Seoul/Jung

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Seoul South Korea location map.svg

Jung (중, 中, which means central) is in Seoul, constituting the southern half of the historic core of Seoul, along with Jongno. Jung is busier than its tranquil neighbor, with hundreds of offices buildings and endless streets of frantic shopping, but scattered among the hustle and bustle are more historic gems. To begin with, Jung has some of the only remaining European-style buildings left over from the Japanese Colonial period, the City Hall, the Bank of Korea, and the old Seoul Station. Next to the City Hall is the only one of the Five Grand Palaces outside of Jongno, Deoksu-gung. South and southeast of the City Hall are the famed shopping districts Myeongdong (명동) and Namdaemum Market. Further to the east is the largest fashion shopping district in Korea, Dongdaemun, with dozens of huge department store style fashion complexes.. If the shopping ever gets too much for you, retreat to Namsan Mountain, which has a pleasant park, library, hiking trails, and the N. Seoul Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city from the summit.

Get in

See

travel oriented

Mark Froelich

Cheonggye Stream

address: Sejongno Cheonggyecheon, 31 Taepyeonno 1(il)ga, Jung-gu
This stream has been restored to a verdant tourist attraction from its previous state as a busy freeway. You can walk many kilometers along its path through the very center of Seoul. Be cautious during the rainy day, because it may be flooded.
Deoksugung

address: 57, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, 특별시 중구 남대문로1길 57 (태평로2가)
Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts to the other nearby palaces like Changdeok Palace. Built during the mid-15th century, the architecture of the buildings inside are heavily influenced with Western designs. Hence, you will see a fusion of both Korean and Western architecture. The stone-wall narrow way around the palace is beautiful and famous path for the lovers, although there was a myth that they would broke up when they visit here. It's because the Family court, which people go to get divorced, was located near here. You can go now, since it moved to Seocho-gu.
Namdaemun GateThe Great South Gate is an iconic symbol of Seoul and has been designated as National Treasure Number 1. Particularly beautiful when floodlit at night, and best combined with a visit to the adjacent Namdaemun Market. Much of the structure was destroyed by arson in 2008, although a faithful reconstruction was completed in 2013. Formally known as 'Sungnyemun' (숭례문, 崇禮門). The other city gates can be found in the neighboring Jongno district.
Myeong-Dong CathedralDesigned by a Coste priest, and build with financial support from the Paris Church Department, this was the house of Bum-Woo Kim and purchased by Marie Jean Gustave Blanc (under the Korean name Gamilro Kim). With a successful trade agreement in 1887, the cathedral was finally built on 1898. This building was the first church built with bricks. The height of the building proper is 23 m, but with addition of the spires, the full height is 45 m. Bricks used in the building were made in Korea and come in about 20 different shapes, as well as colors ranging from greyish color to a dark wineish color.
T.um

phone: +82 2 6100 0601

address: Jung-gu, Euljiro 2-ga 11 (서울시 중구 을지로 2가 11)
The future of technology can often be seen today in South Korea, and SK Telecom have created a museum dedicated to it! Exhibits change frequently due to the rapid pace of technology being shown. Preschoolers not allowed. Online pre-registration necessary, make sure to reserve early as its gets full weeks in advance.
Seoul Museum of Art

phone: +82 2 2124-8800

address: 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu
Renovated from an old court building, it mainly exhibits contemporary art works. You can see installments and video arts as well as paintings and sculptures. A cafe is with a souvenir shop on the first floor.
Seoul City Hall

phone: +85 2 120

address: 110 Sejongdae-ro Jung-gu
The old city hall was built under Japanese rule and it was renovated to a public library. In back of the old hall, the huge new city hall was built. In the basement, there is Citizen Hall, where musical performances and exhibitions are held for citizens. City Hall Square, in front of the hall, is open to public and political demonstrations. Every winter, Ice rink opens at the Square.

Keneckert

Culture Station Seoul 284

address: 1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea, 04509
A culture center at the old Seoul Station. It was built in 1925 during the Japanese Colonial period, and the center of the Korean railway until 2004 when the current building for KTX opened. It reopened in 2011 as a culture center, and it hosts many exhibitions. The pre-modern architecture inspired by the Lucerene station (which has burnt down) offers unique sight among the glassy buildings of Seoul.
Seoullo 7017

phone: +82-2-313-7017
A former motorway turned into pedestrian walkway. Opened in 2017, it offers a unique view above the cars and rails, with gardens and cafes along the path. Night view with car lights and neon signs is especially beautiful.

Do

Buy

Adbar

Myeong-dongProbably the best-known shopping area. It is definitely the most tourist-friendly fashion area. In spring and summer, fashion models/sidewalk promoters can be seen strolling the streets of Myeongdong promoting various cosmetics, stores or other fashion-related products. Many regular people also tend to catwalk their newest outfit on these streets. Rows of stores are available to look for that perfect accessory, and most of Korea's major brands can be found here: mVIO, Caspi Conus, WhoAU California, AHM, So.Basic, Noxon, Basic House, UGIZ, 1492, nipper, hang ten, A6, Bean Pole, Jambangee, Giordano as well as a few international brands such as Lacoste, Land Rover, Adidas, Gap, Zara, Koolhaas, Uniqlo, Anna Sui, and Forever 21. Nearby are the Lotte and Shinsegae department stores. Excellent street food carts are all around from around 5pm.

(WT-en) Jpatokal

Namdaemun MarketThe largest traditional street market in Korea. This market is in the center of Seoul and is a famous shopping place for tourists. Clothing for children and accessories are the most-commonly sold goods in this market, but there's lots of food as well and many outdoor eating options, especially in the evening. There is also a huge digital camera market in this area.

