Changgyeonggung Palace
Changgyeonggung Palace was built in 1483 by King Seongjong (the ninth king of the Joseon Dynasty) to take care of the wives of the preceding kings. Compared to other palaces, the size of the palace is compact and simple. Changgyeonggung Palaceis connected with Changdeokgung Palace. It's located east of the primary palace of Gyeongbokgung, so it is also referred to as "Donggwol," the "East Palace."Myeongjeongjeon is the main hall of the palace, where state affairs were held, such as meetings with officials and the reception of foreign envoys. In particular, Myeongjeongjeon represents an outstanding example of seventeenth century Joseon architectural style and is the oldest main hall of any palace. While visiting Changgyeonggung Palace, it is recommended you visit nearby Changdeokgung Palace as well.Most of the palace buildings were destroyed by the Japanese during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. The main buildings such as Myeongjeongjeon, Munjeongjeon (council hall), Hwangyeongjeon (Hall), Inyangjeon (Hall), Gongsacheong, and Honghwamun (Gate) were rebuilt by King Gwanghaegun (the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty). Additional buildings: Geongeukdang, Jagyeongjeon, Wolgeunmun were constructed by subsequent kings of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese built a zoo on the site and renamed the palace "Changgyeongwon," meaning "Changgyeong Garden." Since 1987, the palace has been reconstructed and now resembles its original form.
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- By bus : 13 min
- On foot : 28 min
Hyehwamun Gate
It is Dongbukmun(Northeast Gate), one of the four auxiliary gates on the wall. It was originally called Honghwamun at the time of its construction in 1396, but was renamed as Hyehwamun in 1511. The gate tower was demolished in 1928, followed by Hongye(halfarched door) in 1938. However, Hyehwamun was reconstructed in its current location, a little further north from its original site, in 1994.
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- On foot : 8 min
Naksan Public Art Project
The Naksan Art Project was established in 2006 by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism as part of its “ART in the city 2006” campaign, in order to foster arts and culture-friendly environments in urban areas. This project focuses on the Dongsung-dong district ranging from Hyehwa Staton to Naksan Park, where poorly developed housing and buildings were scattered across the area. The aim is to improve living conditions through practical and financial help and support, as well as giving the area an artistic and cultural makeover. Since the project began, the Dongsung-dong district has gained a fresh new look as a growing hub for arts and culture in Seoul, featuring a range of art installations and more than 70 beautiful murals, decorated walls and houses, and much more.
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- By bus : 20 min
- On foot : 28 min
Gilsangsa (Temple)
Gilsangsa (Temple) was once one of the foremost "yojeong" in Korea called Daewongak, where powerful men used to convene behind the scenes. It was turned into a Buddhist temple in 1997. As a result, the temple has a very unusual atmosphere because it kept many of its original features of Daewongak. Due to its location in central Seoul, and the many Buddhist programs it offers, such as “House of Silence” and “Templestay,” Gilsangsa attracts many visitors, both native Koreans as well as visitors from overseas. The temple is highly regarded for its involvement in cultural exchanges with other religions.
Gilsangsa is also a fascinating destination because of its backstory. The temple is named after the woman who donated the buildings, a gisaeng (a female entertainer and/or courtesan) named Kim Yeong-han who had a change of heart after reading "Non-Possession" by Venerable Beopjeong Sunim. The monk initially denied her request for a decade, but in 1995 decided to turn the buildings into a temple.
You can also visit Gilsangsa as part of the Seongbuk-dong Walking Tour, a free tour offered by Seoul City volunteer guides.
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- By bus : 18 min
- On foot : 30 min
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is the newest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design industry. Located at the center of the Dongdaemun area, the DDP will serve as a key venue for design-related shows and conferences, exhibitions, and other events and gatherings.
Designed by world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid, DDP is the world’s largest atypical architecture. The DDP is compromised of five halls: Art Hall, Museum, Design Lab, Design Market, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.
Art Hall : Conventions, Fashion Shows, Concerts, and Performances
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- By metro : 22 min
Nearby Attractions
Lock Museum
The Lock Museum founded in 2003 in Daehak-ro houses traditional Korean locks, keys, key-rings and lockable cabinets, as well as locks from other countries. The Korean words “soe dae” mean “lock”. The lock is the main motif of this reddish brown building designed by Korean architect, Seung Hyosang. This five story building consists of an art shop, galleries and a café. This unique museum displays more than 4,000 different kinds of locks collected by Choe Honggue, the Director-General of the museum.
Locks from all over the world
▶ A view of the exhibition hall
The three main exhibition halls showcase a variety of collections ranging from the Three Kingdom ’period to the present. The collections are not limited to the domestic but show exhibits from round the world, including Africa and Asia. The 4th floor displays various metal crafts.
<FROM WOOJU HOUSE>
- By bus : 17 min
- On foot : 26 min
The source of the information and picturd is Visit Seoul. (www.visitseoul.net)