet).

Palaces

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Jpatokal

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An Integrated Ticket of Palaces that covers the five Great Palaces of Seoul and Jongmyo Shrine costs ₩10,000 and lasts for 3 months from the time of first entry. All of them have a thicker, more informative pamphlet for ₩500, which is more useful when walking in the palaces. Worth checking out.

Gyeongbokgung

phone: +82 2-3700-3900

address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu
This is Seoul's grandest Joseon Dynasty-era palace and the seat of power for centuries before it was razed in 1592 by a Japanese invasion (and again by the Japanese in 1910). This was the first palace used by the Joseon Dynasty. Large parts have now been restored and the vast grounds also house the Joseon Palace Museum and the Korean Folk Museum. There's a small corner where you get the chance to try on traditional Korean dress for free after registering. Changing of the royal guard at Gwanghwamun (광화문, 光化門), the elegantly restored main gate to the palace, occurs twice a day at 10:00 and 14:00, as reenactors march with weapons to the tune of drumbeats for 20 minutes.
Changdeokgung

address: 99 Yulgong-ro, Jongno-gu
Second only to Gyeongbokgung in historical importance, it was built in 1405 and was the seat of power between 1618 and 1896. The buildings have been restored to create a dazzling but still elegant effect that got the palace listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is more preserved than the Gyeongbokgung. Buildings of particular note include the blue-roofed Seonjeongjeon, which was the King's office, and the Daejojeon ("Great Making Hall"), his bedchamber, but perhaps most famous of all is the Huwon ("Secret Garden") in the back. Access to the garden is by guided tour only except on Thursdays when only self-guided tours are available in summer from April to August. English tours are only offered at 10:30 and 14:30, and last around 60 minutes with a walking distance of about 2.5 km, including some steps and inclines for the Huwon portion (the grounds are wheelchair-accessible for most parts but may have to enter certain areas in a reverse direction from the group). Trivia: The building structure is not symmetrical, and has more natural-oriented arrangement than the Gyeongbokgung. You may find some western influences in some buildings which was introduced during the late 1800s, such as a chandelier and the elevated-pathway for the automobile.
ChanggyeonggungIt was built in 1104 as a summer palace for the Kings of the Koryo Dynasty, and became one of the main palaces during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was used as a temporary home for the King during the time Gyeongbuk Palace was being built. Unlike other palaces that has a North-South orientation, Changgyeong Palace faces East-West. Also, what is famous about this palace is the fact it connects to Jongmyo Shrine, a holy place for the Joseon Dynasty, where sacrificial rites are practiced for previous kings and queens. Sadly, the site was seriously modified during the Japanese-annexation period(1910~1945). The name was changed to Changgyeongwon (literally Changgyeong park), and the site was used as a zoo. Restoration began during the 1980s and the zoo was moved to Gwacheon, which is now Seoul Grand Park.
Gyeonghui-gungIt was built in the 17th century, and was burnt down twice in the 19th century. It was largely destroyed by the Japanese during the colonial rule to build a school for Japanese children. It was finally restored in 1985 and opened to the public. Free admission.

Unhyeongung

phone: +82 2-766-9090
A museum in the former palace of a Joseon Dynasty archduke Heungseon, who was father of second last king of the Joseon, it has several mannequins depicting the costumes of the yangban or noble class during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace buildings themselves represent the style of Joseon noble class' mansion well.

Shrines and temples

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Jongmyo Shrine

phone: +82 2-765-0195

address: 157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu
Certainly the most famous shrine devoted to the royal family members of Korean dynasties. The grounds are a bit more walker-friendly than some of the palaces, admission is cheaper and they also have some interactive equipment available to learn about the rituals and ceremonies used to treat deceased royal family members. The Jongmyo Shrine is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Jongmyo Jerye (종묘제례) ceremony, which is still led by the head of the former royal family, is held here on the first Sunday of May every year, during which there will be traditional Korean performances as part of the ceremony. English guided tours at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00.
Jogyesa Temple

phone: +82 2-768-8600

address: 45, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu
The chief temple of the Jogye order of Buddhism, the dominant branch of Buddhism in Korea. As such, it is one of the most important modern Buddhist temples in the country. That being said, Jogyesa Temple is rather small, and if time permits, Bongeun Temple in Gangnam is a larger and more interesting Buddhist temple.

