Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.2 Km 154064 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.

Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문)

1.2 Km 0 2024-04-18

1F, 105, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)

1.2 Km 16755 2021-07-29

54, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8449

The Kukje Galley has been committed to presenting the work of significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public since 1982. The gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits such as Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro, Cy Twombly, Edward Ruscha, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and Bill Viola, attracting enthusiastic responses from both the public and the media.

The gallery has placed emphasis on collaborations between artists, galleries, and art dealers around the world and nurturing upcoming artists by sponsoring their artwork and giving them international exposure.

Nodaji Pumba(노다지품바)

1.2 Km 0 2020-12-18

40 Jong-ro 35-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-764-5814

You can enjoy egg cockle shabu-shabu. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is shabu-shabu.

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

1.2 Km 60881 2023-06-14

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978

Hwangudan Altar (환구단)

1.2 Km 16286 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.

Stylenanda Flagship Store - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (스타일난다플래그쉽스토어 명동)

1.2 Km 0 2024-06-27

37-8, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Eun Ha Su (은하수)

1.2 Km 3385 2021-10-20

145, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3705-9141~2

Eun Ha Su at Sejong Hotel was opened in 1978 as Elysee, the first Korean buffet in Korea. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has gained acclaim for its healthy and nutritious Korean cuisine, attracting both Korean and international diners.

Sejong-ro Park (세종로공원)

1.2 Km 23878 2022-08-31

jiha 189, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-9598

Sejong-ro Park is located next to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Inside the park, there are wooden benches and shaded areas where people can sit and relax. Also available are water fountains, a round outdoor stage, and various sculptures. The lunch crowd from the nearby office buildings often come to the park during weekdays. On the weekends, the park is also used as a venue for outdoor weddings.

Seoul's anthem and the poem "Bulnori" by Ju Yo-han are written on a memorial stone that can be found inside the park.

Lf Hazzys - Myeong-dong [Tax Refund Shop] (LF(명동헤지스종합))

1.2 Km 0 2024-04-19

28, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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