2. Seoul Highlights: Myeogdong, N Seoul Tower and nearby

The tourist attractions included in this itinerary

See the center of Seoul, Seoul City Hall, visit the iconic Namdaemun Market, and explore the renowned landmark, N Seoul Tower.

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The Route

 

You can find all the places from number except for Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower, which is located to the south Myeongdong.

 

1. Seoul City Hall 서울 시청

Explore the Seoul Metropolitan Government with its green grass square, and don’t miss the art gallery on the 9th floor.

Insider Tip: The new wing at the back is currently in use, while the old one in the front serves as a library.

• Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 110(태평로1가)
• Subway: Exit 5 of Seoul City Hall Station, line no.1&2 (navy blue and green line)
• Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
• Things to do: Explore the ‘sky square,’ relax on the bench or on the grass, enjoy coffee, and view artwork at the art gallery on the 9th floor.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 30 minutes.

 

2. Deoksugung Palace 덕수궁

Discover this walled palace compound with a unique blend of traditional and western-style architecture.

Did You Know: It is the only palace with a western-style garden, fountain, and modern royal palace hall. It served as the backdrop for the Great Korean Empire.

Additional information: ‘Gung’ means a palace. Deoksugung means Deoksu Palace.

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3. Deoksugung Doldam-gil (Stone-wall Road) 덕수궁 돌담길

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque street that runs alongside the palace walls.

• Things to do: Take a leisurely stroll along the wall, enjoying the serene surroundings. Capture beautiful pictures of the walls and trees that line the path.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 30 minutes.

 

4. Seoul Museum of Art 서울 시립 미술관

Immerse yourself in modern art at this conveniently located museum near Deoksu Palace.

• Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04515 / 서울특별시 중구 덕수궁길 61(서소문동)
• Subway: Exit 10 of Seoul City Hall Station, line no.1 & 2 (navy blue and green line)
• Opening Hours:
  • March – Oct: 10:00 – 20:00 Weekdays / 10:00 – 19:00 Sat, Sun, national holidays
  • Nov – Feb: 10:00 – 20:00 Weekdays / 10:00 – 18:00 Sat, Sun, national holidays
  • Museum Night (Jan-Aug): Open until 10 pm every first and third Tuesdays of the month
  • Museum Night (Sep-Dec): Open until 10 PM every Second and last Wednesdays(Culture Day) of the month
• Admission: Admission is free for regular exhibitions, and fees may vary for special exhibitions.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

5. Seoul Museum of History 서울 역사 박물관

Learn about Seoul’s transformation from its prehistoric period to the vibrant city it is today.

Fun Fact: You can catch a glimpse of the life and culture during the early days of Seoul and witness a scale model of the city, offering a panoramic view of Seoul.

• Address: 55, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 종로구 새문안로 55(신문로2가)
• Subway:
  • 7 minutes’ walk (470m) from Exits 6, 7, 8, Gwanghwamun Station, Seoul Subway Line No.5
  • 28 minutes’ walk (600m) from Exit 4, Seodaemun Station, Seoul Subway Line No.5
  • 516 minutes’ walk (980m) from Exit 12, Seoul City Hall Station, Seoul Subway Line No.2
• Opening Hours:
  • March – Oct: 09:00 – 20:00 Weekdays / 10:00 – 19:00 Sat, Sun, National Holidays
  • Nov – Feb: 10:00 – 20:00 Weekdays / 10:00 – 18:00 Sat, Sun, National Holidays
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Directions: Up to this point, the above-mentioned venues are all in one area, allowing you to start your tour from no.1, Seoul City Hall. From there, you have the option to visit either Myeongdong or Namdaemun, both of which are equally close to the city hall area. I recommend starting with Namdaemun and then proceeding to Myeongdong, as it is closer to Namsangol Hanok Village.

 

6. Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) 숭례문 (남대문)

Visit the national treasure, Namdaemun, and capture stunning photos of this iconic landmark.

