Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

3.0Km 2025-03-13

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.

Queen Plaza (퀸프라자)

3.0Km 2021-06-19

29, Namdaemunsijang 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-8400

Queen Plaza offers diverse items for people of varying ages from children to seniors. Consisting of many shops, it is particularly popular among families. On the third floor, designer clothing and accessories can be found.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

3.0Km 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

3.0Km 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well.

Cancelled: Gwanghwamun International Art Festival (광화문국제아트페스티벌)

3.0Km 2022-11-14

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-723-9484~7

Gwanghwamun International Art Festival is designed to increase public knowledge and appreciation for the arts and culture. In addition to the art exhibitions, visitors will also be able to enjoy various performances and try different kinds of arts and crafts such as ceramics, silver handicrafts, leather handicrafts, and more. The festival is also making a continuous effort to deliver more exciting programs and activities for visitors' enjoyment.

Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

3.0Km 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.

Koreana Hotel (코리아나 호텔)

3.0Km 2021-06-21

135, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2171-7000

Koreana Hotel has been one of the top notch traveler's picks for more than 30 years, having the business motto 'comfort for our customers.'

The hotel is located at the Gwanghwamun fourway intersection, at the heart of Seoul, and provides 345 guest rooms. Amongst its dining facilities, the hotel boasts a Korean restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and a Western restaurant, as well as a bar, coffee shops, and bakery. Eight banquet halls and a sauna are also available.

The hotel has operated as the main press center restaurant for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and subsequently operated as the Olympic Village Restaurant for the Special Olympics. As a result of their successful operations, the hotel received lavish praise from the organizers, as well as from the players and staff for the high quality food and spectacular service.

Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)

3.0Km 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.

Namdaemun Ginseng Market (남대문인삼시장)

3.0Km 2021-06-09

25-8, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-1012

Namdaemun Ginseng Market is found along the central path of Namdaemun Market located on Namdaemun-ro.There are approximately 20 shops standing close together in the market, with seven other ginseng shops in a ginseng distributor center located on the second floor of Namdaemun Theatre building. Here, visitors can purchase quality ginseng at a 20~30% lower price than the regular consumer price.

Visitors can also purchase fresh ginseng and other processed products such as ginseng tea and powder, as well as a variety of oriental health foods including: red ginseng, honey, Yeongji mushrooms, traditional teas, brown rice and adlay.

Great Shanghai (대상해)

3.0Km 2020-02-07

135, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2171-7869

Great Shanghai is a Chinese restaurant serving deliciously genuine Sichuan and Beijing-style cuisine, located within the Koreana Hotel. Their specialty is shark's fin, directly imported from Sanji, and prepared by the head chef who has over 30 years of experience. Aside from shark's fin, the healthy buldojang, mapadubu and ddanddanmyeon are also top menus. Great Shanghai is decorated with high-quality interior design, and features rooms of various sizes for groups and business dinners.

Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장) - Area information - Korea travel information