Free if eligiblePhoto: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Deoksugung Palace
덕수궁
Historic site · Jung-gu
A downtown palace where Seokjojeon sits alongside traditional halls. Open until 9pm, it's popular for evening strolls and the stone wall road; the changing of the guard is free.
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Source: royal.khs.go.kr
Nearby in Jung-gu
Ewha Museum
FreeMuseum · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)
Seoul Museum of Art, Seosomun Main Branch
Partly freeArt gallery · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)
A municipal art museum preserving the facade of the old Supreme Court. On the Deoksugung stone wall walking route, with free permanent exhibitions.
Cecil Maru
FreeViewpoint · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)
A free viewing and rest deck on the roof of the former Cecil Theater, now Jeongdong Theater Cecil. It faces the Romanesque roof of Seoul Anglican Cathedral at eye level, making it a favorite photo spot, and pairs well with a walk along Deoksugung and Jeongdong-gil. Just climb the stairs; open to all at no charge.
Jeongdong Observatory
FreeViewpoint · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)
A free observatory on the 13th floor of the Seosomun Government Building. Sweeping views of Deoksugung Palace, Jeongdong-gil and the City Hall area, with Cafe Darak for a rest.
Chosun Ilbo Art Museum
FreeArt gallery · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)
Opened in April 1988, the Chosun Ilbo Art Museum stages dozens of in-house exhibitions, invitational shows and rented exhibitions each year, giving artists a place to present their work and the public a place to see it.
Paichai Hakdang History Museum
FreeMuseum · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)
Free museum in the 1916 red-brick East Hall, Korea's first modern school. Combine with a stroll along Jeongdong-gil and Deoksugung.
Other historic sites in Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3) Exit 5
Joseon's foremost royal palace. Free on the last Wednesday of the month or in hanbok. The changing of the guard ceremony (10:00 and 14:00) is always free.
Changdeokgung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 3
A UNESCO World Heritage site famed for autumn foliage. Free entry applies to the main palace only; the Secret Garden requires a separate booking.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4) Exit 4
A palace with a Grand Greenhouse and the Chundangji pond. Linked internally to Changdeokgung, and beautifully lit during night openings.
Jongmyo Shrine
Free if eligibleJongno-gu · Jongno 3-ga Stn. (Lines 1, 3, 5) Exit 11
A World Heritage shrine housing the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens, with a meditative path through dense woods. Self-guided visits on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are the most relaxed.
Jogyesa Temple
FreeJongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 6, Jonggak Stn. (Line 1) Exit 2
Head temple of the Jogye Order in the heart of the city. Shade from centuries-old scholar trees, seasonal lanterns and chrysanthemum displays. A quiet place to rest, close to Insadong.