Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

17.6Km 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.

Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회)

17.6Km 2021-03-24

200-12, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-1831

This 2020 Michelin Guide restaurant has been around for three generations already. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is beef tartare.

Nakji Wangguk (낙지왕국)

17.6Km 2021-03-22

31, Donhwamun-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-3119

A famous restaurant frequented by workers in Jongno. This seafood restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is stir-fried octopus.

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

17.6Km 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)

17.6Km 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.

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

17.6Km 2021-04-09

12 Insadong 11-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-733-5761

It is a house where you can eat hot and spicy Daegutang (Codfish Soup). This restaurant's signature menu is codfish stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Isae - Insa Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (이새 인사2호)

17.6Km 2024-04-18

30-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Korean Craft Hall (한국공예관)

17.6Km 2021-07-08

33, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-720-3301

The Korean Craft Hall, located in Insa-dong, displays and sells Korean crafts by artists in Cheongju. It presents over 100 different kinds of crafts including crafts related to Jikji (the oldest remaining book in the world using the metal printing method). Customers are exposed to rich informaton on Jikji and the International Craft Biennale. Main products include neckties (using metal printing), pottery, textile crafts, jewelry, and products using Korean traditional patterns and handwritings.

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

17.6Km 2022-12-26

35, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-2232

To popularize hanbok, Dolsilnai offers modified hanbok suited for daily use. Focusing on simple elegance, Dolsilnai hanbok is known for all-cotton fabrics and pigment dyeing. While it doesn't ignore the beauty of traditional hanbok, Dolsilnai hanbok also emphasizes functional and practical qualities essential for modern daily living.

Jidaebang (지대방)

17.6Km 2021-03-29

33, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-738-5379

It is a traditional tea house where you can learn how to drink tea. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is chrysanthemum tea.

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