Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

4.3Km 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.

Nampo Myeonok (남포면옥)

4.3Km 2024-03-07

24, Eulji-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3131

Located near Seoul City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream, Nampo Myeonok is a traditional Korean restaurant. Opened in 1968, it has been recognized by the Michelin Guide several times. Their specialty is pyeongyang naengmyeon (pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles). The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes that are the most commonly found in Korea, including galbi tang (galbi soup), bulgogi, mandu soup, and yukgaejang (spicy beef soup).

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

4.3Km 2021-03-09

46, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-3222

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-story museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and a small garden on the second floor with a great view of the mountains.

Kaist Optical Shop [Tax Refund Shop] (카이스트안경)

4.3Km 2024-04-22

49, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Charles & Keith - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (찰스앤키스 눈스퀘어)

4.3Km 2024-04-18

2F, 14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Myeongdong Beer Festival (명동맥주페스티벌)

4.3Km 2025-05-20

14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8670-2182

Myeongdong Beer Festival provide a chance to find one's preference through beer. Enjoy the cool fall weather with fun people all around.

Åland - NOON SQUARE Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에어랜드눈스퀘어점)

4.3Km 2024-06-27

14, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Gentle Monster - Zeus Eyewear Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (젠틀몬스터 제우스안경 명동(위탁))

4.3Km 2024-04-18

2F, 105, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Zeus Eyewear - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (제우스안경 명동)

4.3Km 2024-04-22

2F, 105, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

57 Myeongdong Hostel [Korea Quality] / 57명동호스텔 [한국관광 품질인증]

4.3Km 2024-07-30

57 , Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-8835, +82-10-3262-3503

Located in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, 57 Myeongdong Hostel is easy to remember because its name is the same as its address! Just a 5-minute walk from an airport bus-stop, and a 3-minute walk from Myeongdong metro station, the hostel offers single rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and is popular with single travelers or those on business trips. Breakfast, coffee and tea are provided free, and a mini washing machine can be used without charge. The hostel is close to the Myeongdong shopping district, and is also convenient for nearby tourist attractions. Tourist information and reservation services are provided at the front desk.

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