Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

255.1M 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.

Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

256.5M 2023-06-14

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-1000

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978

Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓)

263.3M 2025-12-05

B172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-337-3692

Gwanghwamun Market takes place along with the Seoul Lantern Festival to support local small businesses and promote Seoul night tourism. The market features local store owners and businesses that exhibit and sell seasonal decor, handcrafted items, and winter snacks.

Hottracks - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (핫트랙스 광화문점)

324.0M 2024-04-23

1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Stenlee (스텐리)

324.0M 2025-10-23

15th Floor, 1 Jongno (Kyobo Life Building), Jongno-gu, Seoul

Stenlee is a specialized agency that provides comprehensive support to medical patients, corporate groups and business delegations visiting Korea. We design and manage tailored MICE and medical programs (checkups, medical treatment, fam tours, medical trainings, seminars, incentive trips, etc) handling everything from booking to transportation, translation and interpretation. Our strength lies in optimizing schedules, cost and cultural immersion to ensure efficient results and comfortable stay for our clients.

Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun (교보문고)

326.4M 2024-12-04

1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
02-3295-0312

Kyobo Book Centre is the first large-scale bookstore in Korea, and this particular store can be found next to Gwanghwamun Square. Kyobo Book Centre Gwanghwamun divides its internal area into 11 sections and organizes them in a way that allows readers to find books easily. The store also has specialized shops for stationery, digital devices, and accessories, as well as exhibition spaces and cafés.

Uniqlo - Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (유니클로 광화문D타워)

333.8M 2024-04-17

17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Mallijihwa Main Branch (만리지화 본점)

333.8M 2025-11-26

17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Mallijihwa, which embodies the meaning "eel that travels 10,000 ri and met fire," is an eel dining brand that modernizes the depth of Korean gastronomy. The restaurant's name was inspired by the eel's remarkable strength to swim across vast oceans to its spawning grounds—so significant that it is referred to as "malli fish" in the "Donguibogam" ("A Precious Mirror of Eastern Medicine"). Hence the name, Mallijihwa specializes in serving grilled eel, which is carefully grill with briquettes. The restaurant reinterprets eel with Korean aesthetics, offering a comfortable and elegant dining experience in a space that blends traditional architectural elements with a modern twist. The dishes served here offers an outstanding dining experience where the texture of the eel melts in one's mouth, and its flavor lingers long after. Signature dishes include grilled eel rice bowls, grilled eel, eel gujeolpan (platter of nine delicacies), and eel meal courses. The restaurant also offers seasonal lunch box made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Modern Shabu House Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch (모던샤브하우스 광화문D타워점)

333.8M 2025-12-02

17 Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located in Jongno-gu, Modern Shabu House Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch offers a selection of specialty broths to enjoy unlimited beef, pork, and vegetables. The restaurant serves four cuts of pork and beef in every course. The interior is designed with natural materials like earth, stone, and wood, inspired by the fluid process of cooking ingredients like meat and vegetables in a pot. The design reflects the natural movement and flow of ingredients as they cook together. The restaurant also has a range of private rooms, making it a popular choice for families with children and for gatherings, providing a comfortable dining experience.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

358.0M 2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
+82-2-731-2500

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

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