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))

3.6Km    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)”

Kumho Art Hall (금호아트홀)

Kumho Art Hall (금호아트홀)

3.6Km    2021-05-28

76, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6303-1977

Kumho Art Hall was built in 2000 exclusively for classical music concerts, with 390 seats, the perfect structure for chamber concerts. All seats are recital hall chairs and the wide spacing between rows of chairs helps the audience to have a pleasant time. Upon entering the theater, all cell phones will turn off automatically. This helps all visitors to enjoy the concert without being interrupted by ringing cell phones. The interior is cozy and luxurious, and the stage is made of maple.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal City Hall (만족오향족발 시청)

3.6Km    2024-03-12

134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755

Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience. 

Sungmin town (성민촌)

Sungmin town (성민촌)

3.6Km    2021-04-13

71, Yeouinaru-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-780-6262

This is a 20-year-old shabu-shabu restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is shabu-shabu. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

3.6Km    2024-04-19

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

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Namsi Glasses [Tax Refund Shop] (남시안경)

Namsi Glasses [Tax Refund Shop] (남시안경)

3.6Km    2024-06-27

8-3, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Namdaemun Daeho Optic [Tax Refund Shop] (남대문대호안경)

3.6Km    2024-06-27

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

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

3.6Km    2024-04-22

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

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

3.6Km    2024-06-27

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

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Honam Sikdang (호남식당)

3.7Km    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.