Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.0Km 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.

Horangii (호랑이)

1.0Km 2023-12-22

157 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Horangii Coffee, located in Euljiro, Seoul, boasts a retro yet hip atmosphere. Furniture and picture frames with traces of time gone by and impressive props with the concept of a tiger come together to create a distinct atmosphere unique to this place. There are tables both inside and outside the cafe, but due to its small size, it is always crowded with customers. The signature menu items here are Horangii Latte and Fruit Sando. Horangii Latte has an impressive savory yet sweet flavor. Fruit Sando, made with whole fresh seasonal fruits, combines with soft whipped cream for a unique taste.

After Work 33 (에프터워크33)

1.0Km 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.

Good Morning Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (굿모닝안경)

1.0Km 2024-04-22

61, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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The Sool Gallery (전통주갤러리)

1.0Km 2025-06-19

18 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Sool Gallery is an exhibition and experience space for traditional Korean liquor, established to promote the taste, style, and cultural values of the time-honored traditional Korean liquor. It provides various information about traditional Korean liquor for consumers or international tourists who can rarely obtain such information elsewhere. In addition, it provides traditional liquor education and business counseling to food service businesses and sales experts to continuously create demand for traditional liquor and expand the market. It is run by experts specializing in traditional liquor, including traditional liquor sommeliers, and it holds events to introduce various traditional liquors with different themes every month, as well as tasting events. Moreover, according to the monthly changing “Recommended Traditional Liquor by Month,” it displays a drinking glass and a bottle of the month recommended by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation.

HANSIK Space E:eum (한식문화공간 이음)

1.0Km 2025-06-16

18 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

HANSIK Space E:eum, located in Jongno, is a cultural space operated by the Korean Food Promotion Institute. It offers visitors an opportunity to delve into Korean cuisine through exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and a library.

Pacific Hotel (퍼시픽 호텔)

1.0Km 2021-06-18

2, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Pacific Hotel is situated near Namsan Mountain and N Seoul Tower, one of the most popular attractions in Seoul. The hotel is also conveniently located adjacent to Myeongdong, the heart of shopping in Seoul, and provides guests with easy access to public transportation and shopping districts such as Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and major department stores.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary the hotel underwent renovations, updating its building and facilities in an effort to advance its image as a luxury hotel. With dedicated staff ready to welcome guests with warm hospitality, the hotel offers 139 comfortable guestrooms and a variety of subsidiary facilities such as a banquet hall, a sauna, restaurants, and more.

Shinsegae Duty Free Shop - Myeong-dong Branch (신세계면세점 명동점)

1.0Km 2017-06-13

77, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Opened in May 2016, the Shinsegae Duty Free Store in Myeong-dong offers culture, tourism, and shopping on the 8-12 floors of the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store. The shops sell famous international brands as well as top Korean brands for a global shopping experience. The store is located nearby popular tourist attractions N Seoul Tower and Namdaemun Traditional Market, making it easy to enjoy tourism and shopping in one location.

Shinsegae Duty Free Shop - Myeong-dong Branch Handicraft Store (신세계면세점 명동점 수공예품 매장)

1.0Km 2016-10-11

77, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korea Craft and Design Foundation Handicraft Store located within the giftshop of Shinsegae Duty Free Shop Myeong-dong Branch sells handcrafted everyday props and cultural crafts. Dedicated to the concept of "Artisans, and Artists," the store introduces young artists as well as famous handicraft masters along with their masterpieces of diverse genre in the world of Korean arts and craft.

Myeong-dong Ttungttungi Jokbal (명동뚱뚱이족발)

1.0Km 2024-10-15

9, Toegye-ro, 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-8998

One of the old restaurants in Myeong-dong featured in Korean gourmet programs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is braised pigs' feet.

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