Accommodation in Jongno-gu from AU$143

Welcome to the soul of Seoul, the stunning Jongno. This district of north Seoul holds so much cultural importance in its pristine ancient palaces, beautiful temples and shrines that many consider it the face and heart of South Korea. It covers the northern half of the old city and is home to the Blue House – the official residence of the South Korean President. Visitors cannot enter the blue-tiled building itself, but can tour the gorgeous compound with manicured open grass spaces flanked by large trees, stone landscaping and footpaths. Pictures do not do this district justice, so choose one of our Jongno hotels and see for yourself.

You can’t visit Seoul, not to mention stay in Jongno, without touring Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The grounds will amaze you with their size as you walk through vast barren courtyards that make the red and green of the surrounding gates, the King’s Quarters and Throne Hall even more stunning. The flared roofs and guards in traditional dress will give you some great holiday photos – try to catch one of three guard changing ceremonies per day, or even purchase a traditional outfit at the entrance and pose yourself!

As you venture further into Gyeongbokgung you’ll find gardens, ponds, a library, the king’s mother’s quarters and more, all immaculately maintained. If you visit in fall or winter, the colours and snow add an extra element to this palace’s beauty. The smaller but nearly as impressive Changdeokgung Palace is to the east and has features left over from around 2,000 years ago, such as buildings and structures conforming to the lay of the land rather than dominating it.

While the palaces are all about grandeur and the power of a past empire, Jongmyo Shrine is another Jongno highlight that is a little kinder on the legs. It was constructed in 1394 as a Confucian shrine to honour each passing monarch, and was expanded for generations until it reached the 19 rooms seen today, making it the world’s longest traditional Korean building. It overlooks a stone courtyard and has interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about its purpose.

You may want something more restive after all that walking, and the Sejong Center for Performing Arts is just the place. Its concrete, pillared entrance will feel different after all the traditional surroundings and there is a small art gallery before entering one of its halls where you can catch a scheduled show or perhaps a performance by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

Seoul is a city made up of distinct districts that all seem to be cities or towns of their own, but Jongno and its southern neighbour, Jung-gu, are considered the most culturally and financially important. Our Jongno accommodation puts you within reach of the best Seoul attractions, so after you’ve made your choice all that is left is a flight to Seoul.