Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문) - Area information

Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문)

677.9M 2024-04-18

1F, 105, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

695.7M 2024-12-04

161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

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.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

697.0M 2024-10-14

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Nuwa (누와)

698.3M 2024-12-23

3-1 , Pirundae-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-504-0904-2313

Nuwa is a small, tastefully-renovated private hanok in the Seochon Village residential area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. It gets the light through a window wall in the living room, which contains a walnut table where guests can take tea, and a bathtub: weary travellers will feel better after taking a foot bath or half-body bath. High-quality tea and bath salts are provided. The sleeping space has an unusual round window, like a full moon, facing the bed, through which guests can see the top of Inwangsan Mountain as they fall asleep.

Jalppajin Memil Seochon Main Store (잘빠진메밀 서촌)

713.5M 2024-03-18

4 Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4142-1214

Jalppajin Memil is a traditional Korean restaurant in Seochon where you can enjoy buckwheat noodles, boiled pork slices, and unrefined rice wine. They use 100% buckwheat for their noodles, which are kneaded using a cold water machine and served either mixed with seasoning and sprouts or dipped in broth. Pairing "Jalppajin sulsang" with unrefined rice wine is recommended for a delightful dining experience.

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

717.8M 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.

Boan1942 (보안1942)

721.1M 2023-08-17

33 , Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Prior to becoming an art space in 2007, Tongui-dong Boan served as a place for rest for travelers from 1942 to 2005. After a short suspension, the place was renovated into a cultural space in 2017 to carry on the historical legacy and provide creative inspiration under the concept of "Boanstay."

Boan1942 is divided into a cultural space consisting of a cafe, project workshop, book shop, and exhibition area, and Boanstay on the 3rd and 4th floors that offer temporary lodging services to the cultural nomads. Located in Seochon, the center of culture, history, and convenient traffic in Seoul, Boanstay offers a splendid view of Seoul's historical and cultural assets such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Seochon Hanok Village.

<Credit: Boanstay>

Dongwha Duty Free Shop (동화면세점)

722.2M 2021-06-04

149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-399-3000

Dongwha Duty Free offers only the world’s best brands for sale. Visitors can shop for the latest popular brands in perfume, cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, and more. Apart from Korean brands and popular imported brands, visitors can also shop for specialty Korean products and folk crafts from all around the world.

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

723.3M 2022-12-27

198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

Hanok Guesthouse Dongchonchae (한옥 게스트하우스 동촌재)

730.5M 2024-12-23

21-10 , Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8561-5227, +82-10-9127-5227

Dongchonjae is a hanok guesthouse in Seochon, Jongno, Seoul. The the Anchae(women's quarters) consists of four sleeping rooms and a cheongmaru lounge space, plus kitchen and toilet. (There are also shared toilets in the yard.) Cooking is not allowed, but guests are welcome to bring in prepared food. A free breakfast is provided. Guests can watch movies in the yard or main hall, and can use the refrigerator and washing machine. A guided night tour of Seoul City Wall is offered, as is a tea ceremony, and rice-cake making experience.

Nature Collection - Gwanghwamun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (네이처컬렉션 광화문) - Area information - Korea travel information