Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

376.4M    2023-02-23

40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-779-8547

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically.

On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again on May 4, 2013.

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

376.5M    2021-12-30

40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4622

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong and Da-dong are widely known among international visitors as hot spots for shopping and food.

Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located here. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. There’s also no shortage of street food, traditional restaurants, coffee shops and fancy cafes.

Namdaemun Market is the biggest traditional market in Korea. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and local produce at an affordable price in the shopping complex crowded with stores and street stalls. The market sells a variety of clothes, kitchenware, toys, accessories, food, flowers and imported goods.

Bukchang-dong and Sogong-dong have high-end accommodations including Lotte Hotel Seoul and Westin Chosun Seoul, duty-free shops, and restaurants serving traditional dishes.

[Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Myeong-dong, Bukchang-dong, Mugyo-dong and Da-dong, Seoul
Area size: 872,809 ㎡
Tourist attractions: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong, Department Stores (Lotte Department and Shinsegae Department Store, etc.), Traditional Market, Duty-free Shop, Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, etc.

Miduem Eyewear - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경 회현)

Miduem Eyewear - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경 회현)

376.6M    2024-04-18

33-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Miduem Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경)

376.6M    2024-06-27

33-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

377.5M    2020-05-07

112, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-5842

Hwangudan Altar, also called Hwandan Altar, refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon dynasty.

Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Hwangudan Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon dynasty was renamed as the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived.

Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center (명동 영양센터)

381.2M    2024-03-11

52, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-2015

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center specializes in roasted chicken and ginseng chicken soup. The jeongi gui tongdak (rotisserie chicken) is light and juicy with just the right amount of fat, and the crispy skin is excellent. The vinegar-marinated radishes are a must-have side dish. Samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup) is also the signature dish of the restaurant. The lunch special, Tongdak set menu (Roasted chicken set menu), features roasted chicken, chicken soup, nutritional bread, and vegetables, offering a satisfying ensemble.

Olens - Myeong-dong Embassy Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 명동대사관점)

Olens - Myeong-dong Embassy Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 명동대사관점)

383.8M    2024-04-22

50, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Yeongyang Center (영양센타)

Yeongyang Center (영양센타)

385.8M    2021-03-29

52, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-2015

This is a restaurant in Myeong-dong where you can eat old-fashioned whole chicken. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is fried chicken.

Jangsu Galbi (장수갈비)

Jangsu Galbi (장수갈비)

387.9M    2021-03-26

54-1, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-9292

It has been around since 1968. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Rex Hotel (렉스호텔)

389.3M    2021-03-03

23, Toegye-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-751-3191

Lex Hotel is a suitable accommodation for business trips. It is also great for shopping, due to its convenient location by Namdaemun Market, Seoul Station, and Myeong-dong, as well as Korea's major shopping malls like Lotte and Shinsegae Department Stores. The hotel has 110 rooms, offering a view of downtown Seoul. It is also equipped with convenient amenities and restaurants that are ready to fulfill every guest’s needs. The guestrooms feature a comfortable atmosphere with a simple interior.