Historic sites in Seoul

Seoul's Historic Treasures

Seoul’s historical landscape is defined by the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty, featuring the 'Five Grand Palaces' like Gyeongbokgung and Changgyeonggung. The city's architectural heritage includes the massive stone gates of the Fortress Wall, such as Gwanghwamun and Heunginjimun. Beyond the palaces, the Seonjeongneung royal burial grounds and the traditional hanok houses of Bukchon offer insight into ancient customs. Religious sites like Bongeunsa Temple and modern landmarks like the Seodaemun Prison History Hall provide a comprehensive view of Korea's past.

Seoul's Historic Treasures — Map

by hojusaram / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Historic royal palace built in 1395 as the main residence of the Joseon dynasty, known for its traditional Korean architecture and cultural significance.

Steve / CC BY 2.0

B

Bukchon Hanok Village

Historic neighborhood featuring hundreds of traditional Korean hanok houses from the Joseon dynasty, surrounded by major palaces and cultural sites.

螺钉 / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Gwanghwamun Gate

Built in 1395, this is the main and the largest gate leading to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the house of the royal dynasty.

Marcin Białek / GFDL

D

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung also known as Gyeongun-gung, Deoksugung Palace, or Deoksu Palace, is a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by…

Daderot / Public domain

E

Changgyeonggung (Palace)

Changgyeonggung is a palace located in Seoul, South Korea.

Rheo1905 / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa is a Korean Buddhist temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea.

Steve46814 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Seonjeongneung

Seonjeongneung is a burial ground from the Joseon dynasty, located in Seoul, South Korea.

Piotrus / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Seollleung, the tomb of King Seongjong

Seongjong, personal name Yi Hyeol, was the ninth monarch of the Joseon dynasty of Korea.

I

Jeongneung, The tomb of King Jungjong

Jungjong, personal name Yi Yeok, firstly titled Grand Prince Jinseong, was the 11th monarch of the Joseon dynasty of Korea.

J

Seolleung / Royal Tomb of Queen Jeonghyeon

Queen Jeonghyeon, of the Papyeong Yun clan, was a posthumous name bestowed to the wife and third queen consort of Yi Hyeol, King Seongjong…

Steve46814 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Uireung

Three tombs of members of the royal Joseon dynasty. A tranquil and beautiful sight, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Gaël Chardon / CC BY-SA 2.0

L

Heunginjimun / Dongdaemun

Heunginjimun, more commonly known as Dongdaemun, is one of The Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, a prominent landmark in…

Mark Froelich / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Hyehwamun Gate

Hyehwamun, also known as Northeast Gate, is one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded…

Unknown, presumably a Japanese publisher / Public domain

N

Donhwamun Gate

The main entrance to Changdeokgung Palace, originally constructed in 1412. Rebuilt in 1609 after the Japanese invasions, it stands as one of the oldest surviving palace gates in the city.

Khitai / CC BY-SA 2.0

O

Olympic Park World Peace Gate

A concrete monument designed by architect Kim Chung-up to commemorate the 1988 Summer Olympics. It features traditional Korean eaves and a mural depicting the Four Guardian Deities.

P

Gwangmyeong City Hall

The primary administrative building and municipal headquarters for the city of Gwangmyeong.

Q

Geunjeongjeon Hall

The grand throne hall within Gyeongbokgung Palace, used for royal audiences and national ceremonies. This National Treasure is the largest and most formal timber building in the palace complex.

Christopher / CC BY 2.0

R

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a museum and former prison in Seodaemun District, Seoul, South Korea. It was constructed beginning in 1907.

S

Namsan Park Namsan Beacon Fire Station

A reconstructed five-beacon station on Namsan Mountain that functioned as a central communication hub during the Joseon Dynasty, using smoke and fire signals to relay emergency news.

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