Department stores

Lotte Young Plaza

address: 81, Namdaemun-ro
Just across the street from Avatar department store, this department store is oriented towards a younger, upscale clientele, and in addition to the usual Korean brands and international brands, the top floor of the space features an assortment of quality eating establishments to replenish your shopping energy. The wine bar is recommended. Sometimes art installations can be found on the top floor. Credit cards accepted.
Migliore

address: 263 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
One of the biggest fashion buildings in Seoul. It has 17 floors above ground and 7 basement floors. Information boards in Migliore are written in Korean as well as English, Japanese and Chinese for foreign tourists. US credit cards are often accepted, but ask before haggling if you aren't sure. The outside stage features a "talent show" of local dance groups (mostly high school or college student groups) most nights until about 21:00; typically they are wearing many of the local fashions, and some of the dancers can be located in the various department stores working as employees.
Shinsegae

phone: +82 2 1588-1234

address: 2-5 Chungmuro 1-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
The oldest department store on the Korean peninsula. The original building was refurbished in 2008 and became a high-street boutique. Accepts major credit cards, including Amex and JCB.

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Sleep

Budget

Love hotels, are also a great option. They are usually in pretty good condition and they sometimes have a PC in the room. Love hotels are mainly visited by couples who want some private places during day or night, most of the love hotels (especially those in Gangnam district) are exceptionally clean and usually have widescreen TVs, PCs and so forth. Don't let the name fool you... some of these are the best bets for budget travelers! Be aware that some love hotels discourage stays of more than one night. Main love hotel districts in Seoul include Teheran Street near Yeoksam station in the Gangnam district, Nambu Terminal in Seocho-dong, Bangi station in Jamsil and the area near the Nakwon market in Jongno. ₩25,000-80,000 a night, more on Saturday nights and holidays.
Alternatively, try a jjimjilbang. You don't get a room of your own, but you can store your luggage into one of the small lockers and you can live quite cheaply for a long time, sleeping in the public sleeping rooms and enjoying the hot-tub and steam room facilities (sometimes a gym is available, also movies and TV shows often play until 23:00 or so). To find a jjimjilbang keep an eye out for the words jjimjilbang (찜질방) or 24 hr sauna (24시 사우나) in Korean. Not all saunas have jjimjilbang stay-over facilities, so watch out for that. ₩4,000-12,000/night.

Able Hostel/Guesthouse

phone: +82 10 2909 1086

address: No. 205, Unit 1, Kumho twin tower, 89-1, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu
New, comfortable, young clientele, with decent baths and a friendly owner and staff. Each room has computers available for free Internet use, Wi-Fi throughout. This place is near Dongdaemun Market but very quiet when you sleep. No curfew. Kitchen, free laundry.
IMI Hotel

phone: +82 2 3453-4303

address: Yeoksam 2-dong 718-18, Gangnam-gu
At the higher end of the love hotel spectrum, some rooms feature Japanese spas and oxygen generators.
Namsan Guesthouse

phone: +82 2 752-6363,

address: 50-1 Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu
In the shadow of Seoul Tower in Namsan Park. Free Internet access, free breakfast, kitchen.
Seoul Backpackers

phone: +82 2-3672-1972

address: 205-125, Namchang-Dong, Jung-Gu
Backpacker hangout with English-speaking staff. Free Internet. Laundry ₩5,000.
Silloam Sauna

phone: +82 2-364-3944

address: 128-104 Jungnim-dong
This is a very large jjimjilbang with great facilities, but the family atmosphere of other jjimjilbangs is sometimes lacking. The locker-room staff will stow oversized luggage if you ask, and a morning wake-up call can be arranged. Sleeping facilities are excellent, clean, comfortable and usually fairly quiet. There are two large dormitories for men and women, plus a snorers' room which sounds like a dragon's lair. The dormitories are arranged unconventionally into lines of bunk beds, more like an open capsule hotel than a standard sleeping floor. In the communal area there are various hot rooms, an ice room, a large gym, a PC room, singing and games rooms and a restaurant. The sauna area has 6 main pools with supposedly healthy minerals and showers. Includes access to public baths, exercise facilities, and various entertainment rooms.
Zaza Backpackers

phone: +82 2 3672-1976

address: 32-3 Namsandong-2ga, Jung-Gu
Helpful English speaking staff help you to feel right at home. Free Wi-Fi, 24 hr access, Private bathroom in each rooms. 24 hr security, towels and hairdryer for hire, parking. Tour info and booking service. Free international phone.

Mid-range

Ibis Hotel Myeongdong

phone: +82 2 6361 8888

address: 59-5 Myeong-dong 1Ga, Jung-gu
Very central, free internet access.

Splurge

Lotte Hotel

phone: +82 2 771 1000

address: 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu
Grand old lady of downtown Seoul's hotels with 1,300 rooms, all kept in tip-top shape. The obvious choice for ornate Korean luxury.
Millennium Seoul Hilton

phone: +82-2-7537788

address: 395, 5-ga, Namdaemun-ro
Luxury hotel near the Central Railway Station and Namdaemun market. Shuttle buses from and to Incheon international airport. Stylish rooms, eight restaurants, various shops and services and an indoor tropical garden.
Plaza Hotel

phone: +82 2 771 2200

address: 119 Sogongro Junggu Seoul
Completely redesigned as Korea’s luxury boutique hotel in 2010, The Plaza is now an exceptionally beautiful, independent luxury hotel in the heart of the business, shopping, and entertainment districts of Seoul.
Shilla Seoul

address: 202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu
One of the city's premier hotels.
Pacific Hotel
Se-JongThis hotel has the beautiful view including the Namsan Tower