Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

695.2M 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.

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) (한지추억)

698.3M 2022-09-16

6, Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2059

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using traditional Korean processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji items. Visitors can take home their hanji creations as a lovely souvenir at the conclusion of the seminar.

Theatre Changdeokgung (창덕궁 소극장)

699.3M 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.

Seoul Gongyesa [Tax Refund Shop] (서울공예사)

703.6M 2024-04-16

1F, 27-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Hotel Crown Insadong (호텔 크라운-인사동)

707.8M 2021-02-10

9, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3676-8000

Hotel Crown is a premier hotel that was renovated in May 2002. The hotel is in close proximity to Jongno and Insa-dong, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists.

Imun Seolnongtang (이문설농탕)

711.7M 2022-01-25

38-13, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-6526

Imun Seolnongtang has been serving its hearty seolleongtang for over a hundred years since it first opened in 1907. Even its name has a long history: the word imun comes from Imun-gol, the now-obsolete name of the restaurant’s location, and seolnongtang, an old variation of the word seolleongtang. During the Japanese colonial rule, the restaurant’s regular customers included Gijeong Son, the marathon gold-medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. To make the rich seolleongtang broth, beef meat and bones are simmered for more than 15 hours. Try putting rice and minced green onion in your seolleongtang for a warm and tasty experience. Kkakttugi (diced radish kimchi), provided as a side dish, is also delicious.

Dowon Masan Agujjim (도원마산아구찜)

711.6M 2021-03-22

438, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-4009

A restaurant frequented by many celebrities. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is spicy braised monkfish.

Ipamnamu - Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이팝나무 인사)

715.0M 2024-04-18

4, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Souvenirs Center [Tax Refund Shop] (한국관광명품점)

728.2M 2024-04-23

14, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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After Work 33 (에프터워크33)

729.8M 2021-03-19

21, Yulgok-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4403-0033

Well-known for its charming garden and stylish interior design. The best menu at this restaurant is risotto. This is a Western cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul.

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