Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)
1.2Km 2024-12-04
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Owl Museum (부엉이박물관)
1.2Km 2022-09-19
143, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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.
Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)
1.2Km 2025-07-11
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3210-1645
In the Joseon dynasty, the royal guards of the palace were gatekeepers who were responsible for guarding the the main gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the main gates of the city such as Heunginjimun Gate and Sungnyemun Gate. The royal guards worked in shift duties and were in charge of opening and closing Gwanghwamun Gate. Before the royal guard system was enforced in 1469, the palace gates were protected by soldiers of the central army. The Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gwanghwamun area reenacts the guard-changing procedure that took place during the Joseon dynasty, along with the reproduction of costumes and weapons, based on historical records.
Daehakro Arts Theater (대학로예술극장)
1.2Km 2021-07-05
17, Daehak-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daehakro Arts Theater is a venue for performing arts that is comprised of a main hall and small hall. The main hall fills the first and second floors and has a proscenium stage with seating arranged in fan-shape. In an effort to present a more contemporary theater experience, the seats here are placed closer to the stage than those of a standard theater, allowing the audience to experience performances more vividly.
Modern Shabu House Gwanghwamun D Tower Branch (모던샤브하우스 광화문D타워점)
1.2Km 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.
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