Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.0Km 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.

Dalgaebi (달개비)

1.0Km 2024-03-15

16 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-82-2-765-2035, 2068

Dalgaebi is a restaurant specializing in Korean table d'hote, using fresh seasonal ingredients. Its flagship menu is the teukseon sangcharim jeongsik (special set menu), which includes porridge, seasonal dishes, main courses, and desserts. The galbi sangcharim (galbi course), featuring premium Korean beef galbi grilled over charcoal and served with soybean paste jjigae, is also popular. Known for its private dining spaces and upscale ambiance, reservations can be made via phone.

A Moment in Time - Live Caricature & Gallery (시간을 담다)

1.0Km 2021-03-25

20-1, Samil-daero 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8895-3368

A Moment in Time adds in aspects of Korean traditions, customs, and landmarks like hanbok, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Korean mystical animals into caricature artworks, serving as an excellent souvenir for both locals and travelers. The gallery also offers hands-on programs like coloring caricature and traditional folk art. In addition, original design products from A Moment in Time are also available, making great gifts.

ABC-Mart - Myeong-dong 3(sam)beon-ga [Tax Refund Shop] (ABC마트 ST명동3번가)

1.0Km 2024-04-17

41, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Banila CO. - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (바닐라코 명동점)

1.0Km 2024-04-22

38, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Homeplus Express - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (홈플러스익스프레스 광화문)

1.0Km 2024-04-18

91, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Stylenanda Flagship Store - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (스타일난다플래그쉽스토어 명동)

1.0Km 2024-06-27

37-8, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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On The Spot - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (온더스팟 명동점)

1.0Km 2024-04-18

37-4, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Bunni Studios Optical - Myeongdong Branch (바니스튜디오 안경(명동역점))

1.0Km 2024-04-02

21 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Bunni Studios is an optical store geared toward the younger generation, offering quality glasses and color contact lenses. The staff are able to provide service in a range of foreign languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese. Bunni Studios collaborates with popular lens producers, and offers over 500 types of lenses. Shoppers can also have products delivered to their hotel within Seoul if they shop does not have the item in stock. International tourists can make tax-free purchases.

The Saem - Myeong-dong Branch (No. 1) [Tax Refund Shop] (더샘 명동1호점)

1.0Km 2024-04-16

41, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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