Changdokkung Palace, east of Kyongbokkung Palace, is a popular tourist destination. It is best known for the Secret Garden, of Biwon composed of 78 acres of gardens superbly landscaped with pavilions, ponds and wooded areas. Daily guided tours of the garden are available in English, Japanese, and Korean. English tours are scheduled at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30.
Adjacent to Changdokkung Palace is Changgyonggung Palace, another well-preserved royal complex with magnificent gates and elaborate bridges, evoking visions of an earlier era.
Chongmyo Shrine, located just across Yulgongno Street from Changgyonggung Palace, is a heavily wooded garden containing the royal ancestral tablets of the Chosun Dynasty. On the first Sunday in May, the inner courtyards and shrines of Chongmyo are opened to the public for an annual Confucian ceremonial rite, one of the most interesting ceremonies in Korea. In 1995, Chongmyo Shrine was named to UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.
Hunginjimun(East Gate. Dongdaemun)is the original east gate of the ancient city wall. Dongdaemun and its market are 2 of the most interesting and fascinating places along Chongo Street. The public market sprawls east, west and south of Dongdaemun and offers a variety of bargains in everything from clothes and bolts of colorful fabric to household goods. Furniture, bedding, sports equipment, cooking utensils, electronics and food are in plentiful array.
Close by Chongno 5ga, Daehangno(University Street) used to be the site of Seoul National Univ. The street is now home to the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation and is Subway Lined with many larfe and small theaters and galleries. Small sidewalk cafes and a pard add to the artistic atmosphere. Students and visitors alike enjoy the works of local artists, dance groups, poets and other performers.
Daehangno runs south from Hyehwadong to Chongno 5ga. Subway Line 4, Hyehwa Station Sungkyunkwan was originally the National Confucian Academy and the site of Munmyo, the Confucian Shrine. It became the focal point of Confucian studies and ceremonies, especially during the Chosun Dynasty. Great scholars from all over the county gathered here to debate the classics and conduct research. State ceremonies are still performed at Munmyo, and memorial services are held twice each year in May and September.
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