City gates

Seoul has four historic city gates, three of which can be found in Jongno and the other, Namdaemun, can be found in neighboring Jung.

Dongdaemun Gate

address: 69, Jongno6-ga, Jongno-gu
More formally known as Heunginjimun (흥인지문, 興仁之門), the old eastern gate of the city still stands. Though not as impressive architecturally as Namdaemun, the Dongdaemun market is infinitely more interesting than the its counterpart.
Sukjeongmun Gate

address: San 25-22, Samcheong-dong, Jongno 서울 성북구 성북동 산 25-22
Changuimun Gate

address: Buam-dong, Jongno-gu 서울 종로구 부암동

Museums

Museum Kimchikan

phone: +82 2-6002-6456

address: 4th to 6th floor, 35-4, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu
A museum (previously known as Kimchi Field Museum) about all things kimchi. Includes a lot of interactive exhibits and comes with a free audio guide in English. There is also hands-on kimchi making programs, however only on reservation.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

address: 198 Sejongdae-ro, Jongno-gu
Since the independence from Japan, Korea has experienced a series of political events during short period. You can see exhibitions that show war, dictatorships, uprisings against dictatorships, and industrialization that happened in South Korea.
MMCA Seoul (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea)

phone: +82-2-3701-9500

address: 30 Samcheong-ro, Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03062
MMCA is mainly located at the Gwacheon, near the Seoul Grand Park. Because of its far distance from the Seoul city centre, MMCA Seoul opened in 2013. The site was formerly the Korean Armed Forces Capital Hospital and the Defense Security Command. MMCA Seoul has an art and culture complex equipped with exhibition and education buildings, digital lab, multi-project hall, and theater. The building is unique and won Grand Prizes at the 2014 Korean Architecture Awards.

Others

Tapgol ("Pagoda") Park

address: 99, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu
A small park frequented by the elderly and the footsore traveler, just to the east of Jongmyo Shrine. Contains 500 year old namesake pagoda under protective glass, and a nice large gazebo to get out of the sun. This is where the Korean constitution was first read aloud by the public during the 20th century. Acts as a navigation landmark when moving between Myeong-dong, Jong-no and Insa-dong neighborhoods.
Cheong Wa Dae

address: 1 Cheong Wa Dae Road, Jongno District
Also known in English as the Blue House, the current official residence of President of the Republic of Korea. It's on next to the grounds of Gyeongbokgung, and can be easily recognised by its blue roof tiles and its unique fusion of modern and traditional Korean architectural styles. Tours may be booked from the web-site, though they are conducted exclusively in Korean, and entry into the buildings is not allowed.

Do

콩가루

Bukchon Hanok Village

address: 84-1, Pildong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
The collective name of the few tiny suburbs ("dong") wedged between Gyeongbuk Palace and the Secret Garden, just north of Insadong and Anguk Station. This area was where relatives of the royal family, high public officials, and other important families lived for over 500 years as they serviced the nearby palaces. Today, some 900 of their traditional Korean "hanok" houses remain, making this area one of Seoul's most picturesque centres for arts, culture, food and fashion.
Inwangsan Mountain

