5 Best Sights in Jongno-gu, Seoul

If you only have time for one of Seoul's five palaces, Changdeokgung is the one to see. Built in 1405, it is the Joseon Dynasty's second palace and is now registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Changdeokgung has an older, more historic feel than some of the other palaces and was designed to blend in with the natural landscape surrounding it. What truly sets it apart, however, is the Secret Garden, only accessible via a reserved tour. Nestled on a hill and featuring a lotus pond and 300-year-old trees, the garden follows the serene flow of the four valleys that divide it. Before you visit, check to see if the palace is offering its special nighttime hours, as the building is exceptional in the glow of lamp light. For guided tour times in English and for a roster of seasonal events, visit the palace website. 

Full of restaurants and street vendors, modern art galleries and traditional crafts, this neighborhood is buzzing with energy year-round. An interesting blend of the old and new, it connects the historic neighborhoods and palaces of northern Seoul to the fast-paced modern downtown. While there are any number of interesting shops, teahouses, and restaurants, the modern Ssamzie-gil complex is worth a special stop. The four-story building is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, from inexpensive crafts to works by world-famous designers. Insa-dong is one of the best places in the city to shop for souvenirs or antiques. A number of shops sell generic "made in China" ceramics and goods though, so be sure what you are getting is the real thing. Although it has become more tourist-centered in the past few years, Insa-dong remains one of Seoul's best areas to spend the day.

At this institution for learning about and making kimchi, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibit highlighting the history and significance of the beloved fermented cabbage dish via a free audio guide. They can also reserve one of three kimchi-making classes four days in advance. A 30-, 60-, or 90-minute kimchi-making class focuses on seasonal kimchi recipes, and you'll go home with what you made in the class.

The first public museum in the country to specialize in craft arts, SeMoCA opened in 2021 on the site of the former Pungmoon Girls High School. The museum showcases more than 23,000 pieces across four exhibition buildings and includes samples of embroidered fabrics, furniture, and traditional games dating back hundreds of years. While the topic of craft art may not appeal to everyone, the curation here is exceptionally well-done with many detailed explanations and interactive elements. Parents are particularly fond of the museum’s Craft Village, which has kid-friendly studios dedicated to metalwork, ceramics, and wood crafts. Classes for children are also available through the museum's reservation system.

The Seoul Museum of History traces the growth of the nation's capital through its permanent collection organized in four chronological zones: The Joseon Capital, The Capital of the Korean Empire, Seoul under Japanese Control, and The Capital of the Republic of Korea. The museum's Donated Relic Exhibition Hall, with seemingly ordinary objects and photos, may be especially interesting to those curious about everyday Korean life. For children aged 5 to 7, there is a learning room full of activities and interactive exhibitions. Also, the museum frequently hosts concerts, movies, and other events. While the museum is free, special exhibitions have a separate admission fee.