Bosingak

A time-travel journey through Seoul with your child, Bosingak

What kind of place is Bosingak?

Bosingak is a historic pavilion located in the heart of Jongno, Seoul, and in the past it served like a clock tower that announced the time for the capital city. First built in 1395 during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon, it went through multiple fires and reconstructions, and the structure you see today is a restored two-story pavilion from 1979.

The history and story of Bosingak

• During the Joseon era, the bell was rung morning and evening for the people of Hanyang to announce the opening and closing times of the city gates, making it an important facility for maintaining order in the capital.
• It was originally called Jonggak, but in 1895 during the reign of King Gojong, it was given the name Bosingak.
• The name means to spread trust far and wide, carrying the idea of providing a reliable way to tell the time.
• It has a dramatic history of being destroyed four times and rebuilt eight times through wars including the Imjin War and multiple fires.
• It was also damaged during the Korean War, but it was restored again through the hopes of Seoul citizens.

The meaning of the Bosingak Bell and the bell-ringing event

• Bosingak originally housed a large Buddhist temple bell cast in 1468, the 14th year of King Sejo of Joseon. This massive bell, over 318 cm tall, was once struck 33 times at dawn and 28 times in the evening each day to announce the opening and closing times of the city gates.
• The original old bell is now kept at the National Museum of Korea to prevent damage, and a newly made bell now hangs in the pavilion.
• Every year at midnight on January 1, the New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony is held, continuing the tradition of welcoming the new year together with citizens.

Enjoying the area around Bosingak with your child

• In front of Bosingak, there is a wide courtyard and seating area where you can relax comfortably in the middle of the city.
• Right nearby, you will find the modern Jongno Tower along with a mix of shops and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a city walk or a simple meal.
• It is also close to Cheonggyecheon, so adding it to your walking route can make your outing even more enjoyable.

Visiting tips and useful notes

• Access to the inside of Bosingak, including the second-floor bell pavilion, is generally restricted, so visitors usually view the building and bell from outside.
• The bell-ringing experience runs for 2 teams per day, with no more than 6 people per team, and Bosingak is open only from 11:00 to 12:10.
• If your child learns a little about Bosingak before visiting, it can become a more meaningful history experience.
• The bell-ringing takes place exactly at 12:00, and participants must gather by 11:45. It is closed every Monday, and applications are not available on Tuesdays because that day is reserved for on-site participation by foreign visitors.
• At present, no special outfits are provided for bell-ringing participants.
• After you apply, an information text message is sent before the event day, and you will also receive a confirmation call on the day.

Bosingak is a special place where you and your child can experience old Seoul timekeeping and feel both the past and present in the middle of the city. If you are planning an outing to Jongno, why not stop by and listen together to the sounds of our history?

Helpful tips for visitors

• If you ring the bell wearing hanbok, it looks especially lovely, so it is recommended to bring a hanbok for your child separately.
• The bell is rung a total of 12 times, which makes it a great activity to enjoy with children.
• Staff members help with photos, so taking pictures is easy and convenient.
• The bell-ringing experience is free, and applications for the bell-ringing experience can be made through the real-time booking page on the official website. It is also a good idea to watch for canceled spots.