The History of the Former Seoul Mayor’s Residence and the Significance of the Hanyangdoseong (August, Month 8, 2026)

About this event

[Guided Tour Information for the Hanyangdoseong Hyehwa-dong Exhibition and Information Center (Former Mayor’s Residence)] The Hanyangdoseong Hyehwa-dong Exhibition and Information Center (Former Mayor’s Residence) is one of the few remaining 1940s wooden buildings in Seoul. It served as the Chief Justice’s residence for 20 years from 1959, and as the residence of Seoul mayors (18th–35th) for 33 years from 1981 to 2013. As restoration and maintenance of the Hanyangdoseong began in earnest, the mayor’s residence was relocated in 2013 with the aim of opening the area around the city wall to the public. Following an excavation survey, building safety inspection, and remodeling that began in 2014, it opened in 2016 as the present-day Hanyangdoseong Hyehwa-dong Exhibition and Information Center. Regular Guided Tours Tuesday–Sunday (Korean-language tours) Morning: 10:00 Afternoon: 14:00, 15:30 ※ Reservations through “Seoul Public Service Reservation” and on-site/telephone registration are available. Reservation Capacity Up to 15 reservations per session ※ If advance online reservations do not reach capacity, additional participants will be accepted on-site on a first-come, first-served basis (call for details). Tour Eligibility Elementary school Grade 3 and above (families may participate together) ※ Children and older adults must be accompanied by a guardian. Tour Starting Point In front of the information desk on the exhibition hall’s 1F ※ The guided tour takes place on the exhibition hall’s 1F and 2F. Duration Approximately 40–60 minutes [Visitor Information for the Hanyangdoseong Hyehwa-dong Exhibition and Information Center (Former Mayor’s Residence)] Exhibition Hall and Garden Hours Exhibition Hall: 09:30–17:30 Garden: 09:30–20:30 ※ Closed every Monday, January (Month 1) 1, and on the days of Seollal and Chuseok. Admission Free (self-guided viewing) Directions Address: 63 Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (27-1 Hyehwa-dong) Bus: Get off at Hansung University (Samseongyo) or Hyehwa-dong Rotary Subway: From Exit 5 of Hansung University Station (Line 4), walk 250 m toward Hyehwamun Gate Parking Not available (there is no parking lot, so please use public transportation.) 4. Important Notes ※The surrounding area is densely residential and receives frequent complaints from residents about noise. Please visit quietly. ※Children and older adults should be accompanied by a guardian. ※For a smooth visit, please arrive at your reserved time. If you cannot attend, please cancel through Seoul Public Service Reservation or by phone (02-766-8520–1). ※Please follow the basic rules (no pets, no food or drink, and no smoking). ※Tour hours and frequency may change depending on the season, operating conditions, or other circumstances. ※Audio recording of the guided tour is not permitted.