Historical Tidbit: It was burned down by a drunken homeless Feb 11, 2008 and was restored in 2013. Most people in Korea were mad. Ever since then, the government has reinforced security to protect it safely.

• Address: 40, Saejongdae-ro, Jungg-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 40(남대문로4가)
• Subway: Exit 5 of Hoehyun Station, line no. 4 (sky blue line). It is a 3 minute walking distance from the station.
• Things to do: Walk around and you can get a great picture of Namdaemun and the guards.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 30 minutes.

 

7. Namdaemun Market 남대문 시장

Experience Korea’s largest conventional market, known for its variety of goods and delicious street food.

• Subway: Exit 5 of Hoehyun Station, line no. 4 (sky blue line)
• Opening Hours: Most shops are open from 09:00 until around 17:30, but street stalls and stores on the main alley are open until around 21:00. Some shops operate from 23:00 to 18:00, catering to customers from nighttime until late afternoon. The market is closed on Sundays, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and during summer holidays.
• Things to do: Eat street food and sit in at old small restaurants. You can buy basically everything in the market; clothes, household goods, health supplements, foods and you name it. This area is famous for its low prices and hospitality. You can always haggle with the store owners.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour.

 

8. Myeongdong 명동

Shop till you drop at the vibrant Myeongdong district, famous for cosmetics, fashion, and street food.

Insider Info: Street foods in this area are generally priced higher compared to other areas due to the higher cost of property.

• Subway:
  • Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station, sky blue line, no.4
  • Exit 5 of Eunjiro-ipgu Station (At the station it says Euljiro1(il)ga station), no.2 (green line)

• Opening Hours: Most shops are open from 10:30 til around 22:00
• Food info: Myeongdong kalguksu (seafood noodle soop), donkatsu (pork cutlet) and dumpligs are famous in this area.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

9. Namsangol Hanok Village 남산골 한옥 마을

Step into the past at this traditional village nestled in the Namsan Valley.

• Address: 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28(필동2가)
• Subway: Exit 3 or 4 of Chungmuro Station, no.3 (orange line)
• Opening Hours: 
  • Apr – Oct: 09:00 – 21:00
  • Nov – Mar: 09:00 – 20:00
  • Closed on Mondays
• Guided Tour: Call 02-224-4412
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

10. Namsan Park 남산 공원

Enjoy the tranquility of this well-preserved park located at the foot of Namsan.

• Estimated Time for this activity: 30 minutes.

Directions: You can walk to this park from Namsangol Hanok Village. If you’re starting from Namdaemun Market, I recommend beginning your journey from Gate 1 of Namdaemun Market (서울특별시 중구 남대문로 24(남대문로3가) / 24, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul) and walking up the hill based on this itinerary.

If you prefer to go there separately, the most convenient and inexpensive way is to take bus number 01, the Namsan Circulation Bus [남산 순환 버스], either from the bus stop right outside Exit 2 of Chungmuro Station (orange line/Line 3) or from a bus stop near Exit 6 of Dongguk University Station (orange line).

 

11. N Seoul Tower N 서울 타워 / 남산타워

Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul from the iconic N Seoul Tower.

Interesting Fact: The N Seoul Tower, officially known as the YTN Seoul Tower and commonly referred to as Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.

• Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105(용산동2가)
• FYI: There are 18 different gates around this mountain, offering various routes to reach the top. For the best experience, consider joining Kimchiman’s guided tour to Namsan Tower. 🙂 The two easiest and cost-effective ways to reach the summit of Namsan are by walking from Namdaemun or Namsangol Hanok Village.
• Opening Hours:
  • Mon – Fri & Sun 10:00 – 23:00
  • Sat 10:00 – 24:00
• Admission for observatory: Adults: 16,000 won / Under age 13: 12,000 won
• Things to do: Enjoy panoramic views of the entire city of Seoul.
• Estimated Time for this activity: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

FAQ about Myeongdong