Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

3.4Km 2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Sosohan Punggyeong (소소한 풍경)

3.5Km 2024-02-20

75 Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sosohan Punggyeong is the first restaurant that received the restaurant guide, Blue Ribbon Survey, in Korea. It is located in a renovated house with a courtyard. They offer a course menu featuring appetizers to desserts. One of the signature dishes is the gaji jjim (spicy eggplant soup), a dish made with eggplant and meat. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as many guests prefer to book ahead.

Yukjeon Hoekwan (역전회관)

3.5Km 2024-03-19

47, Tojeong-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-703-0019

Located in Mapo, Yukjeon Hoekwan is a Korean restaurant that has been selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023. It has kept its original taste through four generations. The signature dish is the Bassak bulgogi (thin-sliced bulgogi), which is served without soup and has a moist juiciness, tender texture, and not-too-sweet seasoning. Patrons have the option to other dishes including yukhoe bibimbap (beef tartare bibimbap), nakji bokkeum (stir-fried octopus), bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork), and samhap (skate, pork, and kimchi combo). In addition, the handcrafted makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) made in their own brewery is a must-try.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung [MMCA Deoksugung] (국립현대미술관 덕수궁)

3.5Km 2023-06-23

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2022-0600

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung [MMCA Deoksugung] was originally built as an annex to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum specializes in seeking out and researching modern art, exhibiting and preserving it, supporting and developing educational programs, and furthering publications and international exchanges. Located within Deoksugung Palace, the center maintains a unique traditional atmosphere. The museum planned and showcased a total of 38 unique exhibitions from 1998 to 2005. Besides the exhibitions, the center has various performances such as music and mime, as well as lectures or seminars on artists' works.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Path (덕수궁 돌담길)

3.5Km 2025-01-10

24 Sejong-daero 19-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Deoksugung Stone Wall Path runs along the wall of Deoksugung Palace. It is beautifully lit and landscaped, giving it a romantic atmosphere even at night. There are street performances and flea markets, and the area boasts many famous cafes and restaurants along Jeongdong street. In autumn, the ginkgo trees and walls form a stunning scene. Close to major cultural facilities such as the Seoul Museum of Art and Seoul Museum of History, it attracts numerous visitors come for a stroll.

Mangnidan Street (망리단길)

3.5Km 2025-05-20

Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangnidan Street is located near Poeun-ro, which can be reached in about 6 to 8 minutes of leisurely walk toward Mangwon Hangang Park from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line 6. Its name comes from the combination of Mangwon-dong and the Gyeongnidan Street in Itaewon, meaning the “Gyeongnidan Street of Mangwon-dong.” There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and other small shops, each with their own charm, making it a great place to take the kids shopping or just get some rest. This place is quite close to Mangwon Market, so visitors can stop by the market if time allows. Another way to fit this area into the itinerary is as a pit stop for desserts or some shopping before heading to Mangwon Hangang Park.

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

3.5Km 2025-06-25

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.