Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.1Km 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.

Kkotbabe Pida (꽃밥에피다)

1.1Km 2021-03-26

3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0276

It is a 2021 Michelin Guide restaurant. This restaurant's signature menu is bibimbap. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

A Flower Blossom on the Rice (꽃,밥에피다)

1.1Km 2023-10-10

3-6 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A Flower Blossom on the Rice serves beautiful, healthy meals using ingredients grown in accordance with eco-friendly practices. Diners can expect to enjoy dishes made with organic rice grown in Bongha Village, pesticide-free vegetables, wheat, traditional pastes, and undyed meats. Popular menus include the vegetable course, suitable for vegans, the tteok bulgogi made with Korean beef, braised rockfish harvested around Heuksando Island, and the five-colored bojagi bibimbap.

Seochon Village (서촌마을)

1.1Km 2024-12-02

45 Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Nuha-dong)

Seochon Village is the name given to the area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a historic village, home to old shops and hanok buildings that have stood the test of time. Korean traditions and contemporary sensibilities coexist within Seochon Village’s maze-like alleyways, creating the unique ambience that makes the district so beloved. One can find shops, guesthouses, cafés, and restaurants in the village.

Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 달빛기행)

1.1Km 2024-08-20

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1522-2295

The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace is a high-quality cultural event held at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty under the moonlight.

Donggwol Maru - Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (한국문화재재단 동궐마루)

1.1Km 2024-10-15

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

1.1Km 2023-03-24

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-7500

The National Palace Museum of Korea displays over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty. With various treasures on exhibit, the museum continues to provide information on the dignity of royal culture and the creativity of royal cultural assets.

Gogung Tteurak (고궁뜨락)

1.1Km 2020-04-17

12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-0486

Located on the first floor of the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gogung Tteurak consists of a museum shop and a café. It is open from 09:00 to 18:00 during the weekdays and up to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It operates without closing days as of January 1, 2017.

Jalppajin Memil Seochon Main Store (잘빠진메밀 서촌)

1.1Km 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.

Jirisan Restaurant (지리산)

1.1Km 2019-08-01

30, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-4696

Jirisan is one of the representative Korean restaurants in Insa-dong, an area known for its traditional culture. One of the trademarks of this restaurant, besides its amazingly delectable bean and tofu dishes, is a wooden sign that welcome guests into a neat and cozy interior.

Each day, fresh beans are ground at the restaurant to prepare dishes such as soybean paste, soft tofu, and bean-curd tofu stew. Bean-curds are prepared by using seawater, which gives the tofu a unique flavor. The fresh and clean taste of the tofu is one of the many reasons that choosey tofu aficionados flock to the restaurant.

Not just limited to tofu, Jirisan presents customers with a full-range of side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (glass noodles with sautéed vegetables), cucumber kimchi, seasoned seaweed, braised lotus roots, roasted yellow corbinas (a type of fish), leafy greens, bean-curd stew, and more. The restaurant gives visitors a chance to experience a hearty traditional Korean-style meal, but has thoughtfully toned down its seasonings to appeal to a wider audience (particularly those not used to spicy foods).

One of the recommended menu items is the Jirisan set meal, which offers diners the chance to sample foods that are popular in the Jirisan region. Adventurous diners may want to try the sea urchin soup or dried Pollack soup.

The restaurant, originally a traditional Korean house, has been modified over the years to better suit the needs of its customers. The walls surrounding the structure were removed and a glass ceiling was installed to allow guests to enjoy the natural light of the sun as they sample some of the area’s best traditional Korean cuisine.

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) - Area information - Korea travel information