Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.8Km 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.

Olive Young - CJ CheilJedang Center Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 제일제당센터)

1.8Km 2024-04-22

330, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회)

1.8Km 2024-03-04

200-12 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Buchon Yukhoe is a renowned restaurant located in Gwangjang Market's Beef Tartare Street, selected by the Michelin Guide in 2023. It specializes in yukhoe (beef tartare), a Korean-style raw beef dish marinated with sesame oil and pear. The restaurant uses fresh Korean beef supplied daily, ensuring a delightful and nutty flavor. The simple seasoning enhances the natural taste of the ingredients, and the yolk-topped yukhoe adds visual appeal to the dish.

CheongKwanJang - Jongno 4(sa)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 종로4가)

1.8Km 2024-04-22

Gwangnim Bldg., 195, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Aank Hotel & Spa Jongno Unni Branch (아늑호텔 앤 스파 종로운니점)

1.8Km 2025-04-24

89 Donhwamun-ro 11ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Aank Hotel & Spa Jongno Unni Branch embodies the warmth and charms of Korea. Guests are welcome to unwind with diverse room options to choose from such as the msuic room, signature spa room, desktop 2-PC room, and standard room. It's location in the heart of Seoul makes it a great place for tourists as well as well.

Theatre Changdeokgung (창덕궁 소극장)

1.8Km 2021-12-07

88-1, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-7278

Theatre Changdeokgung is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gugak-ro Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. To recreate the traditional Korean entertainment setting and offer a better view of the stage, the theater is designed with floor seatings facing a platform stage. The theater offers a wide array of performances including samulnori (traditional Korean percussion quartet), traditional Korean music, and madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong.

Gallery Hyundai (갤러리 현대)

1.8Km 2021-03-18

14, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2287-3500

Gallery Hyundai has been improving daily for over 40 years since April 1970, working closely with various Korean artists in modern art. Gallery Hyundai introduces varied artists including prominent artists, as well as up-and-coming artists, regardless of genre through sophisticated exhibitions, showing domestic and overseas art all in one place.

Dugahun (두가헌)

1.8Km 2024-03-20

23 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-2100

Dugahun is a wine restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning "a very beautiful house." Located in a traditional hanok from the 1910s, it offers a taste of Western culture with wine. Only lunch and dinner courses are available, and customers can select wines from the underground wine cellar or bring their own. Across the street, Gallery Dugahun, housed in a historic Russian-style brick building built in the late period of Joseon, showcases high-quality art pieces.

Songhyeon Green Plaza (열린송현 녹지광장)

1.9Km 2025-11-11

Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Songhyeon Green Plaza, located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jongno, is a space for culture and rest. The site was formerly used as housing for Shiksan Bank during Japanese rule. After Korea’s liberation, it served as a residence for the US Embassy and military personnel. Later in 1997, it was returned to the Korean government but remained unused for years. In 2022, the ownership was transferred to the Korean House and Land Corporation and then to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which redeveloped it into a green plaza and opened it to the public. Upon entering the plaza, visitors are greeted by a spacious lawn adorned with flowers during the blooming season. The plaza is connected to the nearby tourist attractions through shortcuts cutting through it, including Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Slow Steady Club - Samcheong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (슬로우스테디클럽 삼청)

1.9Km 2024-06-27

2F, 84, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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