Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

7.0Km    2024-11-27

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically.

On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again on May 4, 2013.

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

7.0Km    2021-12-30

40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4622

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong and Da-dong are widely known among international visitors as hot spots for shopping and food.

Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located here. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. There’s also no shortage of street food, traditional restaurants, coffee shops and fancy cafes.

Namdaemun Market is the biggest traditional market in Korea. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and local produce at an affordable price in the shopping complex crowded with stores and street stalls. The market sells a variety of clothes, kitchenware, toys, accessories, food, flowers and imported goods.

Bukchang-dong and Sogong-dong have high-end accommodations including Lotte Hotel Seoul and Westin Chosun Seoul, duty-free shops, and restaurants serving traditional dishes.

[Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Myeong-dong, Bukchang-dong, Mugyo-dong and Da-dong, Seoul
Area size: 872,809 ㎡
Tourist attractions: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong, Department Stores (Lotte Department and Shinsegae Department Store, etc.), Traditional Market, Duty-free Shop, Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, etc.

Sejong University Museum (세종대학교 박물관)

Sejong University Museum (세종대학교 박물관)

7.1Km    2022-09-16

209, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3408-3876

Sejong University Museum exhibits folk art, wooden crafts, clothing, accessories, pottery, paintings and calligraphy collected for over 40 years by the couple who founded the present day Sejong University, Dr. Ju Young-ha and Dr. Choi Ok-ja. This museum has its origins in the Soodo Gallery, which was built in Chungmuro, the campus’ original location, in 1959. Needing more space to house additional artifacts, the museum moved to its current location, which first opened on May 5, 1973 in a four-story concrete building inspired by traditonal tower design from the Baekje era. This building was later expanded on May 20, 1977.

After the university’s name was changed to Sejong University in 1979, the museum was also renamed the Sejong University Museum. The museum showcases unique artifacts to both scholars and students from home and abroad in contribution to the research of Korea’s culture, arts, and archeology.

Seongsu-dong Handmade Shoes Street (성수동 수제화거리)

Seongsu-dong Handmade Shoes Street (성수동 수제화거리)

7.1Km    2025-03-15

15, Yeonmujang 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Handmade shoe manufacturers began to gather in the 1970s to form a street and make history. Today, there are some 350 handmade shoe manufacturers, 100 intermediate processing and raw materials companies, and new cafes with unique vibes opening up one after another. Thanks to its vintage appeal, many people visit on dates and to take cool photos.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

7.1Km    2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3783-5900

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

Seoul Geumseonsa Temple (금선사(서울))

Seoul Geumseonsa Temple (금선사(서울))

7.1Km    2021-08-17

137, Bibong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-9911

Geumseonsa Temple is located within Bukhansan National Park, just behind Cheong Wa Da (The Blue House) and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The entrance to the temple is just off the hiking path to Bibong Peak.

After passing Banyajeon Hall, where Buddhist services are held, visitors will see a pine tree over 200 years old, and beyond that, a staircase with 108 steps leading up to Daejeokgwangjeon Hall in the temple's main area. To the right is Samseonggak House and Hongyegyo Bridge over the clear waters flowing down from the mountain.

Additional temple buildings include Mitajeon Hall and Yeonhwadang Hall, built in 2004 by Monk Beopan; and Jeokmukdang Hall, built using traditional construction techniques.

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

N Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

7.1Km    2025-10-23

105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3455-9277

Namsan Seoul Tower was the first multipurpose tower to be established in Korea, effectively incorporating a sightseeing observatory into a broadcasting tower. For the past 40 years, Namsan Seoul Tower has served as an iconic landmark of Korea and a representative tourist attraction. The tower's observatory offers an unobstructed view of the whole city, allowing it to become one of the all-time favorite attractions of Seoul citizens as well as domestic and international tourists. Featured in many dramas and reality shows, it is also a fan-favorite destination. Another highlight of the tower is the Namsan Cable Car. The cable car began its operation in 1962, transferring passengers from the foot of the mountain to the base of the tower. Shuttle buses to the Namsan Cable Car from downtown Seoul are also available for visitors' convenience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
In TXT’s content “TALK X TODAY,” the youngest members, Huening Kai and Taehyun, enjoyed a day out in their school uniforms. They rode the cable car to the top, took pictures together, and secured their wish lock. You can purchase locks at the souvenir shop near the cable car station at the top of the mountain, where name pens are also available to write down your wishes.

Seongsunoru (성수노루)

Seongsunoru (성수노루)

7.1Km    2025-05-07

110 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Seongsunoru is a hanu grilled gopchang (Korean beef small intestines) restaurant. The meat is grilled by staff, ensuring crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Besides grilled gopchang, the restaurant also offers a variety of menu items using Korean beef daechang (large intestines) and makchang (tripe) as the main ingredient. Popular add-ons and side dishes include yukhoe (beef tartare), cheese fried rice, kimchi noodles, and soft bean curd jjigae. The restaurant is equipped with a parking lot and has a corkage fee system.

Buramsan Butterfly Garden (불암산나비정원)

Buramsan Butterfly Garden (불암산나비정원)

7.1Km    2024-07-19

51-27 Hangeulbiseok-ro 12-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul

Buramsan Butterfly Garden is located within Buramsan Healing Town in Nowon. It is an exhibition garden where one can observe live butterflies all year round. The main building's first floor comprises an incubation center, a breeding center, and a butterfly greenhouse while the second floor is used as an insect education center. At the insect education center, visiors can observe materials related to and specimens of endangered insect species. Groups require a reservation in advance.

Seongsu Stage 35 (스테이지35 성수)

Seongsu Stage 35 (스테이지35 성수)

7.2Km    2025-07-17

35 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Located in Seongsu-dong, a popular neighborhood in Seoul, Stage 35 is a cultural complex spread across four floors. Capturing the unique vibes of Seongsu-dong and keeping up with trends, Stage 35 hosts pop-up stores, art exhibitions, showcase launches, and offers a space for content filming. It is considered a must-visit place for visitors who want to keep up with trends and experience brands' new season items. It has hosted collaborations with popular brands, including Levi's, Comme des Garçons, Thom Browne, and Bao Bao.