Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

13.4Km    2024-12-04

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gwanghwamun Gate is the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also the main gate of the palace, therefore larger and fancier in comparison to the other gates. Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates; the center gate was used by the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. The tall granite walls of the gate serve as a platform for the wooden gate tower that watches over the city. The gate has a sign with its name written at the top center of the gate tower.

Gwanghwamun Gate went through several damages and restorations over the course of history. It was first severely damaged during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was not restored until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1864. Under the Japanese administration, the gate was demolished and relocated to the north of the palace's eastern gate, followed by series of damages during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1968, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated back to the south of the palace and was rebuilt using concrete; however, the gate’s position was shifted a few meters away from its original location. In 2006, a major reconstruction project took place to restore Gwanghwamun Gate to its original state and location, disassembling the structure completely and replacing concrete with granite and wood. After three years and eight months of construction, Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form and was open to the public on August 15, 2010.

Olive Young - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 종로점)

13.4Km    2024-06-27

1F, 78, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Chungmuro Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 충무로역)

Olive Young - Chungmuro Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 충무로역)

13.4Km    2024-04-18

222, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

13.4Km    2024-03-18

50, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7557

It is a store that has been operating with a long tradition since 1939. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

Golfzon Market - Apgujeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골프존마켓 압구정)

Golfzon Market - Apgujeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골프존마켓 압구정)

13.4Km    2024-04-23

#13, 172, Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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JUMP(코믹 마샬아츠 퍼포먼스 ‘점프’)

13.5Km    2025-10-23

47, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jalppajin Memil Seochon Main Store (잘빠진메밀 서촌)

13.5Km    2024-03-18

4 Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4142-1214

Jalppajin Memil is a traditional Korean restaurant in Seochon where you can enjoy buckwheat noodles, boiled pork slices, and unrefined rice wine. They use 100% buckwheat for their noodles, which are kneaded using a cold water machine and served either mixed with seasoning and sprouts or dipped in broth. Pairing "Jalppajin sulsang" with unrefined rice wine is recommended for a delightful dining experience.

Marie Curie (마리 퀴리)

13.5Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 강남구 논현로163길 33 (신사동)

Yoojung Restaurant (유정식당)

13.5Km    2025-10-29

14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Yoojung Restaurant is well-known, despite being located in a side-street, thanks to its having been frequented often by BTS members during their training days. BTS fans will love seeing the many pictures and posters of BTS decorating the walls, and can enjoy the same dishes loved by their idols. Some of the stars' most ordered dishes have had their names changed to reflect this.

Step It Up(스텝잇업)

13.5Km    2025-12-04

서울특별시 중구 마른내로 47 (초동)