Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문)

6.9Km 2025-01-13

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Located near City Hall station, Daehanmun Gate is the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, one of the princiapl five palaces of Joseon dynasty. The name "Daehan" means wish for eternal prosperity of the Korean Empire. In front of the gate, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is held twice daily, along with the reproduction of costumes and style throughout the year.

King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

6.9Km 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well.

The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

6.9Km 2022-09-13

jiha 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

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

6.9Km 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.

Palgakdo Main Branch (팔각도 본점)

6.9Km 2025-01-23

643 Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul

Palgakdo is a restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled chicken cuts. The chicken is cooked over charcoal, making it tender and juicy. Visitors can try various chicken parts paired with delicious side dishes and sauces. The store’s unique interior, inspired by a pentagon theme, makes it a great place for dates and group gatherings.

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

6.9Km 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.

Ilmin Art Museum (일민미술관)

7.0Km 2022-09-27

152, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Ilmin Art Museum located in former Dong-A Newspaper Building, was formed in honor of their honorable and late CEO Kim Sang-man. The museum was established in December of 1996, and with a full renovation in 2001, large exhibition hall and Ilmin collection was placed in. Through the renovation, the combination of glass and steel made Artrium aimed to become one of the best comtemporary museum, connecting the museum to the streets of Gwanghwamun.

This museum boasts a large Ilmin collection. There are 430 pieces of Ilmin collection from Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) to present, 1,200 pieces in the Donga Newspaper's collection of art, and 100 pieces of art owned by Hyundai Corporation. The Ilmin Collection mostly consists of pieces that Kim Sang-man collected from ceramics to aesthetic paintings. The Dongah Newspaper's collection has time-relevant pieces that are important in history.

Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (수문장 교대의식)

7.0Km 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.

K-Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전)

7.0Km 2025-07-29

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The K-Royal Culture Festival is held at the five Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The festival first began in 2014 and provides visitors with first-hand knowledge of these important cultural heritages through unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs. The festival expanded in 2021 to be hosted twice a year, in spring and in fall.

K-Pop Cover Dance Festival World Final (K-POP 커버댄스 페스티벌 월드 파이널)

7.0Km 2025-10-23

110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2000-9324

The K-Pop Cover Dance Festival World Final brings together K-pop fans from around the world, offering them a chance to become the main stars on stage. Going beyond just dance, the festival provides a platform where K-pop fans worldwide can share their culture, build a global network, express their passion through dance, and connect the entire world through Korean culture and K-pop.

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate (덕수궁 대한문) - Area information - Korea travel information