Seoul/Jung

[[file:Myeongdong_banner.JPG}} Seoul locator maps - Jung - Location of the Jung area in Seoul

Jung (중, 中, which means central) is in Seoul, constituting the southern half of the historic core of Seoul, along with Jongno. Jung is busier than its tranquil neighbor, with hundreds of offices buildings and endless streets of frantic shopping, but scattered among the hustle and bustle are more historic gems. To begin with, Jung has some of the only remaining European-style buildings left over from the Japanese Colonial period and the City Hall and the Bank of Korea, and the old Seoul Station. Next to the City Hall is the only one of the Five Grand Palaces outside of Jongno, Deoksu-gung. South and southeast of the City Hall are the famed shopping neighborhoods Myeongdong (명동) and Namdaemum Market. Further to the east is the largest fashion shopping neighborhood in Korea, Dongdaemun, with dozens of huge department store style fashion complexes.. If the shopping ever gets too much for you, retreat to Namsan Mountain, which has a pleasant park, library, hiking trails, and the N. Seoul Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city from the summit.

Travel to Seoul/Jung

37.56|126.995 {{Mapshapes|Q16950

By Rail

See also: South Korea#Get around#By train, High-speed rail in South Korea

Jung hosts Seoul Station GPS 37.554359,126.969870, which is the hub for all high speed KTX trains in the nation, as well as 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 shopping mall, and the site is close to Culture Station 284 and Seoullo 7017. Note that 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 neighborhood for easy access.

What to See

Deoksugung-02 - Deoksugung Sungnyemun restored - Sungnyemun Gate, commonly called Namdaemun Gate or South Gate

Cheonggye Stream Sejongno Cheonggyecheon, 31 Taepyeonno 1 (il)ga, Jung-gu 37.56902, 126.97771 Near Cheonggye Plaza near Insa-dong - Cheonggyecheon Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-02 - This stream has been restored to a verdant tourist attraction from its previous state as 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.
Deoksugung - 덕수궁, 德壽宮 | 57, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, 특별시 중구 남대문로1길 57 (태평로2가) 37.566181, 126.97485 In downtown Seoul across the street from city hall Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Closed Mondays) 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 Deoksugung Deoksugungpalacefromthebuilding - Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts to the other nearby palaces like Changdeok Palace. Built during the mid-fifteenth century and the architecture of the buildings inside are heavily influenced with Western designs. Hence, you will see a fusion of both Korean and Western architecture. The stone-wall narrow way around the palace is beautiful and famous path for the lovers, although there was a myth that they would broke up when they visit here. It's because the Family court, which people go to get divorced, was located near here. You can go now, since it moved to Seocho-gu.
Namdaemun Gate - 남대문, 南大門 - 37.559972, 126.975308 Metro Line 1, City Hall station - Namdaemun Sungnyemun, 11 February 2008 - 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 Seoul/Jongno|Jongno neighborhood.
Myeong-Dong Gothic Church - 명동성당 | 37.563333, 126.987222 - Myeongdong Gothic Church Myeongdongchurch - 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 (under the Korean name Gamilro Kim). With a successful trade agreement in 1887 and the cathedral was finally built on 1898. This building was the first church built with bricks. The height of the building proper is 23m, but with addition of the spires and the full height is 45m. Bricks used in the building were made in Korea and come in about 20 different shapes, as well as colors ranging from greyish color to a dark fruit cocktailish color.
T.um - Jung-gu, Euljiro 2-ga 11 (서울시 중구 을지로 2가 11) 37.566398, 126.985049 Euljiro 1-ga station exit 4 ☎ +82 2 6100 0601 | Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 Free The future of technology can often be seen today in South Korea, and SK Telecom have created a museum dedicated to it! Exhibits change frequently due to the rapid pace of technology being shown. Preschoolers not allowed. Online pre-registration necessary, make sure to reserve early as its gets full weeks in advance.
Seoul Museum of Art - 서울시립미술관 | 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu 37.564122, 126.973808 City Hall station, exit 10 ☎ +82 2 2124-8800 - Seoul Museum of Art Seoul Museum of Art-1 - - Renovated from an old court building, it mainly exhibits contemporary art works. You can see installments and video arts as well as paintings and sculptures. A cafe is with a souvenir shop on the first floor.

