City: Jongno-gu
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What to do and see in Jongno-gu, South Korea: The Best Monuments & Statues
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
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1. Jogyesa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,008 reviews
This beautiful, colorful temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. Equally lovely is the courtyard, which is filled with vibrant lanterns and trees more than 500 years old.
Reviewed By trizamu - Seoul, South Korea
It's a pretty small temple, not much to explore, but it's so worth the visit. Inside the main temple building you can see 3 big golden statues of Buddha (pay attention on where you should take off your shoes). Yet, it's most worth visit on around the end of April, during May, and beginning of June (around the date of Buddha's birthday), since they decorated the whole temple with the most festive looking lanterns! Guaranteed to take the most mesmerizing pictures!
2. Gwanghwamun Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 982 reviews
This gate was constructed in 1395 as the main entrance from the majestic Sejong Boulevard into Kyongbuk Palace. Three arched gates and a two-story pavilion are typical of the architectural design of that period. Completely reconstructed after years of conflict and falling into disrepair, it is now made of modern concrete and steel. It presently serves as a secondary entrance to Kwanghwamun Park.
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
There are 3 gates that you must enter to reach the palace. It is the Gwanghwamun Gate that is the first gate. It is not the prettiest or most intricate. However, it is the this gate that separates the world of the 1400’s from the 21st century. It seems easy to say but unless you visit you will not understand this juxtaposition. On one side are modern skyscrapers, heavy traffic and the bustle of the current world. On the other side is the palace which when in it appears like it’s isolated in the calm natural environment. It is quiet and ancient and appears just as it was 600 years ago. However these two different environments are separated by only 15 feet of wall. Again you just have to experience it.
3. Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
I had never heard of this famous 16th-century Korean admiral until I visited Gwanghwamum Plaza, where his bronze statue anchors its southern end. But now I know that Admiral Yi Sun-Sin has a fascinating background, including incredible military achievements during the Imjin War (1592-96) when he defended Korea against Japanese invaders. Yi Sun-Sin invented the ironclad "turtle" ship. It was so successful that it took only a few to win a battle with hundreds of the enemy's traditional ships. Sculptor Kim Se-jung's 1968 work depicts the war hero standing in armor, with a massive sword in the right hand. A miniature replica of the turtle ship appears just below the statue. The bronze and its high pedestal rise about 56 feet above the plaza. The 12:23 fountain nearby received its name from the 23 battles the admiral fought with 12 ships. It was not operating during my day visit in October, but I saw it in action with colored lights, passing by in a bus one night. As a history buff, I enjoyed the small museum under the plaza devoted to Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and King Sejong.
4. Statue of Sejong the Great
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By moniquebolivar
Ever since I've watched a drama about King Sejong, I knew I had to visit his statue and take a photo with him. Little did I know that it's in the center of Seoul. It is very easy to find and impossible to miss when visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and other famous spots in Seoul. King Sejong's statue is among the popular tourist spots in the area so don't miss taking a souvenir photo with him. You might just have to fall in line. And maybe ask for someone to take your photo if traveling alone like me.
