Seoul UNESCO & HERITAGES Walking Tour

Itinerary
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Stop At: Changdeokgung Palace, 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03072 South Korea

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.

Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kwangjang Market, 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03195 South Korea

Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The second floor of the market is filled with silk, satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul.

Many of the stores in the area even have their own factories supplying fabrics to the Namdaemun Market, Pyoung Hwa Market, and even to some department stores. Even though the goods are not brand-name products, the wide selection of high quality goods at inexpensive prices makes it an enjoyable shopping experience.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jongmyo Shrine, 157, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03135 South Korea

Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order. The ceremony was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in December 9, 1995, for its well-preserved ancient customs, such as memorial services and traditional music, which is National Intangible Cultural Asset No.56.

During the Joseon Dynasty, it was held when the season changes and the twelfth month of the lunar year, but was stopped during the Japanese colonial period. Now, it is annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May. Jongmyo Jaeryeak, the musical part of the ceremony, is produced by instruments, songs, and dances that originated over 500 years ago. In May, the Korean Royal Palace Culture Festival is held with a variety of other cultural heritage festivals.

* Visitors may enter Jongmyo Shrine only in a guided tour group at specific times on weekdays (except Tuesdays)

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sewoon electronics, South Korea, Seoul Jongro-gu 장사동

Sewoon Electonics Department Store was famous for electronic goods as the sole electronic shop before Yongsan Electronics Department Store was built. The scale doesn’t meet that of Yongsan Mall but its location in the heart of downtown Seoul, as well as their 10 years of fame have worked to keep a strong customer base.
The department store is divided into two parts: Areas in Jongno (‘Ga’ dong; Hyeondae and Asea) and Euljiro (‘Na’ dong) are situated between Cheonggyecheon-ro Street. Electronic devices are available in Jongno section throughout approximately 320 stores from 1 to 4 floors. On the first floor, home and lifestyle electronic goods including irons, hair dryers, telephones, razors as well as gas stoves, various heaters, kitchen tools and more are sold. On the second floor, visitors can find televisions, fridges, laundry machines, audio & video devices. On the third floor, newlyweds can buy their electronic goods and appliances for the kitchen. Also, computers and related devices and parts are available on the fourth floor. It offers relatively cheap prices compared with electronic goods sold at Yongsan.

Duration: 30 minutes