Jung-gu

Seoul

Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring modern architecture as well as a couple
Dongdaemun Design Plaza showing interior views and modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Jung-gu featuring a city and signage
Dongdaemun Design Plaza featuring interior views
Dongdaemun Design Plaza showing interior views

Historic meets modern in this central district of Seoul, where good food, unique architecture and mountainous green spaces come together. 

Jung-gu (Jung district) is at the heart of South Korea’s capital. Find the Seoul City Hall here, where the rules and regulations of the city are made. Although it serves an important administrative function, the area also has a lot to draw tourists, from museums and historic sites to great restaurants and a super-high viewing point.

Much of Jung-gu is residential, so it is a pleasant spot to escape the crowds of some of Seoul’s other central districts. Start at City Hall Plaza and be sure to bring your camera. The sight of the hypermodern new City Hall rising from directly behind the historic original City Hall makes very interesting photos.

Next, have a meal at Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town. Walk beneath the tall blue arch that marks the entrance to this well-loved food street. Many locals will tell you it offers the best ddukbokki (sometimes written as “tteokbokki”) anywhere in Seoul. These spicy stir-fried rice cakes are a must-try Korean specialty.

When your stomach is full, head to N Seoul Tower. Pause to have your portrait painted by one of the artists at the foot of the tower. Ascend to the tower’s viewing platform, the highest in the city, for truly spectacular views of the area below.

The tower is located in Namsan Park, a vast green space that offers an idyllic oasis within the city. Wander the scenic trails that wind to the peak of Namsan Mountain. Another peaceful spot in Jung is Jangchungdan Park, where old-fashioned, ornate Korean buildings are scattered throughout.

In the evening, enjoy some culture at the National Theater of Korea. Watch a dance show that you can appreciate without knowing the Korean language.

Jung-gu station is very central. Reach it from Seoul station in about 20 minutes. Once here, the best way to explore the area, especially its sprawling green spaces, is on foot.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Jung-gu Hotel Deals

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥17,168 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥17,168
¥19,076 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,633 reviews)
"Just a quick walk away from all the hustle of Myeongdong street! Great authentic restaurants nearby with lots of locals. Our family had a great time here."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥20,982 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥20,982
¥23,080 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,850 reviews)
"Good location. Keys didn’t work multiple times ut staff was helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is ¥13,354 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
¥13,354
¥14,838 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Namdaemun ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (578 reviews)
"A+ beautiful space"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

Step Inn Myeongdong 1

3 out of 5
15F, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥8,159 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥8,159
¥9,066 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (989 reviews)
"Location very convenient and breakfast provided"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥13,488 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥13,488
¥14,837 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,701 reviews)
"its one of the best hotels i ever stayed with wonderful decoration and spacious rooms and many good facilities. Clean and in order."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥36,244 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥36,244
¥43,855 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,201 reviews)
"The Lotte was wonderful, from the moment we arrived until departure. Staff, hotel features & services. Excellent place to stay."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Lotte Hotel Seoul
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Jung-gu

These mung bean pancakes

Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Chungmu-ro or Cheonggyecheon, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park featuring a city as well as a small group of people

Gwanghui-dong

While you're in Gwanghui-dong, take in top sights like Migliore Mall and jump on the metro at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to see more of the city.

Gwanghui-dong
Myeongdong showing shopping, street scenes and a city

Myeong-dong

5/5(2 area reviews)

Major shopping and tourism hub, Myeongdong boasts mid-to-high priced retail stores, international brands, and Korean cosmetics. Explore pedestrian-friendly streets, visit Myeongdong Cathedral, and easily access Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 4.

Myeong-dong
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers come to Insa-dong for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while you're in town.

Insa-dong
Insadong which includes interior views and art

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

If you're spending time in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, check out sights like Insa-dong or Jogyesa Temple and hop on the metro to see more the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
Namdaemun Market which includes a city, street scenes and markets

Hoehyeon-dong

While you're in Hoehyeon-dong, take in top sights like Namdaemun Market and jump on the metro at Hoehyeon Station to see more of the city.

Hoehyeon-dong

Jung-gu