Jung District

Understand

Central Seoul, centered on Jung-gu, is the historic, administrative, and symbolic heart of the South Korean capital. The area has played a central role in Korea’s political, economic, and cultural history for centuries. During the Joseon Dynasty, Jung-gu formed the core of Hanseong, the capital city. Royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung, government offices, markets, and residential quarters for officials were concentrated here, making the area the political and administrative center of the dynasty. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jung-gu became the focal point of modernization and foreign influence. Banks, newspapers, embassies, and Western-style buildings emerged, particularly around Myeong-dong, Jungnim-dong, and Seoul Station, transforming the district into a commercial and transportation hub. Today, Jung-gu remains one of Seoul’s most important districts. It combines historic palaces, major shopping areas, government institutions, business centers, and cultural landmarks. The district serves as a gateway for visitors seeking to understand Seoul’s past and present in one compact area.

Orientation Administratively, Seoul/Central consists primarily of Jung-gu (중구). The district is compact and highly walkable, containing many of Seoul’s most famous attractions. Jung-gu includes historic palace zones, dense commercial districts, traditional markets, and major transportation hubs. Myeong-dong is one of the city’s busiest shopping and tourism areas, known for cosmetics stores, fashion, and street food. Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market showcase traditional commerce and local cuisine. Areas such as City Hall, Gwanghwamun, and Seoul Plaza host government offices, cultural events, and demonstrations, reflecting the district’s civic importance.

Climate Central Seoul experiences a typical four-season climate. Winters are cold and dry, with January temperatures generally ranging from -5°C to 2°C. Summers are hot and humid, with July and Aug

Getting there

By train See also: South Korea#Get around#By train, High-speed rail in South Korea Jung hosts 1 Seoul Station, which is the hub for all high-speed KTX trains in the country, and for many destinations via regular rail. The AREX train from this station will also take you directly to Seoul's Incheon International Airport. The station also has a shopping mall, and the site is close to Culture Station 284 and Seoullo 7017. There are many protests, demonstrations, and beggars at the Seoul station plaza.

By Metro The southern part of Myeong-dong is served by Myeong-dong Station on Line 4 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, while the northern area is closer to Euljiro 1-ga Station on Line 2. Many inner and outer city bus lines pass through the district for easy access.

See

1 Cheonggye Stream, Sejongno Cheonggyecheon, 31 Taepyeonno 1(il)ga (near Cheonggye Plaza near Insa-dong). This stream has been restored to a verdant tourist attraction after long being covered by a busy freeway. You can walk many kilometers along its path through the very center of Seoul. Be cautious during the rainy day, because it may be flooded. 2 Deoksugung (덕수궁, 德壽宮), 57, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, 특별시 중구 남대문로1길 57 (태평로2가) (in downtown Seoul across the street from city hall). Tu-Su 09:00-21:00. Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts with the other nearby palaces like Changdeok Palace. Built during the mid-15th century, the architecture of the buildings inside are heavily influenced by Western designs. Hence, you will see a fusion of Korean and Western architecture. The stone-wall narrow way around the palace is a beautiful and famous path for the lovers, although there was a myth that they would break up when they visit, because the Family court, which people go to get divorced, was located near here. You can go now since it moved to Seocho-gu. Adults (19 to 64 years old): ₩1,000 (groups: ₩800), children (aged 7–18) and soldiers: ₩500 (groups: ₩400), children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: free. 3 Namdaemun Gate (남대문, 南大門) (Metro Line 1, City Hall station). The Great South Gate is an iconic symbol of Seoul and has been designated as National Treasure Number 1. Particularly beautiful when floodlit at night, and best combined with a visit to the adjacent Namdaemun Market. Much of the structure was destroyed by arson in 2008, although a faithful reconstruction was completed in 2013. Formally known as 'Sungnyemun' (숭례문, 崇禮門). The other city gates can be found in the neighboring Jongno district. 4 Myeong-Dong Cathedral (명동성당) (get off at Exit 1 of Myeong-dong Station and cross the crosswalk). Designed by a Coste priest, and build with financial support from the Paris Church Department, this was the house of Bum-Woo Kim and purchased by Marie Jean Gustave Blanc (und

Do

1 Seven Luck Casino (in the Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel). The casino is only accessible to foreigners (it is illegal for Korean citizens to gamble), so remember to bring your passport. Various card tables and slots are available to play. There is a bar and cafe that serve food and drinks, although expensive. 2 Sparex 24 (시 스파렉스), 247 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung District, Seoul, Corée du Sud (B3 of good morning city mall next to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)), ☏ +82 2-2273-2777. 24x7. This jjimjilbang or Korean sauna occupies two levels of mall basements. B3 is the entrance, big luggage store near reception, valuables storage at reception, shoes locker, separate showers and bath for men and women (with another larger locker, shared key with shoes locker, missing ventilation so if got wet clothes because of rain, let them out else won’t dry; bar soap) and an extra sleeping room per gender. B4 is the jjimjilbang itself (Korean village replica, saunas, common and "individual" sleeping spaces - individual can accommodate 2 persons), food court. aircon, Wi-Fi (not necessarily in all corners), power plugs (mostly side table and few common areas), water fountains hot/cold. Staff has limited English and not very friendly but lot of explanations on wall in Korean, English and Japanese. Unless taking the special ticket, you can't get out and come back without paying again. Outside food and drink not allowed (except water). After paying at reception, get clothes and key, take shower, after bath/saunas and enjoy. few big TVs in common areas. small basic pillows available. no blanket provided. Likely busier on weekends and lot of people staying night until after 8am on Saturdays. Day arrival (5:00-20:00) ₩ 12,000 (child 7000), night arrival ₩ 15,000 (8000), out ticket ₩ 20,000. Food court meals ₩ 5000-30,000, drinks 3000-7000, snacks 2000-4000 including chips and instant noodles. (updated Jul 2024)

Buy

1 Myeong-dong. Probably the best-known shopping area. It is definitely the most tourist-friendly fashion area. In spring and summer, fashion models/sidewalk promoters can be seen strolling the streets of Myeongdong promoting various cosmetics, stores or other fashion-related products. Many regular people also t