Explore Other Travel Destinations ‘Cheonggyecheon Bulru Wetland etc.’ in Seoul’s Dongdaemun District.
Seoul Dongdaemun-gu ‘Cheonggyecheon Willow Wetland’
“Cheonggyecheon Willow Wetland is one of the eight scenic spots along the restored section of Cheonggyecheon, providing a natural habitat for aquatic plants. As the final beauty of Cheonggyecheon, this wetland is where nature truly thrives, unlike the other sections that have been influenced by human hands. The reed wetland is designed to support the habitat of aquatic plants like bulrush and water lilies, creating a friendly environment for various species including fish and amphibians. Visitors can spot fish such as catfish and minnows, while birdwatchers may see mallards, spot-billed ducks, and herons flying around the designated bird protection area. A wooden deck path allows for a leisurely stroll and informative eco tours guided by Cheonggyecheon ecologists are available, making it a great destination for families with children. In winter, there are also birdwatching classes available. Cheonggyecheon is a 10.84km stream that flows through the heart of Seoul, crossing the Jongno and Jung-gu districts. Originally called ‘Geocheo’ during the Joseon Dynasty, it was later renamed Cheonggyecheon during the Japanese colonial period. Historically, the stream caused frequent flooding and accidents due to its low flow rate except during the summer monsoon season, leading to urban slums and sanitation issues. In efforts to address these challenges, a 5.6km elevated highway was built over the stream from Gwanggyo to Majang-dong between 1958 and 1977. However, in 2003, a restoration project began, demolishing the highway to allow Cheonggyecheon to flow freely once again. Starting from Cheonggye Plaza in Gwanggyo and extending to Gos
• Address (location): “Located in Yongdu-dong, Gusan-ja Bridge downstream of the Buleun Wetland in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
Seoul Yeonghwijeon (Queen Sunheon’s Tomb) and Sunginwon (Leejin)
“Yeonghwawon is the tomb of Empress Sunheonhyo Eom, the consort of Emperor Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty. Meanwhile, Sunginwon is the tomb of Prince Uimin, the eldest son of Prince Imperial Eui. Empress Eom’s spirit tablet is enshrined at Chilgung in Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu. Empress Sunheonhyo Eom (1854~1911) was the daughter of Eom Jin-sam and became the consort of Emperor Gojong after giving birth to Emperor Yunghui in 1897. She was conferred the title of Empress in 1903 and resided at Gyeongseong Palace. Empress Eom played a significant role in women’s education by establishing Jinmyeong Girls’ School and Sookmyung Girls’ School, as well as donating land and funds to Yangjeong School during financial difficulties. After her passing in 1911, her spirit was enshrined at Deoksu Palace, which later moved to Yukjang Palace. Prince Uimin’s eldest son, Lee Jin Wonsun (1921~1922), was born in Japan to Emperor Yunghui and Empress Lee. He tragically passed away at Seokjojeon in Deoksu Palace just one day before returning to Japan. Emperor Sunjong mourned Wonsun’s death and ordered a respectful funeral, creating a tomb at the current location. Yeonghwawon was designed in accordance with the principles of the Joseon Dynasty, featuring Hongsal Gate, Jeongja Pavilion, and Bi Pavilion, surrounded by a protective fence. Similarly, Sunginwon was constructed with a similar design but omitted the protective fence and stone lanterns at the main shrine, making it smaller compared to other tombs.” I hope this translation helps foreign tourists understand the cultural significance of these historic sites in Korea.
• Address (location): 90 Hongneung-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Cheongnyangni-dong)
• Hours of use: Operating Hours: – November to January: 09:00 – 17:30 – February to May / September to October: 09:00 – 18:00 – June to August: 09:00 – 18:30 ※ Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Yeonhwasa Temple (Seoul)
“Yeonhwasa is a major temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located on the foothills of Cheonghak Mountain in Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Hoegi-dong, situated in the heart of eastern Seoul, is said to have been named after the tomb of Queen Dowager Yoon, the birth mother of King Yeonsan. A small temple built on the site is dedicated to her memory. The name ‘Yeonhwasa’ means ‘lotus flower emerging from the mud,’ symbolizing purity amidst the chaos of life. It was also known as ‘Myoryeon,’ which also refers to the purity of the lotus flower. This name was given in hopes of blessing Queen Dowager Yoon and guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife, embodying the transformative power of the lotus flower. While the original tomb has been relocated, replaced by Gyeonggi Girls’ Middle and High School, the temple continues to thrive below. Though surrounded by lush vegetation, it has evolved from a traditional temple to an urban sanctuary. Still, traces of the royal connections remain, as many court ladies contributed Buddhist paintings to the temple, honoring Queen Dowager Yoon and Queen Sunjeong as their ancestral halls.”
