Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

4.7Km    2024-11-27

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically.

On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again on May 4, 2013.

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)

4.7Km    2021-12-30

40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4622

Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong and Da-dong are widely known among international visitors as hot spots for shopping and food.

Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located here. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. There’s also no shortage of street food, traditional restaurants, coffee shops and fancy cafes.

Namdaemun Market is the biggest traditional market in Korea. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and local produce at an affordable price in the shopping complex crowded with stores and street stalls. The market sells a variety of clothes, kitchenware, toys, accessories, food, flowers and imported goods.

Bukchang-dong and Sogong-dong have high-end accommodations including Lotte Hotel Seoul and Westin Chosun Seoul, duty-free shops, and restaurants serving traditional dishes.

[Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Myeong-dong, Bukchang-dong, Mugyo-dong and Da-dong, Seoul
Area size: 872,809 ㎡
Tourist attractions: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong, Department Stores (Lotte Department and Shinsegae Department Store, etc.), Traditional Market, Duty-free Shop, Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, etc.

Nodeul Island (노들섬)

4.7Km    2024-11-01

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Nodeul Island seems like an island floating in the middle of the Hangang River. The island was opened to the public in 2012 as a recreational area while preserving most of its original form. In 2019, the island was equipped with more facilities to serve as a cultural entertainment spot to the public. 

Seoul Circus Festival (서울서커스페스티벌)

Seoul Circus Festival (서울서커스페스티벌)

4.7Km    2025-04-23

445 Yangnyeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-758-2036

Seoul Circus Festival is Korea's only circus festival. During the fun-filled weekend, performers from all over the world come to showcase their talents and provide fun experiences for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the circus acts, guests can enjoy movies, exhibitions, and a flea market.

Jinju Hoegwan (진주회관)

4.7Km    2024-06-19

26 Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-5388

Jinju Hoegwan is a renowned kongguksu (noodles in cold soybean soup) eatery near City Hall Station. Kongguksu is a traditional Korean summer dish made by boiling and grinding soybeans into a creamy broth, served with noodles, offering a refreshing and nutty flavor. Kongguksu is available from March to November. Their staff-recommended menu includes kimchi bokkeumbap (kimchi fried rice), freshly roasted by the staff, along with kimchi jjigae and samgyeopsal (pork belly).

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

4.7Km    2025-01-17

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Museum of History covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

Hakeem Travel Korea (하킴트래블코리아)

4.8Km    2025-10-23

7th Floor, 10 Seonyu-ro 9-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Hakeem Travel Korea, founded in 2016, offers tailored travel solutions for Middle East, India, and Latin America. We provide FIT, groups, students, MICE, and medical & beauty tourism, ensuring customer satisfaction with personalized, seamless experiences.

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))

4.8Km    2021-11-12

89, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4149

Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, the park measures an impressive 188,710 m².

The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Yi Sung-gye made Sajik Altar (altar to the State deities) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at Sajik Altar.

In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yulkog Yi I, and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Inwangsan hiking path with relative ease.

YallaKOREA (얄라코리아)

4.9Km    2025-10-23

#700, The Salvation Army Building, 69 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

YallaKOREA is a medical tourism agency specialized in serving Arab patients, providing medical services since 2016 for those wishing to visit plastic surgery and dermatology clinics in Korea. For patients undergoing surgery, it offers customized services including medical interpretation, private transportation, hotel reservations, airport pick-up and drop-off services, and daily tours. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Arab culture, it ensures safe and convenient medical tourism.

Jeongdong Observatory (정동전망대)

4.9Km    2022-08-11

15, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Jeongdong Observatory is located on the 13th floor of Seoul City Hall Seosomun building. The observatory has a cafe inside where visitors can enjoy a drink while gazing upon the magnificent view of Deoksugung Palace from above. In addition, the walls of the cafe are decorated with photos of old Jeongdong.