Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.0Km 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.

Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

1.0Km 2024-03-25

29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-5348

Since 1970, Myeongdong Kyoja has been a staple in Myeongdong for its kalguksu (noodle soup), believed to be the progenitor of the Myeongdong-style kalguksu known for its rich broth and delicious gyoja (mandu). The restaurant's hallmark dish, kalguksu, features handmade noodles served in a deep, flavorful broth. In addition to its famous noodle soup, other beloved dishes include mandu and bibim guksu (spicy noodles).

The Handsome Tommy Hilfiger - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (한섬 타미힐피거 명동)

1.0Km 2024-04-18

11, Myeongdong 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gugus - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (구구스 롯데 명동점)

1.0Km 2024-04-23

11, Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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A Moment in Time - Live Caricature & Gallery (시간을 담다)

1.0Km 2021-03-25

20-1, Samil-daero 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-10-8895-3368

A Moment in Time adds in aspects of Korean traditions, customs, and landmarks like hanbok, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Korean mystical animals into caricature artworks, serving as an excellent souvenir for both locals and travelers. The gallery also offers hands-on programs like coloring caricature and traditional folk art. In addition, original design products from A Moment in Time are also available, making great gifts.

Hanboknam (한복남)

1.0Km 2021-01-27

17, Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-6485-8507

Started in Jeonju in 2012, Hanboknam strived to promote the beauty of hanbok, earning recognition by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2015. Following this, Hanboknam opened a hanbok exhibition and rental shop in the Bukchon area of Seoul in 2016. The shop provides customers with numerous styles of hanbok, from royalty to beggars. The rental shop also offers various accessories to pair with the different hanbok for a complete look.