address: San 3-1, Muak-dong, Jongno-gu 종로구 무악동 산 3-1
This 336-m hill is home not only to the eponymous Inwang Temple (Inwangsa), but also Seoul's most famous shamanist shrine Guksadang (국사당). To get there, take Exit 2 and start climbing uphill following the "Inwang Temple" signs, through the huge construction site and up through the temple gate. You'll see a map board and several paths, take the left staircase upward, past the bronze bell of Bongwonsa and you'll reach Guksadang. Behind it are several creeks with shamanist offerings and the bizarre rock formation known as the Zen Rocks; there are plenty of trails if you want to poke around, and the Seoul fortress wall can be seen running near the top of the hill. Be careful not to photograph or disturb any rituals you see being performed.
HyehwaPerforming arts center. Many small theaters with live dramatic and comedic performances lining every street. This district is filled with life and street commerce past midnight. The name came after the Seoul National University, which was located here before it moved to Gwanak-gu. SNU Hospital is still located here, and it is one of the best in the country.
Sejong Center for Performing Arts

address: 81-3 Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Oldest and one of the largest multi-purpose theatres in downtown Seoul and home of Seoul Philharmonic. The biggest pipe organ in East Asia is in its Great Auditorium, and several video art pieces from Nam June Paik are in the entrance of the auditorium.
Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine

phone: +82 2 3673 1122

address: 34, Wonseo-dong, Jongno-gu
As the name implies, you learn how to prepare royal cuisine, as well as rice cakes and hangwa (Korean cookies).
O'ngo Food Communications

phone: +82 2 3446 1607

address: Jongno-gu Nakwon-dong 55-1 3rd Floor
Learn to make authentic Korean dishes in English or Japanese from Korean chefs. O'ngo Food Communications offers classes to make bulgogi and kimchi, Korean barbecue, and Vegan Temple Cuisine. You get a tour of a traditional Korean Market after the classes to see Korean ingredients and people.
The lantern light festivalEvery November, the lantern light festival takes place at Cheonggye Creek. At the festival you can see many lanterns made by Korean and foreign artists. Some of the lanterns are in traditional Korean style and there are also many character lanterns and company mascot lanterns.

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Dongdaemun Market

address: 266, Jongno-6 ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 종로 266 (종로6가)
Though not as impressive architecturally as Namdaemun, the Dongdaemun market is infinitely more interesting than the its counterpart.
Gwangjang Market

phone: +82-2-2267-0291

address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous traditional market in Seoul. It was one of the first permanent market in Korea, and it is always crowded. It has a variety of silk, linen, and other traditional items. Street food is really excellent as well, especially bindaetteok(Mung Bean Pancakes).
InsadongInsadong is an area known for its art galleries and shops, and is possibly the most touristy place in South Korea. It is a great place to buy cultural souvenirs. There are also a few stores that offer interesting vintage toys and various kitsch. Insadong also contains many traditional tea and coffee shops. It is one of the few places where vegetarian restaurants can be found.
Ssamziegil

phone: +82 2-736-0088
Ssamziegil is a shopping complex located at the beginning of Insadong-gil that opened in 2004. It has the form of a rectangular spiral on three floors, and includes about a hundred craft shops (clothing, jewelry, leather, etc.), Restaurants, cafes (one of them, the Sky Garden is the terrace on the third floor). Very good place to shop green, costume jewelry, or just a drink. For some activities (candle making, pottery decoration, etc.), you have the option of making your own objects in the basement..
The store from Tong-In

phone: +82 2-732-4867
Occupying four floors, this store offers high quality items, including pottery, inlaid, lacquered objects, as well as jewelry, postcards, etc. Not necessarily cheap, but the quality is good. It is located a little further than Ssamziegil on the same side of Insadong-gil.
Kyobo Book Store

phone: +82 2-397-3500

address: Jongno1-ga, Jongno-gu
Kyobo is the largest chain of bookstores in South Korea, and this store is located in the center of Seoul. It is completely invisible from the outside, because it is underground. It is accessed directly from the Gwanghwamun subway station, or at the intersection of Sejongno and Jongno. There is a huge selection of books, CDs, DVDs, stationery items, cardmaking, and a bunch of other accessories (there are even handbags). Also has books in foreign languages.

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