Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

2.8Km 2023-11-06

42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namdaemun Market is a massive market in Seoul filled with history and traditions. In the market, there is a place where people can dine without worrying about time or money, in an unmistakably Korean atmosphere, and that is the Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley). The alley is lined with stalls selling similar fare, and people sit down in front of them, shoulder to shoulder, to enjoy their meal. Namdaemun Market’s Gourmand Alley specializes in noodle soup and steamed barley rice sets. The latter is a mixture of rice and barley, which is then steamed together. Its call to popularity is the nutty flavor imparted by barley. It has a healthy taste like no other, so make sure to check it out. Each order often comes with two or three separate menus (noodle soup, steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles, etc.), along with a sumptuous array of side dishes like kimchi. Because this spot is beloved by diners of all ages, one often has to wait to get one’s turn during meal hours or on weekends. Keep in mind that the alley’s age often manifests itself in its crowdedness and lower attention to hygiene.
Another thing to note is that first-time visitors often find it difficult to find the entrance to the alley. The entrance is the transparent plastic door right next to “Segye-ro Eyeglasses Shop,” which can be found right across from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The door is rather small and difficult to find, but once you enter the doorway, you will immediately see the stalls unfolding in front of your eyes.

TV program “Life Masters (2005-)”
TV program “A Walk Around the Neighborhood (2018-2022)”

KT Square (KT스퀘어)

2.8Km 2021-07-08

178, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1577-5599

KT Square is a multi-complex that offers various cultural performances as well as hands-on experiences of the latest in IT technology. Gallery 130 showcases the history of KT Corp.

Alpha Stationery - Namdaemun Main Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (알파문구 남대문본점)

2.8Km 2024-04-23

6-2, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center (남대문 본동의류상가)

2.8Km 2022-09-07

3-2, Namdaemunsijang 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center maintains the traditional market atmosphere unique in Korea. It is home to a slew of restaurants, butcher's shops, and shops selling food items. Jungang-ro, in particular, houses many shops specializing in local Korean food products, attracting international tourists. The western side of Bondong Clothing Center is populated by shops selling stationery, art materials, and small electronics.

Namdaemun Market Mungu (Stationery) Street (남대문 문구상가)

2.8Km 2020-04-21

6-2, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Also called Mungu (Stationery) Street, Mungu Shopping Center is home to colorful stationery, toys, and wrapping materials. Because of its colorful items, the center has attracted many tourists and producers interested in stationery and toys. A slew of camera shops on the outskirts of the center offer camera lenses and camera items not readily available elsewhere, attracting both amateur and professional photographers from Korean and abroad.

Artee Riders Club (아띠인력거)

2.8Km 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.

Yurimmyeon (유림면)

2.8Km 2021-03-29

139-1, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-0659

This store, which has a long history of over 50 years, makes noodles using only Bongpyeong buckwheat. The best menu at this restaurant is buckwheat noodles. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Bukchon Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (북촌약국)

2.8Km 2024-06-27

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

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Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

2.8Km 2024-11-28

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

2.8Km 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.

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목)) - Area information - Korea travel information