Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

6.7Km 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.

Rex Hotel (렉스호텔)

6.7Km 2021-03-03

23, Toegye-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-3191

Lex Hotel is a suitable accommodation for business trips. It is also great for shopping, due to its convenient location by Namdaemun Market, Seoul Station, and Myeong-dong, as well as Korea's major shopping malls like Lotte and Shinsegae Department Stores. The hotel has 110 rooms, offering a view of downtown Seoul. It is also equipped with convenient amenities and restaurants that are ready to fulfill every guest’s needs. The guestrooms feature a comfortable atmosphere with a simple interior.

Shinsegae Department Store - Main Store (신세계백화점 (본점))

6.7Km 2025-04-07

63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-1588-1234

Shinsegae Department Store opened its doors as the first modern department store in the country in 1960. It stands where Korea's first department store, the Japanese Misreukkosi Department Store, used to be in the 1930s. After undergoing remodeling in 2007, it reopened as a luxury hall, featuring diverse brands ranging from the top three international luxury brands to new designer brands. In addition, the Trinity Gardens and art halls in the department store serve as a cultural space for a shopping experience that combines art and shopping.

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

6.7Km 2022-12-27

198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

Buam-dong Gaeyeoalsa (부암동 계열사)

6.7Km 2024-02-21

7 Baekseokdong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Buam-dong Gaeyeoalsa is a chicken place that has received recognition in the Blue Ribbon Survey, the first restaurant guide in Korea. The representative menu is the fried chicken served in a bamboo tray with wedge potatoes. The chicken has a thin and crispy coating. Nearby attractions include the Yun Dongju Hill (Cheongun Park) and the Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum, dedicated to the poet beloved by Koreans.

Arirang (아리랑)

6.7Km 2021-03-29

23, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1342

Arirang offers Korean cuisine with its articulate traditional interior and menus. Most menus are traditionally prepared, along with charcoal grill tables for visitors to cook their own meat. Menus consist of high-grade premium hanu (Korean beef) rib eye, charcoal grilled marinated beef ribs, hot-pot bibimbap, and more.

Seokparang (석파랑)

6.7Km 2024-09-02

309 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-2500

Seokparang is a place built by relocating the Sarangchae of Heungseon Daewongun, the father of King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. It boasts beautiful late Joseon-style gardens and three traditional hanok buildings. Here, one can enjoy authentic Gungjung hanjeongsik (royal Korean table d'hote) for both lunch and dinner, featuring meticulously prepared dishes such as traditional porridge, chilled salads, steamed prawns, kimchi cabbage wraps with pork, soybean paste jjigae set menu, and desserts. Diners can also savor traditional liquors crafted by artisans from across the country.

Uniqlo - Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (유니클로 광화문D타워)

6.7Km 2024-04-17

17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Samwon Ilsik (삼원일식)

6.7Km 2021-03-19

32, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3680

This is a Japanese cuisine located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. This restaurant is one of Mugyo-dong's best kept secrets. The best menu at this restaurant is codfish stew.

Draw A Circle - Shinsegae Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (드로어써클 신세계본점)

6.7Km 2024-04-17

B1, Main Bldg., 63, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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