Jongno

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One of Seoul's oldest and most historically significant streets featuring Jongno Tower, traditional shops, modern restaurants, and colonial-era buildings mixed with contemporary architecture. It's a fascinating walk through different eras of Seoul history.

Things to do

• Jongno Tower Observation Deck — Visit the 63-meter-high tower for panoramic views of central Seoul and the surrounding historic district.
• Jogyesa Temple — Explore this major Buddhist temple founded in 1910, featuring traditional architecture and serene gardens amid the urban bustle.
• Seoul Metro Station History Walk — Trace the evolution of Seoul's transportation through Jongno 3-ga, 4-ga, and 5-ga stations, each reflecting different architectural periods.
• Jongno Bookstreet (Bookworm's Alley) — Wander through dozens of independent and used bookstores clustered together, showcasing Korean and international titles.
• Colonial-Era Building Spotting — Photograph and examine remnants of Japanese colonial architecture including the old bank buildings and narrow alleyways.
• Insa-dong Art Gallery District — Step into Jongno's adjacent cultural hub to visit traditional Korean art galleries, craft shops, and calligraphy studios.

Food to try

• Jongno Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodle Soup) — Slurp this comforting hand-cut noodle soup with seafood or vegetable broth that has been served in family-run restaurants for decades.
• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) — Try this street food favorite of chewy rice cakes in spicy red chili sauce, sold from numerous vendors along the main street.
• Jongno Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) — Sample this traditional restorative soup with whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, served piping hot at established restaurants.
• Hodugwaja (Red Bean Pancakes) — Grab these warm, hand-sized pastries filled with sweet red bean paste, a quick snack sold at small bakeries throughout Jongno.
• Jongno Patbingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert) — Cool down with this sweet shaved ice topped with condensed milk, fruits, and red beans at cafes and dessert shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect temple visiting hours — If visiting Jogyesa Temple, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and avoid loud conversation to honor the active Buddhist community.
• Cash still dominates older shops — Many traditional restaurants, small bookstores, and vendors along Jongno prefer or only accept cash, so withdraw won from nearby ATMs.
• Peak hours avoid early morning or late evening — Visit during daytime (10 AM–6 PM) when shops are open and the street is most vibrant; many traditional establishments close by 8 PM.
• Learn basic directional markers — Jongno is divided into numbered sections (1-ga through 8-ga); locals use these to give directions, so familiarize yourself with this system.