Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

2.3Km 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)”

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

2.3Km 2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

2.3Km 2021-06-04

42-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-5600

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center has a history of offering visitors unique accessories with colorful designs. Each shop boasts its own items, different from other stores. Visitors can enjoy purchasing accessories at discounted prices.

Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인)

2.3Km 2024-04-22

236-1, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Bijindo Haemulttukbaegi (비진도해물뚝배기)

2.4Km 2021-03-30

53, Seosomun-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-312-2867

It is a place that many tourists, as well as office workers, visit. This seafood restaurant is located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is seafood hot pot.

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

2.4Km 2024-04-19

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

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Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town (동대문 종합시장·동대문 쇼핑타운)

2.4Km 2025-06-30

266 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2262-0114

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most well-known markets. It was founded in December 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia and has maintained that status for the last 40 years. Browsing the plethora of shops, you can find fabric and clothing following all the latest global fashion trends. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex continues to build up its reputation as a hub of international design.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex (Hanbok Shops) (동대문종합시장 한복상가)

2.4Km 2021-09-15

266, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2262-0114

As one of the largest markets in Asia, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex boasts huge hanbok shops. Most of the major hanbok and fabric distributors are located here. It offers a wide array of hanbok from traditional hanbok to modernized hanbok in addition to accessories and clothing materials. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is a popular spot among international tourists who want to experience traditional Korean culture and purchase various souvenirs.

Seoul City Wall Museum (한양도성박물관)

2.4Km 2023-12-22

283, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0243

Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, built in 1396, was the city fortress wall that protected the capital city Seoul for over 600 years. The fortress wall was built along the terrains and although it became partially damaged during the modernization process, its original form remains well to this day, making it a cultural heritage that coexists with the modern city. The Seoul City Wall Museum, located in Heungjinjimun Park, is a museum containing the history and culture of city wall from the Joseon dynasty to the present. It is a cultural space with a permanent exhibition hall, special exhibition hall, city wall information center, and study room.

Space Moda [Korea Quality]스페이스 모다[한국관광 품질인증]

2.4Km 2025-05-15

19-17 , Samseongyo-ro 6-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9952-0152

Space Moda is a quiet, modernized hanok nestled in an alley in Seonggwak Village next to Naksan Park in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and is let out as a single house. The guesthouse aims for zero waste and low energy use, and encourages sustainable travel. A small yard serves as a resting place for travelers. Guests will enjoy exploring the neighborhood’s many cafes, restaurants, and bars, all a short walk away; while transportation access is good, with Hansung University Subway Station nearby. There is a car park a short distance away.

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목)) - Area information - Korea travel information