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Seoul · History

Six Centuries of Seoul: From Joseon Kings to the Streets

This walk follows the axis of power of old Hanyang, the capital founded by the Joseon dynasty in 1394, then heads down Jongno, "Bell Street", to the shrine of the kings. Along the way you'll see how one city was the capital of a kingdom, a short-lived empire, a colony and a democracy won in the streets.

  • 6 stops
  • 2.4 km
  • 2 h
  • Free
Start with GPS Read about this stop 1
Golden statue of King Sejong seated on his throne, with Mount Bugaksan in the background

The route

Stop by stop

  1. 1 Gwanghwamun GateThe great gate of Gyeongbokgung: burned, moved, rebuilt in concrete and finally returned to its rightful place.
  2. 2 Statue of King SejongThe 15th-century monarch who decided his people deserved an alphabet of their own.
  3. 3 Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sinThe admiral said never to have lost a naval battle has watched over the avenue since 1968.
  4. 4 Bosingak PavilionThe bell that opened and closed the city, and that now rings in each new year before a huge crowd.
  5. 5 Tapgol ParkHere, on 1 March 1919, Korea's Declaration of Independence was read aloud.
  6. 6 Jongmyo ShrineThe shrine that holds the spirit tablets of the Joseon kings, still honoured with 15th-century music.

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Start with GPS

Guide mode

Walk it with GPS.

Open guide mode on your phone: you’ll see your position and the distance to each stop, and we’ll let you know when you arrive. Then read or listen.

Start with GPS

  1. Turn on your location

  2. Walk to the spot

  3. Check the photo and listen

What you’ll discover

Six Centuries of Seoul: From Joseon Kings to the Streets

The Joseon dynasty

Over five centuries of kings, from 1392 to 1910, and the mark they left on gates, shrines and bells.

Sejong and Hangul

The king who gave Korea its own alphabet in the 15th century, seated in bronze in the middle of the avenue.

1919 and after

Japanese occupation, the March 1st Movement and a square that is still the country's civic stage.

Keep exploring

More routes in Seoul

Back to Seoul
Mysteries & legendsSecret Seoul: Royal Escapes, Guardian Beasts and Cursed Stones MixedPalaces, Hanok Alleys and Tea in Insadong

Itineraries

How many days do you have in Seoul?

We’ve planned it day by day for you: which routes to walk and in what order, what else to see and where to eat.

1

Seoul in 1 day

All three routes in one full day: the highlights, the history and the legends at dusk.

See the itinerary 2

Seoul in 2 days

A gentler pace: the three routes over two days, plus extra sights and where to eat.

See the itinerary 3

Seoul in 3 days

The city in depth: one route a day, extra museums and neighbourhoods, and a day for good food.

See the itinerary