More than 110 of the world’s leading galleries will participate in the fair, with sections for emerging talent and historical art, the Frieze Artist Award commission, Frieze Film, talks and a Frieze Week festival of culture
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, this village is home to hundreds of hanoks (traditional Korean house) that date back to the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "northern village," came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, and teahouses.
The palace was built as the second royal villa following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. Changdeokgung was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
Dates back to 1941 as a public market set up for Japanese residents during the Japanese occupation. Now, Tongin Market consists of around 75 stores that are mostly restaurants and grocery stores, with some selling clothing and shoes.
18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu
Cheongwadea, also known as the Blue House in English due to its distinctive blue tiles, is a public park that formerly served as the presidential residence and the diplomatic reception halls of South Korea since 1948. Within its boundary are spaces dedicated to the president’s official duties, including the president’s office and a reception area for foreign guests, and the private quarters of Korea’s First Family. Since being open to the public in Mayh 2022, Cheongwadae ahas become a must-visit tourist spot in Seoul.
1 Cheong Wa Dae-ro, Jongno-gu
Unique museum that focuses only on traditional wooden furniture, boasting a collection of more than 2,500 pieces of traditional Korean furniture. The pieces are displayed in ten beautiful hanoks (traditional Korean house) to show visitors how these pieces would have been used in daily life. Reservation required.
121, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu
Originally built in 1395, the gate is the southern and main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. After going through several damages and restorations under the Japanese administration and the Korean War (1950-1953), Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form in 2010.
12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu
Built in 1395, the palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. After efforts to rebuild and restore the buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation, Gyeongbokgung palace is commonly known as the most beautiful of all five palaces.
161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu
Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the museum presents historical artifacts that were used int he daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestica and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea's cultural beliefs.
37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu
Houses exhibitions that span modern Korean history, from he first opening of Korea to outsiders in the late 19th century, to today. Opened in 2012, the museum is the country's first national museum of contemporary history.
198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu
Opened in 2002 within the Gyeongguigung Palace site, the three story building covers all of Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era.
55, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu
Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Created as part of an urban renewal project, it is a restoration of the stream that was once there during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Han River, with many attractions along the way.
37, Mugyo-ro, Jongno-gu
Reopened in August 2022 after renovation, Sejong-ro is the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, rich with historical and cultural experiences. The square features statues honoring two of Korea’s most iconif figures, King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu
IKSEON-DONG & INSA-DONG
Sightseeing
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village 익선동한옥거리
First established in the 1920s, this village offers a unique mix of modern and traditional elements. Traveling through narrow alleyways, visitors can discover hanoks (traditional Korean house) that have been beautifully rehabilitated and turned to cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Insa-dong Cultural Street 인사동문화의거리
An area with old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side, offering galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses and cafes.
The temple is the centre of Korean Buddhism, working as the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul. It was built in the late 14th century and was rebuilt in 1910 after being completely destroyed in a fire.
55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu
Ox bone soup with sliced beef and soft wheat noodles
First eatery in Korea to officially register for a restaurant license when it opened in 1904
38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu
Designed by Zaha Hadid, this silver-grey spaceship crash-landed in central Seoul in 2014. A massive multi-cultural complex, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza hosts exhibitions, fashion shows and more.
281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu
Dongdaemun Market 동대문시장
One of Korea's largest wholesale and retail shopping districts packed with around 26 shopping malls and 30,000 specialty shops. Visitors can find everything from textiles, clothes, shoes and jewellery, to leather goods, toys and electronics.
12 Jong-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu
Dongmyo Flea Market 동묘 벼룩시장
One of the most popular flea markets in Seoul frequented by visitors of all ages who like to shop for vintage goods. Embodying the atmosphere of Seoul in the 1960s and 70s, this market houses everything from antiques and vintage accessories to old cameras and trendy vintage clothes.
102-8 Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu
Gwangjang Market 광장시장
Dating back to 1905, Gwangjang Market is the first permanent street market in Korea. While it houses an extensive selection of textiles, it is mostly visited for its food market. The ground floor has hundred of food stalls and restaurants where visitors can enjoy authentic Korean dishes.
2-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu
