Activity description
Itinerary
You will meet your guide at 6:30 PM at Junction 4 of Hyehwa Station (Line 4). Your guide will be waiting for you with a "Tripper" sign.
Daehakro, Korea's premier "arts and culture street," boasts approximately 150 theaters along a 1.6-kilometer stretch from Jongno 5-ga in Jongno-gu to Hyehwa-dong Rotary. Designated a "cultural area," it becomes a pedestrian zone on weekends. Here, you can explore sites of historical and cultural significance, such as Marronnier Park and Naksan Park, or sample the latest trends in numerous restaurants and shops. As you walk toward Changgyeonggung Palace, soak up Daehakro's youthful energy, which remains vibrant late into the night.
Changgyeonggung Palace, located in the heart of Seoul, was originally built as Suganggung Palace by King Sejong (r. 1418–1450) of the Joseon dynasty for his father, King Taejong, who was in retirement. This historic palace often served as a residence for queens and concubines. Renovated and renamed by King Seongjong (r. 1469–1494), Changgyeonggung Palace later became a zoological and botanical park during Japanese colonial rule. In 1983, the palace was restored to its former glory, preserving its rich history and grandeur.
Gwangjang Market (including tasting): Korea's oldest traditional market, with a rich 116-year history, offers a feast of traditional Korean cuisine that has even been featured on Netflix. Savor Korean rice wine "Makgeolli" and crispy "Jeon" pancakes, or indulge in beloved dishes like tteokbokki, kimbap, and sundae—flavors that have captivated palates around the world. Established as Korea's first permanent market, Gwangjang continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination. The name Gwangjang, meaning "to gather from afar and hold everything together," reflects its origins as a small shopping mall. Today, it has transformed into a bustling wholesale market, offering a variety of goods, from upholstery and imported goods to groceries, dried fish, and traditional products.
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (Jongno Pocha Street): What to see in Ikseon-dong? Located east of Insadong, Ikseon-dong is a charming neighborhood filled with quaint alleys, traditional hanoks, trendy boutiques, incredible cafes, and fantastic restaurants. Often dubbed Seoul's hipster paradise, Ikseon-dong is one of the city's most vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhoods, and we love it! Explore the quaint alleys lined with beautifully preserved hanoks, where traditional architecture meets modern charm. Visit unique boutiques and craft shops offering a variety of modern and handmade items. Be sure to visit Jongno Pocha Street for local street food and a lively atmosphere.
Jogyesa Temple, the main temple and district head of the Jogye order in Seoul, is the epicenter of Korean Buddhism. Originally built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period, the temple was destroyed by fire but was resurrected as Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 thanks to the efforts of renowned monks such as Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. Renamed Tegosa Temple in 1936, it was later reestablished as Jogyesa Temple in 1954, following a purification effort to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism.
Today, Jogyesa Temple is a central hub of Korean Buddhism, with its Dharma Hall hosting numerous events, rituals, lectures, and Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year. The temple is also known for its annual lantern festival, which celebrates Buddha's birthday, a significant event that attracts visitors from around the world.
Observations:
