- Jongno translates to Bell Street, named for the massive Bosingak Bell that was historically used to signal the opening and closing of the city gates.
- The district maintains the highest concentration of traditional hanok houses within the Seoul capital area.
- Jongno is geographically situated between the iconic Cheonggyecheon stream and the northern mountains, following the original urban planning principles of the Joseon Dynasty.
- It contains the highest density of state-designated cultural heritage properties in South Korea.
About Jongno District
Jongno District serves as the historical and political heart of Seoul, functioning as the center of government since the Joseon Dynasty. The area features a high concentration of heritage sites, including the expansive Gyeongbokgung Palace and the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung. Visitors can explore traditional living environments at Bukchon Hanok Village or experience contemporary art at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul. It remains the primary urban district where centuries-old architecture sits directly adjacent to high-density modern commercial activity.
Highlights of Jongno District
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Witness the ceremonial changing of the royal guard at the main gate of the primary Joseon Dynasty palace.
Places of interest
Wander through a well-preserved residential neighborhood featuring hundreds of traditional Korean houses.
Places of interest
Explore the Secret Garden, a vast landscape area designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural topography.
Places of interest
Browse traditional calligraphy supplies, artisan crafts, and galleries along this historic pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.
Temples
Visit one of the few remaining major Buddhist temples located in the center of the dense urban district.
Historical places
Experience a repurposed neighborhood where historic alleys are now filled with modern cafes and craft shops.
Historical places
Pass through the main entrance of Gyeongbokgung, which serves as a symbolic landmark of the district's history.
Museums
Access major international and local contemporary exhibitions in a facility built on former military and medical site grounds.
Top things to do in Jongno District
The 192 highest-rated places in Jongno District, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1395, served as the primary royal residence of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the larges...
2
Places of interest
Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighborhood in Seoul containing approximately 900 traditional Korean houses, kno...
3
Places of interest
Changdeokgung is a 15th-century Joseon dynasty palace complex distinguished by its intentional integration into the irre...
4
Places of interest
Insa-dong Culture Street serves as a historical center for traditional Korean arts, antiques, and stationery located in...
5
Museums
The National Palace Museum of Korea is the primary institution dedicated to the preservation and display of Joseon Dynas...
6
Temples
Jogyesa Temple serves as the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, representing the center of the religion...
7
Historical places
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is Seoul's oldest hanok district, dating back to the 1920s. The neighborhood occupies a dense...
8
Places of interest
Changgyeonggung Palace, established in 1483 by King Seongjong, served primarily as a residential space for the royal fam...
9
Parks
Marronnier Park serves as the cultural heart of the Daehak-ro theater district, occupying the former site of Seoul Natio...
10
Historical places
Gwanghwamun Gate serves as the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the primary royal residence of the Joseon...
11
Museums
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Seoul is situated on the site of the former Defense Security C...
12
Museums
The National Folk Museum of Korea is the primary institution dedicated to the history of traditional Korean life, locate...
13
Museums
The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is located in the historic former headquarters of the Ministry of Cul...
14
Places of interest
Ihwa-dong Mural Village is a hillside neighborhood in Seoul transformed into an open-air art gallery through the 2006 'I...
15
Historical places
Unhyeongung Palace functioned as the private residence of Heungseon Daewongun, the father of King Gojong, and served as...
16
Places of interest
Samcheong-dong Street is a historic district in Seoul characterized by the juxtaposition of traditional Joseon-era hanok...
17
Museums
Daelim Museum is located in a converted residential building in the historic Seochon neighborhood of Seoul. The museum s...
18
Museums
The National Children's Science Center in Seoul is a specialized educational facility designed to promote STEM literacy...
19
Places of interest
The Statue of King Sejong the Great is a 6.2-meter tall bronze monument situated in the center of Gwanghwamun Square in...
20
Museums
The Cheongha Korean Ginseng Museum in Seoul is dedicated to the history, cultivation, and medicinal properties of Korean...
21
Venues
CHEF is a non-verbal culinary-themed performance venue located in the Nagwon Building in Seoul. The production, formerly...
22
Historical places
Jongmyo Shrine is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines dedicated to the deceased kings and queen...
23
Historical places
Changuimun Gate, also known as Buksomun, is one of the four small gates of the Hanyang Doseong fortress wall built in th...
24
Venues
JTN Art Hall is a specialized performance venue located in the historic Ihwa-dong neighborhood of Seoul. The facility fe...
25
Historical places
Honghwamun Gate serves as the main entrance to Changgyeonggung Palace, established during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally...
26
Museums
The Alive Museum in Insadong is a dedicated optical illusion and trick-art gallery located in the heart of Seoul. The ve...
27
Museums
The Literary Museum of Poet Yun Dong-ju is dedicated to the life and works of the Korean resistance poet who wrote durin...
28
Venues
Interpark Uniplex is a dedicated multi-theater cultural complex located in Daehak-ro, Seoul's historic hub for performin...
29
Museums
The Sool Gallery is a government-supported exhibition space dedicated to the history and culture of traditional Korean a...
30
Parks
Waryong Park is a hillside park situated along the northern section of the Seoul City Wall, acting as a crucial connecto...
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Jongno District on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Jongno District
Late spring (April-May) or mid-autumn (October-November) when temperatures are mild and the seasonal foliage at the palaces is peak.
3 days, as the concentration of historical palaces and traditional village areas requires significant walking and immersive observation.
The district is highly accessible via the Seoul Metro lines 1, 3, and 5, supplemented by an extensive bus network and high walkability in historic zones.
Stay near Insa-dong or Bukchon to remain within walking distance of major palaces and traditional cultural corridors.
Mid-range; while luxury accommodation exists, many cultural sites are affordable and local street food offers low-cost dining options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 192 curated attractions in and around Jongno District, ranked by traveller ratings.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the highest-rated place to visit in Jongno District right now.
The largest category is museums, with 68 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bucheon, Busan, Seongnam.
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