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

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

638.9M    154064     2022-12-14

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.

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

640.0M    0     2024-04-18

1F, 82, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Halmaejip (할매집)

Halmaejip (할매집)

642.8M    365     2017-02-01

1-5, Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2608

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.

HiKR Ground (하이커 그라운드)

HiKR Ground (하이커 그라운드)

648.3M    1     2024-03-15

40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located inside the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center, HiKR Ground is a Korean tourism publicity center where visitors can experience K-pop and view media art at the same time. The name 'HiKR Ground' embodies the meaning that Korea (KR) will greet ("Hi") global tourists and become a playground. Notably, it provides Korean tourism content in multiple ways for the younger generation to enjoy. On the first floor, there is a space to enjoy various media arts through the large media screen HiKR Wall, where visitors can see "Landscape of the New City" by media artist Lee Lee-nam, and Korean tourism videos submitted by global hallyu fans. On the second floor, visitors can make their own K-pop music videos using the XR Live Studio. At the window facing the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream, there is a  mesmerizing artwork called ''North Wall'' by installation artist Suh Do-ho. On the third and fourth floors, visitors can get immersed in Korean local tourism through various arts, experiences, and exhibitions.

We Ride (위라이드)

We Ride (위라이드)

648.3M    3     2023-07-28

40 , Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

"The best way to tour Seoul"
With WeRide's certified tour guides, travelers can experience unforgettable memories by riding an electric bicycle to attractions hidden all over Seoul. The tour takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, and participants can safely tour around Seoul with a professional guide. The fun of electric bicycles adds to the joy of the guide's story of Korean culture. If there are guests who cannot ride bicycles, they can use electric rickshaws. There is also a bicycle rental service for bicycle riders traveling in Korea.

Lacantina (라칸티나)

Lacantina (라칸티나)

657.5M    21012     2021-03-29

19, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-2579

The first Italian restaurant in Korea. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is pasta.

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch (영풍문고-종로점)

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch (영풍문고-종로점)

663.8M    42361     2020-02-21

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2776

Along with books, Youngpoong Bookstore sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.

The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.

On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.

Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)

Seoul Christmas Festival (서울 크리스마스 페스티벌)

663.9M    38894     2021-11-30

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-904-1159

Seoul Christmas Festival takes place at Cheonggye Plaza, the start of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Visitors can enjoy fancy illuminations, a Christmas tree and photo zones. Various events and programs are also prepared for a heartwarming end-of-the-year experience for everybody.

Youngpoong Bookstore - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (영풍문고 종로점)

666.1M    0     2024-04-18

41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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