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))

6.4Km    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)”

Honam Sikdang (호남식당)

6.4Km    2024-03-15

18-6, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-5033

Honam Sikdang is a specialty restaurant for galchi jorim (braised cutlassfish) located in Namdaemun Market. Its signature dish is the spicy and flavorful galchi jorim, known for its robust broth. Another popular dish is the deeply seasoned godeungeo jorim (braised mackerel), which is boiled until the seasoning is well absorbed. A highlight of dining here is the crispy deep-fried cutlassfish served upon ordering. Its cozy atmosphere attracts many visitors seeking a hearty meal.

Namdaemun Daeho Optic [Tax Refund Shop] (남대문대호안경)

6.4Km    2024-06-27

B1, #7, 32, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

6.4Km    2024-04-19

48, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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

6.4Km    2024-04-22

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

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

6.4Km    2024-06-27

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

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Re-Heater(리히터)

6.4Km    2024-10-08

서울특별시 중구 세종대로19길 16 (정동)

Sangchonjae House (상촌재)

6.4Km    2024-10-21

12-11 , Jahamun-ro 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sangchonjae House, run by the Jongno Cultural Foundation, is a traditional hanok cultural space located in Sejong Village, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, and operates various cultural Korean programs such as exhibitions, educational experiences, and events to fully experience Korea's four seasons. The name Sangchonjae was conceived from the old name of Sejong Village, the western part of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the birthplace of King Sejong. The house reflects the lifestyle of an ordinary peasant during the Joseon dynasty. It consists of three buildings: the main building, the guesthouse known as sarangchae, and the annex. There is an experience center indoors offering tea ceremonies and traditional game experiences.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

6.4Km    2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

6.4Km    2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.