Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

603.5128195964672m 154064 2022-12-14

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.

HiKR Ground (하이커 그라운드)

603.920953498671m 1 2024-03-15

40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located inside the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center, HiKR Ground is a Korean tourism publicity center where visitors can experience K-pop and view media art at the same time. The name 'HiKR Ground' embodies the meaning that Korea (KR) will greet ("Hi") global tourists and become a playground. Notably, it provides Korean tourism content in multiple ways for the younger generation to enjoy. On the first floor, there is a space to enjoy various media arts through the large media screen HiKR Wall, where visitors can see "Landscape of the New City" by media artist Lee Lee-nam, and Korean tourism videos submitted by global hallyu fans. On the second floor, visitors can make their own K-pop music videos using the XR Live Studio. At the window facing the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, there is a mesmerizing artwork called ''North Wall'' by installation artist Suh Do-ho. On the third and fourth floors, visitors can get immersed in Korean local tourism through various arts, experiences, and exhibitions.

We Ride (위라이드)

603.920953498671m 3 2023-07-28

40 , Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

"The best way to tour Seoul"
With WeRide's certified tour guides, travelers can experience unforgettable memories by riding an electric bicycle to attractions hidden all over Seoul. The tour takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and participants can safely tour around Seoul with a professional guide. The fun of electric bicycles adds to the joy of the guide's story of Korean culture. If there are guests who cannot ride bicycles, they can use electric rickshaws. There is also a bicycle rental service for bicycle riders traveling in Korea.

Seoul Plaza (서울광장)

605.5060430222035m 144790 2024-06-19

110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-5640

Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall is a historic site where the March 1, 1919 (Samil) Independence Movement and the pro-democracy movement in June 1987 were held. It is also a well-known place where tens of thousands of Korean soccer fans gathered together to watch the 2002 World Cup Games. Being located within the center of the city and surrounded by many historic attractions, including Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza has become a representative attraction of Seoul.

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch (영풍문고-종로점)

611.9500976757571m 42361 2020-02-21

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2776

Along with books, Youngpoong Bookstore sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.

The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.

On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.

Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)

612.1343600870755m 38894 2021-11-30

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-904-1159

Seoul Christmas Festival takes place at Cheonggye Plaza, the start of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Visitors can enjoy fancy illuminations, a Christmas tree and photo zones. Various events and programs are also prepared for a heartwarming end-of-the-year experience for everybody.

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (영풍문고 종로점)

613.9208379025584m 0 2024-04-18

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Muji - Youngpoong Bookstore Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (MUJI 영풍문고)

613.9208379025584m 0 2024-04-17

B1-2 (Yeongpung Bldg., Seorin-dong), 41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

614.8010846280365m 108531 2024-07-09

45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, a designated Historic Site, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Jeongdong-gil Road (정동길)

616.8130546649555m 0 2024-06-19

2-1 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong-gil Road is one of Seoul's most famous walking paths, stretching from the intersection in front of Jeongdong Church to Saemunan-gil Road. The street holds importance in Korea's modern history, with the surroundings serving as a living museum of this. During the Joseon dynasty, the area developed into a residental space for distant members of the royal family, with a palace and royal tombs in the area. In 1999, the pedestrian walking area was expanded by turning the two-way road into a one-way road. Since then, the road has earned many awards and honors.

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