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

Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

679.2M    2023-11-23

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.

Insa-dong (인사동)

680.9M    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Honbap Star (서촌막회센타)

684.1M    2021-03-24

49, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9018-6349

This is a raw fish restaurant known for its cost-effectiveness. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is sliced raw small fish.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

688.7M    2024-10-14

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Gimjinmoksam (김진목삼)

689.6M    2021-03-23

51, Jahamun-ro, 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-929-2929

This is a place where the staff directly grills pork that has been certified by Handon. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled pork shoulder.

Jigum - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (JIGUM 종로)

689.7M    2024-04-18

F1, F2, 21-8, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Insa Art Plaza (인사아트 프라자)

697.0M    2020-04-23

34-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-9969

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

698.3M    2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Z.I.Gallery (지아 衣 갤러리)

702.3M    2020-04-11

76, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-1241

Z.I.Gallery is a boutique shop by the renowend designer, Zia Kim. Her works have appeared in Seoul Collection, Paris Pretaporter, department stores, and shops abroad. Visitors can purchase items with unique designs and cutomized items. It directly runs two brach stores in Gahoe-dong and Hyoja-dong. These handmade items go through meticulous quality management.

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

703.3M    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.