Jongno, Seoul: Neighborhood Guide to Palaces, Insadong, Ikseon-dong and Bukchon (2026)
October 24, 2026 | by Korea Bestie
Jongno (종로) is Seoul’s historic heart. Inside one district you’ll find three of the five royal palaces, the royal ancestral shrine, the hanok lanes of Bukchon and Ikseon-dong, Insadong’s tea houses and Gwangjang Market’s food alley. This Jongno guide explains how the area fits together, which subway exit to use for each sight, and how to plan your days, with links to our detailed guides.
Last checked: October 2026. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).
Quick answer
- What is Jongno? Seoul’s old royal district, north of Cheonggyecheon Stream, with Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Jongmyo, Bukchon, Insadong and Ikseon-dong.
- Key stations? Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), Anguk (Line 3), Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1, 3, 5) and Jongno 5-ga (Line 1).
- Closing days? Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo close on Tuesdays; Changdeokgung on Mondays.
- How long? One full day for the highlights; two days to add Jongmyo, Ikseon-dong and Gwangjang Market at a relaxed pace.
First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.
Our Jongno guides
- Gyeongbokgung Palace — tickets, guard ceremony and hanbok
- Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden — English garden tours and booking
- Jongmyo Shrine — guided tours and free Saturdays
- Bukchon Hanok Village — visiting hours and the best lanes
- Insadong — tea houses, Ssamziegil and souvenirs
- Ikseon-dong — hanok café alleys
- Gwangjang Market — the food alley and what to order
- Seoul palaces in one day — a walking route with map
What are Jongno’s main areas?
| Area | Go for | Station and exit |
|---|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun | The main palace, Gwanghwamun Square | Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), Exit 5 |
| Bukchon and Samcheong-dong | Hanok lanes, cafés, galleries | Anguk (Line 3), Exit 2 |
| Changdeokgung | The palace and Secret Garden | Anguk (Line 3), Exit 3 |
| Insadong | Tea houses, crafts, souvenirs | Anguk (Line 3), Exit 6 |
| Ikseon-dong | Hanok cafés and small restaurants | Jongno 3-ga (Lines 1, 3, 5), Exit 4 or 6 |
| Jongmyo | The royal shrine | Jongno 3-ga, Exit 11 |
| Gwangjang Market | Street food | Jongno 5-ga (Line 1), Exit 8 |
How should you spend a day in Jongno?
- Morning: Gyeongbokgung at 9:00, then up to Bukchon’s lanes (open to visitors 10:00–17:00).
- Lunch: Insadong, followed by a hanok tea house.
- Afternoon: Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden (book the English tour ahead).
- Evening: coffee in Ikseon-dong, then dinner at Gwangjang Market.
Prefer a map? Our Seoul palaces in one day route has a numbered map and Naver Map links for each stop.
What else is in Jongno?
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: a restored stream with walking paths along the southern edge of Jongno, lovely in the evening.
- Gwanghwamun Square: the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and the main Seoul Christmas market in December.
- Changgyeonggung: a quieter palace next to Changdeokgung, with a Victorian-style glasshouse.
- Daehangno: Seoul’s small-theatre district near Hyehwa Station.
Which days are sights closed?
| Sight | Closed |
|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | Tuesday |
| Jongmyo Shrine | Tuesday (weekday entry by guided tour; Saturdays free viewing) |
| Changdeokgung | Monday |
| Bukchon residential core | Open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only |
| Gwangjang Market shops | Many close on Sundays (food stalls mostly open) |
Is Jongno a good place to stay?
- Yes, for history lovers and first-timers who want to walk to the palaces. It’s quieter at night than Myeongdong or Hongdae.
- For something special, book a night in a traditional house: hanok stays in Seoul. Compare areas in where to stay in Seoul.
- Gwanghwamun and Jonggak have business hotels; Insadong and Ikseon-dong have small boutique stays.
Good to know
- Hanbok: wearing hanbok gets you into the palaces free. Rental shops cluster around Gyeongbokgung and Anguk.
- Accessibility: palace courtyards are stone and gravel; Bukchon and Samcheong-dong are hilly. Insadong’s main street and Cheonggyecheon are flat.
- Getting around: Line 3 links Gyeongbokgung and Anguk; Lines 1 and 5 cover Jongno 3-ga and 5-ga. See our Seoul subway guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Myeongdong guide — 15 minutes south
- Deoksugung Palace — the palace open at night
- Seongsu-dong guide — Seoul’s café and pop-up district
- Where to stay in Seoul — Jongno vs other areas
FAQ
What is Jongno known for?
Seoul’s royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, the hanok villages of Bukchon and Ikseon-dong, Insadong’s traditional crafts and Gwangjang Market.
How many days do you need in Jongno?
One full day covers the highlights; two days lets you add Jongmyo, Ikseon-dong and Gwangjang Market comfortably.
Which station is best for Jongno?
Anguk Station (Line 3) is the most central: Bukchon, Insadong and Changdeokgung are all within 10 minutes’ walk.
Sources: Seoul Tourism – Ikseon-dong (Sep 2026) · Seoul Metropolitan Government – palace guard ceremony 2026 · Visit Seoul – Jongmyo
Photos: Brady Bellini / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 · S h y numis / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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