Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

2.0Km    2023-11-06

42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namdaemun Market is a massive market in Seoul filled with history and traditions. In the market, there is a place where people can dine without worrying about time or money, in an unmistakably Korean atmosphere, and that is the Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley). The alley is lined with stalls selling similar fare, and people sit down in front of them, shoulder to shoulder, to enjoy their meal. Namdaemun Market’s Gourmand Alley specializes in noodle soup and steamed barley rice sets. The latter is a mixture of rice and barley, which is then steamed together. Its call to popularity is the nutty flavor imparted by barley. It has a healthy taste like no other, so make sure to check it out. Each order often comes with two or three separate menus (noodle soup, steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles, etc.), along with a sumptuous array of side dishes like kimchi. Because this spot is beloved by diners of all ages, one often has to wait to get one’s turn during meal hours or on weekends. Keep in mind that the alley’s age often manifests itself in its crowdedness and lower attention to hygiene.
Another thing to note is that first-time visitors often find it difficult to find the entrance to the alley. The entrance is the transparent plastic door right next to “Segye-ro Eyeglasses Shop,” which can be found right across from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The door is rather small and difficult to find, but once you enter the doorway, you will immediately see the stalls unfolding in front of your eyes. 

TV program “Life Masters (2005-)”
TV program “A Walk Around the Neighborhood (2018-2022)”

Tongdwaeji Duruchigi (통돼지두루치기)

Tongdwaeji Duruchigi (통돼지두루치기)

2.0Km    2021-03-18

252-6, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-9290

This is a Korean cuisine located in Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul. It is also famous for uruchigi (Korean bouillabaisse) made by stir-frying pork and vegetables in gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce. The best menu at this restaurant is pork and kimchi stew.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Seoul Namdaemun (라마다 호텔앤스위트 서울남대문)

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Seoul Namdaemun (라마다 호텔앤스위트 서울남대문)

2.0Km    2024-12-23

27 , Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-7000

Ramada Hotel and Suites Namdaemun in Jung-gu, in the heart of Seoul,is famousd of for foreigner tourists and vacationers. Transport is convenient, with Seoul Station and City Hall Subway Station close by. Major Seoul tourist attractions such as Namdaemun Market, Myeong-dong, Gwanghwamun, and Deoksugung Palace are easily reachable on foot. A range of room types are offered, and additional facilities include a business center, restaurants, cafes, and an underground shopping mall. Dogs are allowed in rooms, but an extra cleaning fee is payable.

Vamp X Hunter(뱀프 X 헌터)

2.0Km    2025-01-23

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 94 (동숭동)

Kongnamul Jangsu (콩나물장수)

Kongnamul Jangsu (콩나물장수)

2.0Km    2021-03-18

94, Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-763-7999

This is a Korean cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is stir-fried bean sprouts and pork. Kongbul (bulgogi with bean sprouts) is a spicy dish of fried pork with bean sprouts.

Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을)

2.0Km    2024-10-25

28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2261-0500

Namsangol Hanok Village opened in 1998 on the northern side of Namsan Mountain in the center of the capital. This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, a traditional garden, a performance art stage, and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for locals and tourists to take a leisure walk. Upon entering from the front gate, visitors will get a taste of Korea's traditional life while escaping from bustling city life. The traditional garden with its pavilion and old houses creates a peaceful ambiance before the forested Namsan Mountain. A time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600th anniversary was buried in 1994 at the highest point of the village and is scheduled to be reopened 400 years later in 2394.

The five hanok premises at Namsangol Hanok Village once belonged to aristocrats and government officials of the Joseon dynasty. Each house was originally located in a different neighborhood, but they were all moved to this area and restored to their original form. The houses were rebuilt using their original materials, except for one house, where the materials were too old and deteriorated to be reused. The premises were carefully restored and replicated according to their original form to depict the owners’ social class and personality. These buildings are now used as an exhibit to portray the living environment during the Joseon dynasty and as a venue for educational and cultural programs for children and tourists.

Some of the unique programs and activities to participate in include wearing hanbok, folding hanji (traditional Korean paper), writing in Korean, traditional tea ceremony, traditional etiquette school, and herbal medicine experience. There are also taekwondo demonstrations and other various performances held around the village. Visitors can also try traditional games such as yunnori (traditional board game), or understand more about the area through a guided tour.

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)

2.0Km    2024-03-04

18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2275-9666

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari is a renowned restaurant located in the alley of whole chicken soup near Dongdaemun Market, operating since 1978. Its specialty is dakhanmari (whole chicken soup), a whole chicken boiled in savory and rich broth. Adding finely chopped green onions enhances its refreshing flavor. The chewy rice cakes dipped in the seasoned sauce are also delightful. Additionally, it's customary to enjoy the remaining broth by mixing it with seasoning sauce and noodles, creating a delicious kalguksu (noodle soup).

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

2.0Km    2021-06-04

42-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-5600

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center has a history of offering visitors unique accessories with colorful designs. Each shop boasts its own items, different from other stores. Visitors can enjoy purchasing accessories at discounted prices.

Pildong Myeonok (필동면옥)

Pildong Myeonok (필동면옥)

2.0Km    2024-03-07

26, Seoae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-2611

Pildong Myeonok specializes in authentic pyeongyang naengmyeon (pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles). Their signature dish is Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles), which has a light and refreshing broth and chewy noodles. Mandu and Mandut guk (Mandu soup) are also popular dishes to go with it. Having been selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its flavorful noodles.

The Ssanghwa Coffee (더쌍화coffee)

The Ssanghwa Coffee (더쌍화coffee)

2.0Km    2023-11-03

252-3 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Sssanghwa Coffee, located near Dongdaemun Market, is a tea house serving traditional medicinal teas. In matching with their menu, the cafe is also decorated like a room found in a traditional Korean house. The cafe is comprised of three buildings, with the main building being for orders, and the Byeolgung and Ssanghwagung buildings offering seating. Each traditional tea order comes as a set with food items such as rice porriage, fruit, or rice cakes. The cafe also offers rooms which are very popular, so making a reservation is necessary.