Seoul City Hall Area

Deoksugung Palace, one of the four palaces in Seoul, is located across the Seoul City Hall.

Introduction

The area around Seoul City Hall offers a plethora of travel, cultural, and entertainment resources. Located in the heart of Seoul, this area provides plenty of attractions to explore - shopping malls, galleries, museums, cultural centers, theaters, and parks.

Visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a peaceful stroll at nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream. With easy access via subway lines 1 and 2 as well as buses, you can easily experience Seoul’s popular historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Namdaemun Market.

All of these create an unforgettable experience that is sure to make your trip to Seoul City Hall an enjoyable one. Whether you're looking for a day of sightseeing or a weekend of exploration, you'll find something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city.

Go explore the culture, history, and sights that make Seoul City Hall an ideal destination for travelers from all around the world!

For extra fun, you can check out the various street performances in the area like buskers, mime artists and more!

There are numerous street food vendors along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. You can find everything from traditional Korean dishes to international cuisine. So grab a bite of local flavor before heading off on your next adventure in Seoul City Hall.

In addition, there are several parks and outdoor spaces near the stream where you can take a leisurely stroll or even lay down a picnic blanket.

Be sure to check out the City Hall Square for some of the best shopping and dining experiences in town! You'll find popular cafes, retail stores, and other attractions in this bustling area.

After a day of exploring, you can relax by taking in a beautiful live performance at the Concert Hall near City Hall. From classical music concerts to traditional Korean performances, there is something for everyone!

Finally, end your day by exploring the historical and cultural sites of the Seoul Fortress Wall. This wall was built in 1396 and still stands today, providing an interesting glimpse into Seoul's past.

For a unique experience be sure to take a nighttime tour of the wall, complete with traditional lanterns, music, and more. No matter what you choose to do in Seoul, you will be sure to have an unforgettable experience!

City Hall Square is the perfect place to start an exploration of Seoul. During the day, you can take a leisurely stroll and explore the various shops, restaurants, cafés, and other attractions in the area.

Don't forget to take some time to enjoy the fascinating architecture of City Hall itself! While you're there, be sure to make a stop at one of the nearby traditional markets for some genuinely unique souvenirs.

Head over to the Concert Hall near City Hall for a truly captivating experience during your stay. With performances ranging from classical music concerts to traditional Korean performances, it's easy to find something that appeals to everyone.

Afterward, end your night by exploring some of Seoul's historical and cultural sites with a nighttime tour of the Seoul Fortress Wall. This wall was built in 1396 and still stands today – a testament to its longevity and historical significance. The tour includes traditional lanterns, music, and more – it's an incredible way to get a real taste of everything that this city has to offer!

Seoul City Hall Area

The City Hall area in Seoul is filled with entertaining facilities and historical structures, and sites worth visiting. You can say to your friends that you have been to Seoul, South Korea, if you have seen some of the places and sites that will be described on this page.

Of course, Korean restaurants are always there to satisfy your craving for Korean dishes. So, go ahead and continue reading!

Some of the most interesting places you must visit in the City Hall area should include…

Deoksugung Palace
Seoul Plaza (Seoul City Hall & Seoul Metropolitan Library)
Jeongdong Theatre
Seoul Museum of Art
Seoul Museum of History

Now, let me paint a picture of the above places/sites below.

Deoksugung Palace

One of the structures inside Deoksugung

Deoksugung Palace is one of the four major palaces you can explore in the Seoul area, especially in the City Hall area. It is a beautiful and historical site that stands through time despite the destructions it suffered, especially during the Japanese occupation.

Getting inside the palace could transport you into the olden days of the palace, where the kings, queens, and all their people walked around wearing their traditional clothes and doing their daily chores. It will help if you have advance information (basic) about the place.

However, you can read brief descriptions of the whole site and palace. Also, you can read summary descriptions for each building and important places of the palace, thus, you will enjoy your walk inside while acquiring new knowledge through your experience.

It is located just across from the City Hall.

Seoul Plaza

Seoul Plaza turns into an ice-covered ground for various winter activities.

Seoul Plaza is located right in front of Seoul City Hall. It is usually covered with green grass during the summer season (and beautiful colorful flowers at some specific places).

Festivals, exhibitions, shows, and seasonal events are held on this very spot at any time of the year. Entertainment and children’s facilities are also available during the summer season.

During the winter season, you will find this plaza covered with platforms protecting the grass from the cold winter snow. In the past years, you can enjoy ice skating in this very sport.

The skating rink is usually crowded, but you can always get in should you come earlier or wait patiently to be allowed in. It is not a free but reasonable price.

Nearby Seoul Plaza, you can see Korean restaurants, fast food shops, hotels, and other establishments.

Jeongdong Theatre

Performers of Korean traditional dance with this traditional attire

If you are into arts or have a sense of art, you will enjoy your visit to Jeongdong Theatre. You can watch and enjoy traditional Korean performing arts. Performances are held daily except on Mondays

You will also have an opportunity to participate in various cultural programs, such as learning how to play ‘janggu’ (traditional Korean drum), among others.

Jeongdong Theatre is located about a hundred meters from Seoul City Hall. Along this area and road (Jeongdong Road), you can find various coffee shops, cafes, and Korean restaurants where you can enjoy bulgogi, samgyettang, kimchi jeon, and other popular Korean dishes.

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)

Located nearby Deoksugung Palace is the famous Seoul Museum of Art. You can find this museum if you walk down Deoksugung Doldam-gil (road). This museum holds special and annual exhibitions showcasing the works of Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso. Free admission for the regular exhibitions, but a small fee applies to special exhibitions.

Seoul Museum of Art also displays modern artworks by local artists and other famous artists around the world. On the first floor of the museum, you can find a museum coffee shop and a store selling art products and memorabilia.

Now, if you come out from the Seoul Museum of Art and walk straight, you will thread the Jeongdong Road, which leads to the Seoul Museum of History.

Seoul Museum of History

Jeongdong Gil (road) is the main road where the royals and other people walked for hundreds of years. That is why you will find a stone marked with a notice saying that you should get off your horse or animal and walk on foot because this is a royal road. In the early century, foreign embassies and international centres were located here.

Nowadays, you can only find some embassies, including the British embassy, the Russian embassy, the house of the American ambassador, and other international dignitaries.

Now, talking about the Seoul Museum of History is located along the main road that crosses Jeongdong Road. It is located beside Gyeonghuigung Palace - a serene palace with a mountainous backdrop.

Seoul Museum of History is where you can have a glimpse of the life and culture of the early days of Seoul. You can see the scale model of Seoul City and enjoy its panoramic view through this miniature work of art.

At this museum, you can see old potteries, maps, exhibitions, and other artefacts and relics recovered in the Seoul area. While enjoying the museum, you can relax in its gardens while sipping a cup of coffee and other beverages from its cafe.

A souvenir shop is available on the first floor of the museum selling products about Seoul and other souvenir and gift products.

The Seoul Museum of Art is a premier museum located in the heart of the city. It is home to a vast collection of traditional and modern art from Korea, China, Japan, and beyond.

Visitors can explore a variety of artwork ranging from ancient relics to contemporary pieces. The museum also offers educational programs, lectures, and workshops for adults and children alike.

There are also several galleries within the museum that display works from various international artists. The Seoul Museum of Art is a great way to experience the culture and artistry of South Korea.

Seoul Map at Seoul Museum of History

How To Get There

You can easily get to the City Hall are by taking a subway (Line #1 and 2). Secure a map or ready your smartphone to help you navigate around the area.

Since the main roads are marked in Korean and English languages, you will quickly find your directions and destinations.