Seoul City Hall - 서울시청사 | 110 Sejongdae-ro Jung-gu 37.566406, 126.977822 City Hall station ☎ +85 2 120 - Seoul City Hall - The old city hall was built under Japanese rule and it was renovated to a public library. In back of the old hall and the huge new city hall was built. In the basement and there is Citizen Hall, where musical performances and exhibitions are held for citizens. City Hall Plaza, in front of the hall, is open to public and political demonstrations. Every winter, Ice rink opens at the Plaza.

View from Seoul 7017 Skypark - View of Seoul Station, Culture Station Seoul 284 from the Seoullo 7017

Culture Station Seoul 284 - 문화역서울284 | seoul284@ 1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea, 04509 37.555782, 126.971571 Get out of Exit 2, at subway Seoul Station (Metro Line 1, 4) Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 ~ 19:00, Closed on Mondays - A culture center at the old Seoul Station. It was built in 1925 during the Japanese Colonial period, and the center of the Korean railway until 2004 when the current building for KTX opened. It reopened in 2011 as a culture center, and it hosts many exhibitions. The pre-modern architecture inspired by the Lucerene station(currently burnt down) offers unique sight among the glassy buildings of Seoul.
Seoullo 7017 - 서울로 7017 | 37.556454, 126.972708 ☎ +82-2-313-7017 - A former motorway turned into pedestrian walkway. Opened in 2017, it offers a unique view above the cars and rails, with gardens and cafes along the path. Night view with vehicle lights and neon signs is especially beautiful.

Things to Do

Korea-Seoul-Namdaemun-Sungnyemun-16 - Namdaemun and the southern gate, at night

Seven Luck Casino - 37.554957, 126.975385 In the Millennium Seoul Hilton Hotel - The casino is only accessible to Foreign Muslims (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 and cafe that serve food and fruit drinks, although expensive.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Seoul/Jung

Myeong-dong street by night - |A shopping street of Myeongdong by night

Myeong-dong 37.5637, 126.984 - Myeong-dong Myeongdong2 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 tend to catwalk their newest outfit on these streets. Rows of stores are available to look for that perfect accessory, and most of Korea's major brands can be found here: mVIO, Caspi Conus, WhoAU California, AHM, So.Basic, Noxon, Basic House, UGIZ, 1492, nipper, hang ten, A6, Bean Pole, Jambangee, Giordano as well as a few international brands such as Lacoste, Land Rover, Adidas (currently on the BDS List so for the time don't purchase any Adidas products), Gap, Zara, Koolhaas, Uniqlo, Anna Sui, and Forever 21. Nearby are the Lotte and Shinsegae department stores. Excellent street food carts are all around from around 5pm.

NamdaemunMarket Night - |Namdaemun Market at night

Namdaemun Market - 37.559444, 126.977417 - Namdaemun Market Namdaemun Market Alley - The largest traditional street market in Korea. This market is in the center of Seoul and is a famous shopping place for tourists. Clothing for children and accessories are the most-commonly sold goods in this market, but there's lots of food as well and many outdoor eating options, especially in the evening. There is also a huge digital camera market in this area.

Department Stores

Lotte Young Plaza - 81, Namdaemun-ro 37.56536, 126.98194 Subway Euljiro 1-ga exit 7 - Just across the street from Avatar department store, this department store is oriented towards a younger, upscale clientele, and in addition to the usual Korean brands and international brands and the top floor of the space features an assortment of quality eating establishments to replenish your shopping energy. The bar is recommended. Sometimes art installations can be found on the top floor. Credit cards accepted.
Migliore - 263 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 37.568073, 127.008530 - One of the biggest fashion buildings in Seoul. It has 17 floors above ground and 7 basement floors. Information boards in Migliore are written in Korean as well as English, Japanese and Chinese for foreign tourists. US credit cards are often accepted, but ask before haggling if you aren't sure. The outside stage features a "talent show" of local dance groups (mostly high school or college student groups) most nights until about 9 PM; typically they are wearing many of the local fashions, and some of the dancers can be located in the various department stores working as employees.
Shinsegae - 2-5 Chungmuro 1-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 37.5610156, 126.9826331 Subway line 4 Hoehyun exit #7, bus 0014, 1016, 7013, 406, 503, 505, 9400, 9402, 9410, 9502, 9710 ☎ +82 2 1588-1234 | Opening Hours: 10:30-20:00 The oldest department store on the Korean peninsula. The original building was refurbished in 2008 and became a high-street boutique. Accepts major credit cards, including Amex and JCB.

