Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.4Km 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 - City Hall Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 시청역)

1.4Km 2024-04-22

1, Sejong-daero 16-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

1.4Km 2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (황생가칼국수)

1.4Km 2024-03-18

78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-6334

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is a specialty restaurant located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, known for its kalguksu (noodle soup). Kalguksu is a type of noodle soup made by thinly slicing dough into noodles with a knife and boiling them in a broth made from beef bones, clams, or seafood. Their menu includes options like wang mandu (jumbo mandu), hanu suyuk (boiled Korean beef slices), kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup), beoseot jeongol (mushroom hot pot), and mandutguk (mandu soup). It was selected as a Michelin Guide Seoul 2023 restaurant.

Homeplus Express - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (홈플러스익스프레스 광화문)

1.4Km 2024-04-18

91, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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GS25 - Dongdaemun Fashion Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (GS25동대문패션점)

1.4Km 2024-06-27

#101, 254, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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HANAMPIG Dongdaemoon (하남돼지집 동대문)

1.4Km 2024-03-11

9, Eulji-ro, 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-3030

Located near Dongdaemun Design Plaza , HANAMPIG specializes in grilled pork. When pre-grilled meat is served, the staff cuts it into pieces and puts it on the grill to cook. The recommended combination is to grill kimchi or mushrooms together to enhance the savory flavor. In the vicinity, one can explore Dongdaemun fashion malls, enriching the experience of the area.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal Dongdaemun (만족오향족발 동대문)

1.4Km 2024-03-12

1-3FL, 9-4, Eulji-ro, 43-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2271-0880

Situated between Dongdaemun and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Manjok Ohyang Jokbal's Dongdaemun branch focuses on jokbal (braised pig's feet). In addition to their signature dish, jokbal (braised pigs' feet), they also serve a wide array of dishes including bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork), jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles), and mandu. As any dish ordered comes with mandu and sliced rice cake soup by default, it offers a satisfying ensemble.

World Jewellery Museum (세계장신구박물관)

1.4Km 2023-09-21

2, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-1610

Situated in the gallery district in the back alley of Samcheong-dong (east of Gyeongbokgung Palace), the World Jewellery Museum houses 3,000 jewelry pieces from 60 countries, which have been collected over 30 years. Of which, 1,000 have been selected for display. The first floor contains an Amber Wall that goes back as far as 50 million years, the Golden Hall (El Dorado), the Necklace Hall, and the solemn Alter of the Cross. The second floor holds a mask wall, rings, beads and ivory as well as modern jewelry.

Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

1.4Km 2023-09-12

5-13 , Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1115

Yeonoo House is a quiet and cozy traditional hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno, Seoul. There are two small rooms, each with its own bathroom. Residents can access a superb panoramic view of Bukchon Hanok Village by mounting a ladder up to the roof. As Yeonoo is an old building, careful attention is paid to hygiene management. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are all nearby.

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