Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

3.1Km 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.

Lotte Department Store - Avenuel Branch (롯데백화점 (에비뉴엘))

3.1Km 2023-06-10

73, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-2500

AVENUEL is a Lotte Department Store luxury-brand branch located in Seoul’s Gangbuk area. Brilliantly dressed in a “garden & gallery” concept and connected to the Lotte Department Store’s main building, AVENUEL offers a wide selection of imported fashion apparel, jewelry and accessories. Moreover, AVENUEL has been highly acclaimed for its extravagant interior design.

Famous designer brands Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, just to name a few, reside on the first five floors of the department store, while floors six to eight house a large cinema. The ninth floor houses a gallery and a number of restaurants, with the tenth floor providing a skin care center and spa, proving that AVENUEL offers more than just the ordinary shopping experience.

Gaehwa (개화)

3.1Km 2021-03-26

52-5, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-0508

Located a short walking distance away from Myeong-dong's Chinese Embassy, Gaehwa boasts 50 years of tradition as the 3rd Chinese restaurant chain in Korea. Gaehwa's jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and palbochae (stir-fried seafood and vegetables) are extremely popular. This is a great place for a quick meal, as it serves plenty of food at affordable prices. Gaehwa has been using the same traditional cooking style and unchanging service values to create a comfortable atmosphere like visiting home.

Mecenatpolis Mall (메세나폴리스 몰)

3.1Km 2020-04-27

45 Yanghwa-ro, Mapgo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6357-0108

Mecenatpolis Mall houses popular fashion brands, beauty shops, and a large grocery store, as well as various restaurants and coffee shops. It contains cultural areas like Lotte Card Center performance area and Lotte Cinema. There are also often performances held at Mecen Garden and the central square. As the connecting Hapjeong Station is a hub of bus routes and the airport bus, getting there is particularly easy.

Ca'del Lupo (까델루뽀)

3.1Km 2020-04-27

5-5, Jahamun-ro 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-5233

Ca'del Lupo is an Italian restaurant, closely located to Paris Baguette in Hyoja-dong, Jongno-gu near Gyeongbokgung Palace Station. Though the restaurnat masters delicious homemade Italian cuisine on the inside, the exterior is wholly Korean. This unique combination of Hanok (traditional Korean house) style housing and Western foods is drawing a lot of people to Hyoja-dong. The great mix of both cultures can be seen in the sophisticated decorations and from the amazing food. The herbs they use are picked directly from the restaurant's personal garden. But to enjoy the atmosphere here, you will have to make a reservation far in advance.