Halal Restaurants in Seoul/Jung

Gogung - 고궁 | 37, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu 37.56185, 126.98710 In a basement, take the stairs to the left immediately after crossing the entrance to Ssamziegil. ☎ +82 2-736-3211 | Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 11,000₩ to 37,000₩ Specialty restaurant for bibimbab at a moderate price.
Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan - 전주 중앙 회관 | Myeong-dong Myeong-dong Station, exit 5 ☎ +82 2 776-3400 | Opening Hours: Daily, 08:30-22:30 Meals ₩8,000-12,000 This Korean restaurant specializes in the Jeonju variety of bibimbap, which features different ingredients and spices than other bibimbap dishes. Delicious and healthy.
HONOGI - 호노지 | Myeong-dong - Japanese restaurant sells really good organic juice called Ah-Sa-Hee(아사히)
Touch of Spice - 터치 오브 스파이스 - Asian Dining and Bar. Clean & modern interior design and the foods look amazing.
Samarkand 37.565048, 127.005871 - In the heart of "Central Asian Town", which has Russian, Mongolian, Uzbek, and Central Asian restaurants. Wander around and discover the area a bit - you'll be rewarded with delicious food and an exotic experience.
Myeongdong Kyoja - 25-2 2-ga, Myeong-dong 37.563460, 126.985175 ☎ +82 2-776-5348 | Opening Hours: 10:30-21:30 8000₩ Beef gyoza soup, unique dish but tasty.

RAndy's Bar - RAndy's Pub | 동대문구 Get off HUFS station line 1 and go out exit 6, walk 100 meters and turn left. RAndy's is on the little alleyway on your right Opening Hours: 17:30-02:00 Foreign-owned bar in front of Hankook University of Foreign Studies known for a varied clientele, great swimmingpool table, and affordable prices. Has Red Rock and Hoegaarden on tap.

- Ban-Ji-Reum - 반지름

MEZZ BAR - Bar known for cocktails
Levenbroee - 레벤브로이 - Known for organic juice but also due to the view from the bar which is amazing

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Seoul/Jung

Seoul/Jung - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Seoul/Jung, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Seoul/Jung. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Seoul/Jung and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Seoul/Jung. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Seoul/Jung. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSeoul/Jung: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Seoul/Jung.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Seoul/Jung: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Seoul/Jung, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Seoul/Jung.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Seoul/Jung, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Seoul/Jung, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Seoul/Jung and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Seoul/Jung, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Seoul/Jung, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Seoul/Jung without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Seoul/Jung is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Seoul/Jung.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Seoul/Jung is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Seoul/Jung, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Seoul/Jung Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Love hotels, are also a great option. They are usually in pretty good condition and they sometimes have a PC in the room. Love hotels are mainly visited by couples who want some private places during day or night, most of the love hotels (especially those in Gangnam neighborhood) are exceptionally clean and usually have widescreen TVs, PCs and so forth. Don't let the name fool you...some of these are the best options for budget travelers! Be aware that some love hotels discourage stays of more than one night. Main love hotel neighborhoods in Seoul include Teheran Street near Yeoksam station in the Gangnam neighborhood, Nambu Terminal in Seocho-dong, Bangi station in Jamsil and the area near the Nakwon market in Jongno. ₩25,000-80,000 a night, more on Saturday nights and holidays.

Alternatively, try a South Korea#Jjimjilbang|jjimjilbang. You don't get a room of your own, but you can store your luggage into one of the small lockers and you can live quite cheaply for a long time, sleeping in the public sleeping rooms and enjoying the hot-tub and steam room facilities (sometimes a gym is available, also movies and TV shows often play until 23:00 or so). To find a jjimjilbang keep an eye out for the words jjimjilbang (찜질방) or 24 hours sauna (24시 사우나) in Korean. Not all saunas have jjimjilbang stay-over facilities, so watch out for that. ₩4,000-12,000/night.

