Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.2Km 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.

Seongdae Guksu (성대국수)

1.2Km 2021-03-18

18, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-3996

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A restaurant that uses only natural ingredients. The best menu at this restaurant is noodles in anchovy broth.

Beauty Play Myeongdong (뷰티플레이 명동)

1.2Km 2024-06-14

73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Beauty Play is a K-beauty experience center operated by the Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It offers a wide variety of sample Korean beauty products for testing as well as diverse beauty experience programs such as makeup touch-up service (choice of base, eyes, or lips), personal color test, and skin evaluation. Visitors can also ask for product recommendation based on their skin type or skincare concerns. Beauty Play also frequently hosts beauty seminars and one-day classes, which are announced online via its official website. International tourists can apply for a full makeup service with an advance reservation free of charge.

Beauty Play has two branches in Seoul: one in Myeong-dong, which is located across from Myeongdong Cathedral; and one in Hongdae. Beauty Play experience programs are avilabe from 10:00 to 18:00 everyday except Sundays.

Seoul Royal Hotel (서울 로얄호텔)

1.2Km 2021-05-07

61, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seoul Royal Hotel, nicknamed 'Oasis in the City,' is located in central Seoul in the famous Myeong-dong area. It has more than 300 rooms along with banquet halls, restaurants, a business center, spa and more. The hotel's location, in particular, is ideal for shopping, and also traveling to other parts of the city by public transportation.

Châtaigne (샤떼뉴)

1.2Km 2021-12-29

19, Samcheong-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-736-5385

Châtaigne is a French restaurant housed in a charming hanok (traditional Korean house) that was remodelled to accommodate dining tables and chairs. Châtaigne uses seasonal ingredients to create a simple and unique French course meal.

Metro Hotel (메트로호텔)

1.2Km 2021-05-11

14, Myeongdong 9ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1112

Metro Hotel is located in the heart of Seoul situated in the middle of Myeongdong. The hotel has a title of being the first tourist hotel in Korea and boasts over 50 years of tradition.

Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

1.2Km 2023-11-23

172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Gwanghwamun Plaza was opened to the public in August 2022 after renovation. Sejong-ro, the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, has been reborn as a space for historical and cultural experiences by restoring Yukjo Street. Woldae (Elevated Ceremonial Stage) was reconstructed at the entrance of the "Plaza that Recovers the History of Gwanghwamun," and the statue of Haetae, an imaginary animal that judges good and evil, has been restored. In addition, traces of Yukjo Street, the main street of Hanyang in the past, were restored in the ‘Plaza that recreates the scenery of Yukjo Street’ near Sejong-ro Park, with a scale model installed. This is an excellent place for a stroll with beautiful scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.

Bugeogukjip (북어국집)

1.2Km 2022-02-18

38, Eulji-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3891

Bugeogukjip (formerly “Teojutgol”) is a restaurant behind City Hall in Seoul that has been serving up authentic dried Pollack soup since 1968. Despite a name change, the restaurant has proudly stood in this same location for decades, earning a strong reputation for its dried Pollack soup made using traditional cooking methods.

Since the restaurant only serves one thing—dried Pollack soup—there are few preparations to be made and the meal arrives on your table in minutes. Customers are free to serve themselves basic side dishes such as kimchi and can have as many servings of rice as they’d like, allowing diners to enjoy a hearty meal at a low price. While the restaurant’s design and menu may be simple, Bugeogukjip takes pride in its long history and the careful efforts that have earned it a reputation as one of the most notable restaurants in Seoul.

Uesto (우에스토)

1.2Km 2021-08-23

14, Myeongdong 9ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-0033

It is a restaurant frequented by office workers in Myeong-dong. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is katsudon.

Olive Young - Mugyodong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 무교동점)

1.2Km 2024-06-26

1F, 24, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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