Bosingak Pavilion, Seoul

Bosingak Pavilion, Seoul

Bosingak Pavilion was originally built in 1396 during the Joseon Dynasty. It has been destroyed by fire or war many times throughout its long history.

During ancient times, the bell was the center of town. Historically, the bell was struck 33 times at 4:00 am to open the gates and 28 times at 10:00 pm to close the gates. The bell was also used to warn neighbors of fire or danger.

In 1979, the Bosingak Pavillion was completely renovated.

In 1985, the Old Bronze Bell of Bosingak was moved to the National Museum of Korea. The Old Bronze Bell was cast in 1468 and is over three meters tall and weighs almost 20 tons. The Bosingak Pavillion now has a replica bell.

Today, the bell is only rung once a year, on New Year's Eve. This celebration is the most popular place to ring in the New Year in Seoul.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seoul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Bosingak Pavilion on Map

Sight Name: Bosingak Pavilion
Sight Location: Seoul, South Korea (See walking tours in Seoul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Seoul, South Korea

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seoul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

The bustling capital of South Korea, Seoul, seamlessly blends modern innovation with a more than 2,000-year history. Remarkably, until 1972, the city was claimed by North Korea as its de jure capital and even specified as such in its constitution.

Seoul was founded in 18 BC by the people of Baekje. The three ancient kingdoms of Korea – Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla – fought over its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok, the traditional Korean village in downtown Seoul, is famous for its well-preserved 600-year-old setting. Once home to the nation’s nobility, the village sits on a hill near the Changdeokgung Palace.

One notable attraction here is Baek In-je's House Museum, which provides insight into the life of a prominent Korean politician from the early 20th century. Meanwhile, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Insa-dong Walking Tour

Insa-dong Walking Tour

Originating 500 years ago as a residential quarter for government officials, today's Insa-dong is a buzzing shopping and dining district in Seoul where the past meets the present. During the Japanese occupation of the country in the first half of the 20th century, wealthy Koreans were forced to move out and sell their belongings, at which point the district became a center of antique trading....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


17 Uniquely Korean Souvenirs to Buy in Seoul

17 Uniquely Korean Souvenirs to Buy in Seoul

Back in the mid 20th century, a certain gentleman once spoke of Korea saying, it won't be possible to grow a rose in a waste bin. Certainly, one would hardly subscribe to his point of view today in every respect, given the image of contemporary South Korea and its capital city of Seoul in...