Able Hostel/Guesthouse No. 205, Unit 1, Kumho twin tower, 89-1, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu 37.565, 127.005 Metro Line 2,4,5, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, exit 5,7, 1 min walk)(Airport bus NO6001, Dongdaemun Market. stop, 5 min walk) ☎ +82 10 2909 1086 - ₩20,000~50,000 New, comfortable, young clientele, with decent baths and a friendly owner and staff. Each room has computers available for free Internet use, Wi-Fi throughout. This place is near Dongdaemun Market but very quiet when you sleep. No curfew. Kitchen, free laundry.
IMI Hotel - Yeoksam 2-dong 718-18, Gangnam-gu ☎ +82 2 3453-4303 +₩60,000+ At the higher end of the love hotel spectrum, some rooms feature Japanese spas and oxygen generators.

Namsan Guesthouse | 50-1 Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 37.55773713333334, 126.98468586666667 Metro Line 3, Myeong-dong stn, use exit 3 and walk 100 m up to the right of the Pacific Hotel ☎ +82 2 752-6363, - ₩45,000 and up In the shadow of Seoul Tower in Namsan Park. Free Internet access, free breakfast, kitchen.

Seoul Backpackers - 205-125, Namchang-Dong, Jung-Gu 37.55696, 126.97736 Metro Line 4, Hoehyeon Station, use exit No 4 and walk down the road; turn left into the next road and you will find the hostel on that road after about 100 m ☎ +82 2-3672-1972 - Single/double ₩40,000/₩50,000 with own tiny bathroom Backpacker hangout with English-speaking staff. Free Internet. Laundry ₩5,000.
Silloam Sauna - 128-104 Jungnim-dong 37.557710, 126.968578 10 min walk from Seoul Station ☎ +82 2-364-3944 - ₩15,000 This is a very large jjimjilbang with great facilities, but the family atmosphere of other jjimjilbangs is sometimes lacking. The locker-room staff will stow oversized luggage if you ask, and a morning wake-up call can be arranged. Sleeping facilities are excellent, clean, comfortable and usually fairly quiet. There are two large dormitories for men and women, plus a snorers' room which sounds like a dragon's lair. The dormitories are arranged unconventionally into lines of bunk beds, more like an open capsule hotel than a standard sleeping floor. In the communal area there are various hot rooms, an ice room, a large gym, a PC room, singing and games rooms and a restaurant. The sauna area has 6 main pools with supposedly healthy minerals and showers. Includes access to public baths, exercise facilities, and various entertainment rooms.
Zaza Backpackers - 32-3 Namsandong-2ga, Jung-Gu Metro Line 4, Myeongdong stn Exit 2 ☎ +82 2 3672-1976 - Brand new facilities, helpful English speaking staff help you to feel right at home. Free Wi-Fi, 24 hours access, Private bathroom in each rooms. 24 hours security, towels and hairdryer for hire, parking. Tour info and booking service. Free international phone.

Mid-range

Ibis Hotel Myeongdong - 59-5 Myeong-dong 1Ga, Jung-gu 37.564270, 126.982576 Across Lotte Young Plaza. 1 min walking from Euljiro-1 station exit 7. ☎ +82 2 6361 8888 - Very central, free internet access.

Lotte Hotel | 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu ☎ +82 2 771 1000 - Grand old lady of downtown Seoul's hotels with 1,300 rooms, all kept in tip-top shape. The obvious choice for ornate Korean luxury.

Millennium Seoul Hilton | 395, 5-ga, Namdaemun-ro 37.55540, 126.97550 ☎ +82-2-7537788 +82 2 754-2510rates start from ₩250,000. Luxury hotel near the Central Railway Station and Namdaemun market. Shuttle buses from and to Incheon international airport. Stylish rooms, eight restaurants, various shops and services and an indoor tropical garden.

Plaza Hotel | 119 Sogongro Junggu Seoul Near Seoul Cityhall ☎ +82 2 771 2200 - Completely redesigned as Korea’s luxury boutique hotel in 2010, The Plaza is now an exceptionally beautiful, independent luxury hotel in the heart of the business, shopping, and entertainment neighborhoods of Seoul.

Shilla Seoul - 202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu 37.556501, 127.006077 One of the city's premier hotels.
Pacific Hotel - 퍼시픽호텔 | Starting ₩180,000

Se-Jong - 세종호텔 | Starting ₩220,000 - This hotel has the beautiful view including the Namsan Tower

Telecommunications in Seoul/Jung

PC Rooms are readily available in this area, with high speed access and fairly new machines.