Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Ganghwa Deokjinjin Fortress (강화 덕진진)

2020-03-16

34, Deokjin-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7074

Deokjinjin was the key strategic point of the outer castle wall used for defending the Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). It was originally a military camp commanded by an official with the rank of Cheomsa under the command of the Korean naval base. In 1677, an official with the rank of Manho was assigned to this camp along with 26 military officials, 100 soldiers, 2 battle ships, and other military equipment. In 1679, the Namjangpodae and Deokjinpodae batteries were stationed here.

Deokjinjin Camp was the scene of fierce battles that took place during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866) and Shinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871). The battlements and gatehouse of Deokjinjin that had all been destroyed during Sinmiyangyo were restored in 1977. At the Namjangpodae Battery, cannons used by the Joseon military have been reproduced and installed for display.

Inwangsa Temple (인왕사 (서울))

2020-04-02

16-1, Tongil-ro 18ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-4434

Inwangsa Temple refers to the entire cluster of small Buddhist temples located on Inwangsan Mountain (alt. 338m) in the heart of Seoul. The eastern foot of the mountain has many scenic spots with its distinctively cozy and tasteful atmosphere, and the northern area called Mugye-dong also offers beautiful scenery. Inwangsa Temple was established in the early Joseon period (1392-1910) to guard the national palace Gyeongbokbung. The temple is comprised of 11 shrines from five different Buddhist orders. The unique design of each shrine adds pleasure to hikers on their way up to Seonbawi, an unusual rock formation that is a site of many folk beliefs and shamanist rites.

Seoul Daehan Hospital (서울 대한의원)

2021-12-23

101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1842

Daehanuiwon (Daehan Medical Center) is an antique two-story brick building within the grounds of Seoul National University Hospital. It was established under the direct administration of the Uijeongbu (State Council), combining the Gwangjewon (under the Home Ministry), Gyeongseong Medical School and the Korean Red Cross Hospital (under the Royal Household). Built in the Madubong Hill area, this location where Hamchunwon, the outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace, once stood in 1484 (15th year of King Seongjong), was also once the site of Gyeongmogung Palace, where King Jeongjo enshrined the mortuary tablet of his birth father Crown Prince Sado Seja in 1776 (the year King Jeongjo ascended to the throne).

These places that held importance for the royal family were destroyed as the Japanese built Gyeongseong Empire University in its place. In 1907, with the announcement of the plan to establish Daehan Medical Center, construction began on the main building, seven wards and affiliated buildings. Construction was completed in November 1908.

The Daehan Medical Center opened in Gwangjewon, but upon Japanese colonization in 1910, its name was changed to the Japanese Viceroyalty Hospital. In 1926, it was included as a part of Gyeongseongjeguk University to become a university hospital. Since the liberation of Korea in 1945, it has been a hospital affiliated with Seoul National University.

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Gwanghuimun Gate (광희문)

2021-02-24

344, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gwanghuimun Gate is said to have been originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, at the southeast of the capital city. It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate,” as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.

During the Imjin War (1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyed to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, reconstruction efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the gate was restored together with the gate's watchtower. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was later damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

2025-01-10

24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Gilsangsa Temple (Seoul) (길상사(서울))

2025-06-17

68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3672-5945

Gilsangsa Temple is a prominent temple located in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. The name Gilsangsa means "a favorable and auspicious temple." Visitors can experience temple, participate in Buddhist practices, and even enjoy Templestay programs on weekends. In fall, visitors can admire red spider lilies and wildflowers, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature and finding inner peace.

Jecheon Baengnyeonsa Temple (백련사(제천))

2021-10-25

414, Myeongam-ro 5-gil, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+83-43-653-4996

Baengnyeonsa Temple is located at the foothills of Gamaksan Mountain in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. The temple is currently composed of the main hall Daeungjeon, Samseonggak Shrine, Muyeomdang Hall, Boeungmun Gate, and residential houses. Daeungjeon Hall enshrines a wooden statue of a sitting Buddha, is an artifact from the Joseon period (1392-1910).

The history of the temple dates back to 662 (the second year of King Munmu’s reign during the Silla Kingdom), when a small shrine called Baengnyeonam Hermitage was built by the great monk Uisang on the east side of Baengyeonji Site. The temple has been reconstructed and restored numerous times throughout the course of several wars. The temple once encompassed many branch temples and shrines such as Mireuksa, Sinheungsa, Cheonsuam, Eunjeokam, and Cheongnyeonam, but only their foundation sites remain today.

Incheon Grand Park (인천대공원)

2025-01-10

236 Munemi-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon
+82-32-466-7282

Incheon Grand Park is an urban nature park located in Jangsu-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon. The park is surrounded by Gwanmosan Mountain and Sangasan Mountain. Spanning across 727 acres of land, Incheon Grand Park is the only large-scale natural green park in Incheon. The park provides a pleasant atmosphere for citizens to escape from the city life and enjoy the natural surroundings. Over 4 million people visit the park every year to take in the clean air and relax in nature.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3140-8305

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.

One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information