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.

Seochon Guest House [Korea Quality] / 서촌게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

6.7Km 2023-09-05

28-3 , Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-473-9680

Seochon Guest House in Seochon, Jongno, Seoul, consists of a 90 year-old hanok and a two-story Western-style house. A 6-cheop table is provided for meals, and travelers can use the 1st floor rooms and hall at any time. In the yard, Pansori performances are held twice a year, and residents can sample traditional music, wearing hanbok, and making Korean food; the guesthouse’s other name is Pleasure Valley (Jaeminan Gol)! There are programs for visiting Inwangsan-Bukaksan fortress trail, Gyeongbokgung and other royal palaces, and nearby traditional markets.

HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

6.7Km 2024-03-18

50, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7557

It is a store that has been operating with a long tradition since 1939. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

Kwangjuyo - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (광주요 한남)

6.7Km 2024-06-27

28, Hannam-daero 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Seochon Village (서촌마을)

6.7Km 2024-12-02

45 Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Nuha-dong)

Seochon Village is the name given to the area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a historic village, home to old shops and hanok buildings that have stood the test of time. Korean traditions and contemporary sensibilities coexist within Seochon Village’s maze-like alleyways, creating the unique ambience that makes the district so beloved. One can find shops, guesthouses, cafés, and restaurants in the village.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

6.7Km 2024-10-14

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Hojil (호질)

6.7Km 2021-03-20

15, Jahamun-ro, 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-6822

A good restaurant to visit before and after the tour, being located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the tourist attractions. This restaurant's signature menu is spicy sea snail salad. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

SOSO House (소소하우스)

6.7Km 2024-12-13

16-5 , Pirundae-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-5286-0704

Soso House is a private hanok stay located in Seochon, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Once you enter the gate, you are greeted by a small yard paved with stones and an alpine apple tree. There is a stool on one side of the yard where you can enjoy a cup of tea on a sunny day. In the daecheong maru (wooden-floored hall, there is a master bedroom on one side and a kitchen on the other, and the master bedroom has an attic. Cooking is allowed, and complimentary breakfast includes toast, salad, and coffee, as well as complimentary homemade fruit syrup and tea bags. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Museum of History, and Park No-Soo Art Museum are all within walking distance.

Gallery Simon (갤러리 시몬)

6.7Km 2022-09-15

20, Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-3031

Since its opening in April, 1994, Gallery Simon has continued to focus on promoting the beauty of modern art. Exhibitions include works from experienced artists as well as the works of budding artists, both from Korea and abroad. Select artists, referred to collectively as "Simon's Friends," have exhibitions annually. The changing collections allow the museum and featured artists to constantly strive for improvement and follow the changes in art over time.

Olive Young - Gasan Digital Complex Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 가산디지털단지역)

6.7Km 2024-04-18

286, Beotkkot-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul

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