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

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

2.5Km    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.

Châtaigne (샤떼뉴)

2.5Km    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.

Sejong-ro Park (세종로공원)

2.5Km    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.

Re-Heater(리히터)

2.5Km    2024-10-08

서울특별시 중구 세종대로19길 16 (정동)

Wangdaebak Jijimichon (왕대박지지미촌)

2.5Km    2021-03-29

62-1, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-3337

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is three-colored pancake.

CAFÉ TERRACE (카페테라스)

2.5Km    2021-03-26

102-2, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-8250

It is a café that serves delicious waffles. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is waffle.

Whixcom [Tax Refund Shop] (휙스컴)

2.5Km    2024-04-18

20-1, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Burdeng Children's Clothing Shopping Center (부르뎅 아동복)

2.5Km    2021-04-09

14, Namdaemunsijang 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-5737

Burdeng Children's Clothing Shopping Center offers diverse clothing items and accessories for adults and children in particular. It is one of the largest distributors of children's clothing in Korea. High quality children's clothing is available at inexpensive prices for both retail and wholesale purchases.

5F N Gift [Tax Refund Shop] (5F N기프트)

2.5Km    2024-04-18

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

2.5Km    2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.