Jongno

The Jongno district of central Seoul constitutes one half of the city’s main historic area. It is here you’ll find a majority of the royal palaces, temples, parks and shrines, many dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Four of the five Grand Palaces -- Changdeokgung, Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung and Gyonghuigung -- can be found in Jongno, as well as Jogyesa Temple, the National Folk Museum of Korea and the Insadong antiques market.

Also worth a visit in Jongno is the Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood where Seoul’s wealthy and politically important families lived. About 900 traditional hanok houses still exist in what is now one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Korea’s current president lives in the Blue House, also found in Jongno. When the weather is nice, take a stroll along the recently renovated Cheonggyecheon river walk for some fresh air and people watching.