• Address (location): 56 Kyungheedae-ro 3-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Hoegi-dong)
Cheongryangsa in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
“Cheongnyangsa is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Cheongnyangsan Mountain in the southern part of Biguni Do-ryang. It is known as one of the four famous Biguni Do-ryangs from ancient times, with the stone-carved Seungbang being right here. Originally, Cheongnyangsa and Seungbang were separate temples. However, due to the tragic event of Empress Myeongseong being assassinated by the Japanese during the late 19th century, her tomb of Hongneung was built, leading to the relocation of Cheongnyangsa to its current location. At the same time, Seungbang was also leaning towards closure, which eventually led to the merging of the two temples. During the late Joseon period, Cheongnyangsa was a popular retreat for the residents of the capital city. It was also a place frequented by patriots and monks during the difficult times of Japanese occupation. Especially, the renowned independence activist and Buddhist leader, Han Yongun, once stayed at Cheongnyangsa, and his 70th birthday celebration was held here on July 12, 1939. Around the same time, the Buddhist scholar Park Hanyoung resided in this temple, and the plaque hanging in the main hall of Cheongnyangsa is said to have been inscribed by Park Hanyoung. Upon entering the main gate of the temple, you will see the Guan Yin Hall right in front, with high-rise apartments visible behind it. Situated in a residential area, Cheongnyangsa operates a kindergarten and provides a playground for children. The oldest building in Cheongnyangsa, the Geuknakbojeon, features a stupa-like finial at the center of its roof. The compact structure of the temple, with buildings densely arranged like multi-story structures, may be due to the steep terrain on which it is built. Despite its small size, Cheongnyangsa boasts various halls such as the Guan Yin Hall, Muryangsujeon, Daeungjeon, Dae-bangchae, Seolsundang, and Jeokmukdang, embodying the traditional charm of a Buddhist temple.”
• Address (location): “10-3, Cheongnyangsa, Jegiro 31-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
Seoul Folk Flea Market Traditional Culture Experience Center
“The ‘Traditional Culture Experience Center’ is a space at Seoul Folk Flea Market where both domestic and foreign tourists can try making various traditional Korean cultural items. For foreigners, it serves as an opportunity to experience Korea’s unique traditional culture and gain a better understanding of the country, while for locals, it offers an easy way to encounter our traditional culture and enjoy a cultural tourism leisure time together with the whole family.”
• Address (location): 21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Sinseol-dong)
Omi Cooking Research Center
“Omi Cooking Studio is a place where you can learn about and make Korean food using seasonal ingredients purchased from Gyeongdong Market, Cheongnyangni Market, and Yaryang Market. It offers a great opportunity to learn deeply about Korean cuisine, which is rich in fermentation culture. Classes use fresh Korean ingredients according to the season, and menus are tailored to various requests such as vegetarian, allergies, and religious dietary requirements. The classes are conducted in English and Chinese to accommodate many foreign tourists. Regular classes have a capacity of 8 participants, but advance arrangements are needed for larger groups. Reservations can be made online. Omi Cooking Studio has received various awards, starting from winning the Korea Tourism Organization Tourism Venture Competition in 2014, being selected as a tourism venture in 2016, winning the Best Food Tourism Program Award from the Korea Food Promotion Institute in 2020, and the Seoul Tourism Award in 2021.”
• Address (location): “1F, Omi Cooking Research Institute, 97-1 Yagryeongsi-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea”
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ※ Reservation Required
Geumseong Broadcasting Refresh Center – Discover Traditional Korean Culture!”
“For the revitalization of traditional markets and local economy, LG Electronics has partnered with Gyeongdong Market and Starbucks to create a permanent customer experience space where instead of repairing products, they listen to customers’ concerns and offer an experience that refreshes from style to heart. By showcasing LG Electronics’ original products from the days of Geumsungsa, it evokes nostalgia for the middle-aged generation, while providing enjoyment and novelty to the younger MZ generation through programs like ThinQ Escape Room and Geumsung Arcade.”
• Address (location): 36, Gosanja-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City, 3rd and 4th Floors, Main Building, Jegi-dong.
• Hours of use: Operating hours: 09:00~22:00
Experience hours: 11:00~19:00
※ Only exhibition viewing available outside of experience hours.
Dapsimni Cinema Street in Seoul Dongdaemun District
“Dapsimni Movie Street in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, has transformed from a filming location, Gogae (Gogae Intersection), into a cultural arts complex centered around movies. This area led the golden age of Korean cinema from 1964 to 1969, with approximately 80 films being shot here. On both sides of the street, there are photo zones depicting past film works and the old Dapsimni Theater, a former movie theater. You can find plenty to see, including sidewalk blocks with designs engraved with movie titles, directors, actors, and staff names, as well as handprints of iconic Korean movie stars from different eras. At the end of the street, there is the Dapsimni Movie Media Art Center, a remodeled cultural center in Dongdaemun-gu. Here, you can watch movies for free, explore an exhibition hall showcasing the history of Korean cinema, and even experience studio filming firsthand.”
• Address (location): “210-9 Dapsimni-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Dapsimni-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open at all times”