Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

7.5Km 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.

Le Labo - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (르라보 이태원)

7.5Km 2024-04-18

1-2F, 259, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Bonafide Jewelry [Tax Refund Shop] (보나파이드주얼리)

7.5Km 2024-06-27

29, Itaewon-ro 54ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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A Moment in Time - Live Caricature & Gallery (시간을 담다)

7.5Km 2021-03-25

20-1, Samil-daero 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8895-3368

A Moment in Time adds in aspects of Korean traditions, customs, and landmarks like hanbok, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Korean mystical animals into caricature artworks, serving as an excellent souvenir for both locals and travelers. The gallery also offers hands-on programs like coloring caricature and traditional folk art. In addition, original design products from A Moment in Time are also available, making great gifts.

Olens - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 광화문)

7.5Km 2024-04-18

1F, 82, Sambong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Lansmere - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (란스미어 한남점)

7.5Km 2024-04-18

267, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Comme Des Garçons [Tax Refund Shop] (꼼데가르송)

7.5Km 2024-04-18

261, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Oryu-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 오류동역점)

7.5Km 2024-06-26

204, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul

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GS25 - Junggu Toegye Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (GS25중구퇴계점)

7.5Km 2024-06-27

180, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

7.5Km 2024-03-18

50, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7557

It is a store that has been operating with a long tradition since 1939. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

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