Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

11.2Km    2023-11-06

42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namdaemun Market is a massive market in Seoul filled with history and traditions. In the market, there is a place where people can dine without worrying about time or money, in an unmistakably Korean atmosphere, and that is the Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley). The alley is lined with stalls selling similar fare, and people sit down in front of them, shoulder to shoulder, to enjoy their meal. Namdaemun Market’s Gourmand Alley specializes in noodle soup and steamed barley rice sets. The latter is a mixture of rice and barley, which is then steamed together. Its call to popularity is the nutty flavor imparted by barley. It has a healthy taste like no other, so make sure to check it out. Each order often comes with two or three separate menus (noodle soup, steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles, etc.), along with a sumptuous array of side dishes like kimchi. Because this spot is beloved by diners of all ages, one often has to wait to get one’s turn during meal hours or on weekends. Keep in mind that the alley’s age often manifests itself in its crowdedness and lower attention to hygiene.
Another thing to note is that first-time visitors often find it difficult to find the entrance to the alley. The entrance is the transparent plastic door right next to “Segye-ro Eyeglasses Shop,” which can be found right across from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The door is rather small and difficult to find, but once you enter the doorway, you will immediately see the stalls unfolding in front of your eyes. 

TV program “Life Masters (2005-)”
TV program “A Walk Around the Neighborhood (2018-2022)”

Optical Manager - Namdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (안경매니져남대문점)

11.3Km    2024-06-27

1F and 2F, 2-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

Omokjip Cityhall(오목집 시청)

11.3Km    2020-10-30

38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3789-6882

A pig's trotter(s) specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. This restaurant's signature menu is braised pigs'' feet. Jokbal (pig's trotter) is a representative food loved by Koreans.

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

Gyodae Icheungjip Sicheong (교대이층집 시청)

11.3Km    2020-10-30

2F, 38, Namdaemun-ro, 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6882

A barbecue specialty restaurant located near City Hall Station in Seoul. A store famous for flower-shaped pork belly. The most famous menu is grilled pork belly.

New Kaist Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴카이스트안경원)

New Kaist Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴카이스트안경원)

11.3Km    2024-04-22

12-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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House of  Flowers and Lake  / 꽃과 호수의 집

House of Flowers and Lake / 꽃과 호수의 집

11.3Km    2025-03-05

79 , Norumok-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-10-2999-9360

The House of Flowers and Lakes is a homestay in an apartment in Ilsan, Seoul Capital Area. There are two rooms: Narcissus has a double bed, private bathroom, and a terrace, while Moss Rose has two single beds and simpler furniture. The owner loves travelling, and souvenirs from around the world are on show in the shared kitchen and living room. A simple breakfast is provided free of charge. The apartment is close to Madu Station on Subway Line 3 and Baekma Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Nearby destinations such as KINTEX and Haengjusan Fortress are a 20-minute drive away.

Ilmin Art Museum (일민미술관)

Ilmin Art Museum (일민미술관)

11.3Km    2022-09-27

152, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Ilmin Art Museum located in former Dong-A Newspaper Building, was formed in honor of their honorable and late CEO Kim Sang-man. The museum was established in December of 1996, and with a full renovation in 2001, large exhibition hall and Ilmin collection was placed in. Through the renovation, the combination of glass and steel made Artrium aimed to become one of the best comtemporary museum, connecting the museum to the streets of Gwanghwamun. 

 This museum boasts a large Ilmin collection. There are 430 pieces of Ilmin collection from Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) to present, 1,200 pieces in the Donga Newspaper's collection of art, and 100 pieces of art owned by Hyundai Corporation. The Ilmin Collection mostly consists of pieces that Kim Sang-man collected from ceramics to aesthetic paintings. The Dongah Newspaper's collection has time-relevant pieces that are important in history.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

11.3Km    2025-07-11

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645

In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Tea Ceremony (경복궁 자경전 다례체험행사)

11.3Km    2020-03-12

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-3210-4683

This traditional tea ceremony experience takes place at Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is by reservation on a first come, first serve basis.

The ceremony includes a tea culture demonstration and experience, making honey cakes, traditional etiquette introduction, and lectures related to tea culture. To participate in the tea ceremony, download the application form from the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website and submit the form through email.

Choeun Optical - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경 회현)

11.3Km    2024-04-22

Joeun Eyewear, 42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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