Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

871.8M 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.

Gallery Hyundai (갤러리 현대)

876.2M 2021-03-18

14, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2287-3500

Gallery Hyundai has been improving daily for over 40 years since April 1970, working closely with various Korean artists in modern art. Gallery Hyundai introduces varied artists including prominent artists, as well as up-and-coming artists, regardless of genre through sophisticated exhibitions, showing domestic and overseas art all in one place.

Dugahun (두가헌)

876.2M 2024-03-20

23 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-2100

Dugahun is a wine restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace, meaning "a very beautiful house." Located in a traditional hanok from the 1910s, it offers a taste of Western culture with wine. Only lunch and dinner courses are available, and customers can select wines from the underground wine cellar or bring their own. Across the street, Gallery Dugahun, housed in a historic Russian-style brick building built in the late period of Joseon, showcases high-quality art pieces.

Maeumeul Damanaemyeon (마음을담아내면)

881.2M 2021-03-19

79, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-7768

This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul. Also well-known for steak and stir-fried ingredients over rice. The best menu at this restaurant is noodles.

Italyjae (이태리재)

882.3M 2017-02-01

74-9, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Itaejae, located in a refined side street in Sogyeok-dong, offers authentic traditional Venetian-style Italian cuisine at a reasonable price.

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

885.9M 2024-03-06

172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.

Halmaejip (할매집)

897.5M 2017-02-01

1-5, Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2608

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.

Owl Museum (부엉이박물관)

901.8M 2022-09-19

143, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-2902

The Owl Museum is filled with over 2,000 pieces of owl-themed arts and crafts collected from all over the world by the owner. Renovated from a house, the museum has a feel of an antique café as the owner offers a cup of coffee or tea to visitors. Located near the city, those interested in owls should stop for a view and a drink. Various stories of how the collection was gathered as well as information on owls are also interesting.

Bukchon Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (북촌약국)

903.7M 2024-06-27

71, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Artee Riders Club (아띠인력거)

908.4M 2022-09-15

43, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1666-1693

Artee Riders Club is the first company that offers rickshaw tours in the nation. Not only do you get to ride on the rickshaw to tour around popular attractions including Bukchon Village, Seochon Village, the rickshaw tour guides you to the smaller alleys as well. Travelers to Bukchon Village may have their belongings or luggage stored at the center, and individual's insurance as well as a complimentary drink are offered.

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