Gwanghwamun Square Market (광화문광장 마켓)

868.303177478612m 0 2024-04-22

175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3788-8168

Gwanghwamun Square Market first showcased in December 2022 along with the Seoul Lantern Festival to support the local small businesses and promote Seoul night tourism. The market features local store owners and businesses that exhibit and sell seasonal decor, handcrafted items, and winter snacks. The market has expanded twice in size for the year 2023, comprising a food zone and a booth zone.

Seoul Former Russian Legation (서울 구 러시아공사관)

873.9203397106407m 12737 2020-06-18

21-18, Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5882

The Russian Legation was built in a Renaissance style in 1890. Russian architect, A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed the structure. In 1895, during the Joseon dynasty, the Eulmisabyeon Incident took place as a show of force by the Japanese.

Empress Myeongseong-hwanghu was emerging as a strong figure in Korea at a time when a power struggle between Japan, China, Russia, and other powers were taking place. Japanese Minister, Miura Goro saw her as a threat and ordered her assassination. After hearing news of the Empress’s assassination, King Gojong and the Crown Prince sought refuge in the Russian Embassy for one year.

After 1945, the Soviet Union took over the embassy until it was almost completely destroyed by a fire during the Korean War [1950~1953]. The only remaining parts of the building are the tower and basement areas. The building was restored to its current condition in 1973 and is now enjoyed by many as a public park.

Four Seasons Charles H. (포시즌스호텔서울 찰스.H)

880.5699278910132m 0 2024-03-15

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This bar is named after the legendary American writer Charles H. Baker. It is inspired by speakeasy bars, which were bars hidden from sight during the Prohibition period, so its door blends into the surrounding walls. So, when one steps into the space, it is like stepping into a secret hangout. A cover charge of 10,000 won gives patrons a welcome drink, finger foods, and snacks. The menu is inspired by cocktails that Charles H. Baker had across the world, such as New York City, Mexico, Shanghai, Cuba, and Tahiti. It won 7th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list and 42nd place in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The ambience is relaxed, and attentive services ensure that you can have a comfortable time here.

Yu Yuan (유 유안)

887.133639708859m 15 2017-02-24

97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

With a name derived from Shanghai's beautiful garden, Yu Yuan displays the glamorous exuberance and abundance of Shanghai in the 1920s. Offered menus are mostly based on Guangdong cuisine along with other Chinese regional specialties such as Bejing Duck.

Jeongdong Guksi (정동국시)

888.1474039571895m 16467 2024-06-19

5 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-732-0114

Jeongdong Guksi features a rich soup with a clean taste, created by carefully removing the oil dozens of times while boiling Korean beef bones for 15 hours. The restaurant uses this same beef bone broth in their mandutguk (dumpling soup), something not many restaurants do. The rich flavor of the broth combined with the soft dumplings, made in-house daily, is a must-try. The restaurant is also surrounded by many cultural and artistic spaces, making it a great addition to tours in the area.

Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

890.7717015087744m 196839 2023-11-23

172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Gwanghwamun Plaza was opened to the public in August 2022 after renovation. Sejong-ro, the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, has been reborn as a space for historical and cultural experiences by restoring Yukjo Street. Woldae (Elevated Ceremonial Stage) was reconstructed at the entrance of the "Plaza that Recovers the History of Gwanghwamun," and the statue of Haetae, an imaginary animal that judges good and evil, has been restored. In addition, traces of Yukjo Street, the main street of Hanyang in the past, were restored in the ‘Plaza that recreates the scenery of Yukjo Street’ near Sejong-ro Park, with a scale model installed. This is an excellent place for a stroll with beautiful scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

895.7497935935193m 43805 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

897.166099544798m 1752365 2024-06-19

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built as the official palace of the Joseon dynasty by Yi Seong-gye, who becomes King Taejo and the founder of the new regime. Gyeongbokgung Palace is commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location in the north of Changdeokgung Palace in the east and Gyeonghuigung Palace in the west. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and is the largest of all five palaces. Many Joseon kings were crowned here, including the 2nd King Jeongjong, 4th King Sejong, 6th King Danjong, 7th King Sejo, 9th King Seongjong, 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong. The assassination of Empress Myeongseong, however, resulted in Gyeongbokgung Palace losing its function as a royal palace, eventually witnessing the downfall of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, a prime example of Joseon architecture, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and pond. The sculptures in the Geunjeongjeon Hall exemplify Joseon-era sculpture techniques. The west side of the area outside Heungnyemun Gate is occupied by the National Palace Museum of Korea, while the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion within the Gyeongbokgung Palace is occupied by the National Folk Museum of Korea.
* Major cultural heritages
1) [Historic Site] Gyeongbokgung Palace
2) [National Treasure] Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
3) [National Treasure] Gyeonghoeru Pavilion of Gyeongbokgung Palace
4) [Treasure] Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
5) [Treasure] Chimney with Ten Symbols of Longevity in Relief at Jagyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace
6) [Treasure] Chimneys in Amisan Garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace
7) [Treasure] Geunjeongmun Gate and Corridor of Gyeongbokgung Palace
8) [Treasure] Wind Streamer Pedestal of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

897.166099544798m 24910 2024-01-29

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-3506

The Royal Culture festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

903.6297824141325m 61398 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well.

Gwanghwamun Square Market (광화문광장 마켓) - Area information - Korea travel information