Jongno-gu is one of 25 cities, counties and districts in Seoul. It has 17 neighborhoods (17 dong) and 135,842 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Pyeongchang-dong with 16,944.
17neighborhoods
135,842residents
Landmark stamp: Changdeokgung Palace
This historic royal residence features elegant traditional architecture harmoniously integrated with a sprawling wooded rear garden that showcases scenic pavilions and tranquil ponds.
History
Commissioned during King Taejong's reign, this palace was built in gentle harmony with the surrounding hills rather than altering the landscape.
What to see
Tucked within a dense forest, the rear garden's Buyongji Pond presents a scenic harmony between traditional pavilions and natural waters.
Legends & stories
A charming legend tells that walking under the Bullomun Gate, carved entirely from a single slab of stone, brings timeless health.
Food, festivals and stories of Jongno-gu
Local food
At Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, visitors can enjoy freshly fried mung bean pancakes and seasoned raw beef tartare.
Festivals
Every spring around Buddha's Birthday, the vibrant Lotus Lantern Festival parade lights up the streets of Jongno.
Local story
King Taejo, who founded the Joseon Dynasty, established Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine when moving the capital to Hanyang.
Neighborhoods of Jongno-gu (17)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Cheongunhyoja-dong청운효자동dong · 10,601 residents
Name: The administrative name merges Cheongun-dong, symbolizing clear clouds over hills, and Hyoja-dong, named after an exemplary filial son.
Food: Visitors can trade traditional brass coins for tasty local side dishes to build customized meal boxes at Tongin Market.
Photo spot: The restored stone bridge in Suseongdong Valley set against the rugged backdrop of Mount Inwangsan offers wonderful landscape photo spots.
Name: The neighborhood derives its name from Sajikdan, where ancient royal rituals were held for the gods of earth and grains.
Photo spot: Visitors love capturing scenic shots of the Seoul City Wall along the pleasant walking trail leading up Mount Inwangsan.
Fun fact: Hwanghakjeong, a historic archery pavilion relocated to this area, remains a cherished practice ground for traditional Korean archery enthusiasts.
Name: The name stems from a historic phrase admiring the area for its pure mountains, clear water, and warm-hearted local people.
Photo spot: Scenic stone-wall alleys lined with charming art galleries and cozy cafes create wonderful picturesque backgrounds for strolls and photographs.
Fun fact: Samcheong Park features a delightful library tucked inside the peaceful woods, offering residents and visitors a quiet space to read.
Name: The neighborhood takes its name from Buchimbawi, a legend about a wish-granting rock where residents used to stick small stones.
Photo spot: The pristine stream and lush forest around Baekseokdongcheon provide naturally stunning sceneries for photography in every season of the year.
Fun fact: Seokpajeong, once used as a scenic mountain villa by Heungseon Daewongun, remains well preserved amid scenic granite boulders and pine trees.
Name: The name originated from Pyeongchang, a royal Joseon warehouse facility that historically stored emergency grain and military supplies.
Photo spot: Winding residential roads along the slopes of Bukhansan offer picturesque perspectives of striking modern architecture and diverse art museums.
Fun fact: The quiet mountainous neighborhood has long been home to numerous artists, private art galleries, and peaceful cultural exhibition spaces.
Name: The neighborhood owes its name to Muakjae, the historic mountain pass located between Inwangsan and Ansan along the northwestern road.
Story: Old folk tales tell of travelers gathering together to cross Muakjae in large groups because wild tigers frequently roamed the pass.
Photo spot: The unique rock formation called Seonbawi on Mount Inwangsan offers a dramatic and mystical backdrop for capturing memorable travel photographs.
Name: The area was named after the historic bell pavilion where large bronze bells rang out to signal the city gate curfews.
Photo spot: Narrow, winding alleys lined with tastefully renovated traditional houses in Ikseon-dong provide charming backdrops for memorable photographs.
Fun fact: Jongmyo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the ancestral tablets and solemn Confucian rituals of the Joseon royal dynasty.
Photo spot: Elevated vantage points around Heunginjimun and the surrounding Seoul City Wall offer fantastic panoramic angles for capturing evening cityscapes.
Food: Gwangjang Market attracts hungry visitors with its lively street food stalls serving sizzling bindaetteok, bite-sized gimbap, and seasoned raw beef.
Fun fact: Dongdaemun Shopping Complex serves as a massive commercial center bustling daily with designers and merchants trading fabrics and clothing accessories.
Name: The name translates literally to pear blossom village, reflecting the gentle hills that were once adorned with blooming fruit trees.
Photo spot: Walking along the historic stone battlements of Naksan Park offers picturesque vantage points to photograph panoramic views of illuminated Seoul.
Fun fact: The steep hillside streets of Ihwa Mural Village feature vibrant wall murals, quaint sculptures, and intimate neighborhood community galleries.
Name: The neighborhood drew its name from Hyehwamun, an eastern gate of the capital city symbolizing the benevolent spread of wisdom.
Fun fact: The vibrant streets around Daehangno host dozens of intimate performing arts theaters showcasing plays and musicals throughout the year.
Photo spot: Centuries-old ginkgo trees standing in the historic courtyard of Sungkyunkwan Daeseongjeon turn brilliant gold in autumn, attracting eager photographers.
Name: The regional name was formed by combining the initial Chinese characters of two historic neighboring Joseon settlements, Changjeo-dong and Sinseol-dong.
Food: A popular alley lined with spicy braised pig trotters attracts food lovers seeking delicious late-night meals after work.
Fun fact: A lively wholesale market dedicated to toys, stationery, and creative children's goods stretches conveniently along the bustling street.
Fun fact: Small garment manufacturing workshops cluster densely along the alleys, where nimble delivery motorcycles constantly transport fabrics and finished garments.
Photo spot: The modern observation deck perched atop the dramatic former granite quarry cliff offers impressive panoramic views for scenic photos.
Story: A memorial hall commemorates the childhood home where pioneering video artist Paik Nam-june spent formative early years of his life.
Photo spot: Elevated residential vantage points near the crest of Naksan offer captivating perspectives of cascading neighborhood roofs against surrounding mountains.
Fun fact: Built high on the steep slopes, Sanmaru Playground features a distinctive aircraft-inspired tower offering community recreation and open skyline vistas.
Name: The neighborhood name was constructed by combining the first Chinese characters of two historic Joseon administrative districts, Sungsin-bang and Inchang-bang.
Story: Local lore tells that Queen Jeongsun climbed Dongmangbong peak daily to pray toward Yeongwol, mourning her exiled husband King Danjong.
Photo spot: Climbing to the summit of Sungin Neighborhood Park rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of open skies and the downtown skyline.
Fun fact: Dongmyo, a historic Joseon-era shrine constructed to honor Guan Yu, the famed military general of ancient Shu Han, stands quietly here.
Food: Affordable eateries serving hearty noodles and hot rice soups cater to bargain hunters exploring the nearby vintage shopping districts.
Photo spot: The vibrant alleys of Dongmyo Flea Market, packed with eclectic vintage treasures and lively shoppers, offer captivating street photography scenes.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.