Seoul Tourism Hub Extends Hours for Night Travel and...

Seoul is expanding its Regional Tourism Antenna Shop near City Hall, extending its rooftop operating hours until 9 pm to serve as a night tourism hub. Located at 119 Sejong-daero in Jung-gu, the 1,088-square-metre facility will host regional food pop-ups, walking tours, and cultural workshops starting September 1, 2026.

The Local Trend Revealed

To distribute travel demand beyond the capital, the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) and participating local governments are using the central shop as an experiential platform. Strategically positioned only 80 metres from City Hall Station (served by Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 2), the hub integrates travel resources from eight regional governments: Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk, Andong, Gwangju-Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, Jeju, and Chungnam:

Evening Rooftop Access: The 1,088-square-metre rooftop will open from 10 am to 9 pm every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The space serves as a meeting point for night runs and evening walking tours overlooking the Gwanghwamun area.
Historic Walking Tours: Beginning September 1, two walking tours focusing on Jeong-dong and Deoksugung Palace will depart from the facility.
Extended Saturday Hours: From August through October, the travel hall and regional goods shop will remain open until 9 pm on Saturdays to accommodate travelers planning domestic trips.
Cultural Workshops: The facility will host monthly one-day classes focusing on regional traditions. September features a Jeonnam green tea candle-making class, followed by Gyeonggi ceramic gardening in October, and a Jeju citrus workshop in November.
Autumn Tourism Pop-up: A five-day regional food and travel pop-up will run from October 21 to 25, featuring seven local governments. This follows a successful food event in the first half of 2026 that attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

Cultural & Environmental Value

For the visitor, the real impact of the Antenna Shop's expansion is the direct support of rural economies. By purchasing agricultural specialties and traditional crafts directly from the regional sections, travelers support farming cooperatives and independent artisans in Gangwon, Chungnam, and other provinces, rather than multinational retailers.

The initiative also emphasizes eco-friendly transit. By providing maps, booking brochures, and route guidance for high-speed train networks (like KTX), the hub encourages travelers to use South Korea's rail network rather than regional flights or car rentals, minimizing their carbon footprint. The walking tours also promote low-impact exploration of cultural heritage sites like Deoksugung Palace, supporting regional preservation policies outlined by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea.

Visitor Insider Tips for Seoul and Regional Travel

Travel specialists recommend the following tips for visitors:

Optimize Regional Rail Travel: Buy a KORAIL Pass (exclusive to international visitors) before traveling for unlimited travel on high-speed KTX trains to Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, or Gwangju. Use a T-Money card for seamless transfers on Seoul's subways and buses.
Observe the Autumn Window: Plan your journey from mid-September to November. The weather is cool, skies are clear, and the country's national parks display colorful fall foliage.
Observe Palace Etiquette: Renting and wearing a traditional Hanbok grants you free admission to Deoksugung Palace. When purchasing goods or receiving travel brochures, present and accept them using both hands to show respect.
Sample Culinary Specialties:
- Near City Hall, try Kalguksu (knife-cut wheat noodles in hot broth) or Jeon (savory pancakes) paired with Makgeolli (rice wine).
- Look out for regional ingredients like Jeju black pork or Andong Jjimdak (soy-braised chicken) promoted at the shop.
Explore Under-the-Radar Spots:
- Walk the stone-walled street of Deoksugung Doldam-gil beside Deoksugung Palace in the evening for a quiet stroll.
- Head to the 13th floor of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Seosomun Building for a free bird's-eye view of Deoksugung Palace.

Tourism Outlook

The long-term impact of the Antenna Shop's expansion will be a more balanced distribution of travel spending across South Korea. By using food and local crafts as entry points to introduce travelers to Gangwon, Jeju, and Andong, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) can successfully encourage longer itineraries and support year-round tourism in rural provinces.

FAQ: Seoul Regional Tourism Antenna Shop

What are the new operating hours for the facility? The rooftop is open from 10 am to 9 pm every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. From August through October, the travel hall and goods shop also extend their Saturday hours until 9 pm.

Where is the Regional Tourism Antenna Shop located? The shop is located at 119 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, approximately 80 metres from City Hall Station (Subway Lines 1 and 2).

Which walking tours depart from the facility? Starting September 1, 2026, two walking tours covering the Jeong-dong historic district and Deoksugung Palace will depart from the shop.

When is the autumn regional food and tourism pop-up? A five-day tourism and food pop-up involving seven local governments will take place from October 21 to 25, 2026.