Honam Sikdang (호남식당)

2.7Km 2024-03-15

18-6, Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-5033

Honam Sikdang is a specialty restaurant for galchi jorim (braised cutlassfish) located in Namdaemun Market. Its signature dish is the spicy and flavorful galchi jorim, known for its robust broth. Another popular dish is the deeply seasoned godeungeo jorim (braised mackerel), which is boiled until the seasoning is well absorbed. A highlight of dining here is the crispy deep-fried cutlassfish served upon ordering. Its cozy atmosphere attracts many visitors seeking a hearty meal.

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

2.7Km 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)”

Namdaemun Daeho Optic [Tax Refund Shop] (남대문대호안경)

2.7Km 2024-06-27

B1, #7, 32, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Deoksugung Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (덕수궁 왕궁수문장교대의식)

2.7Km 2025-07-11

99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-737-6444

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day, with each ceremony following the same procedure and lasts for forty minutes to an hour, and the ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.

As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. Once the ceremony is over, visitors can take pictures with the gatekeepers.

Jeongdong Culture Festival (정동문화축제)

2.7Km 2024-10-11

Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-1603

Jeongdong Culture Festival brings an autumn ambience to Jeongdong-gil in Jung-gu, Seoul. The festival aims to promote the attractions within the area through various events and exhibitions.

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

2.7Km 2024-04-19

48, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Choeun Optical - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경 회현)

2.7Km 2024-04-22

Joeun Eyewear, 42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

2.7Km 2024-06-27

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

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New Kaist Eyewear [Tax Refund Shop] (뉴카이스트안경원)

2.7Km 2024-04-22

12-2, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hyundai Kalguksu (현대칼국수)

2.7Km 2020-06-16

76, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-9504

Hyundai Kalguksu is a kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) restaurant that has been in the family for two generations (1982). The restaurant is extremely popular among people working at nearby businesses, thanks to the rich flavor of the broth. Anchovies, dried pollack heads, and kelp are simmered for many hours, and then, other ingredients are added: soft noodles and various vegetables including pumpkin, onion, and green onions. The restaurant is famous for the exquisite taste of its kalguksu, as well as for its large servings. Just one bowl is enough to satisfy a starving man, but if you are still hungry, don’t hesitate to ask for more rice or noodles for free. Another unforgettable specialty here is kimchi. You will also be able to enjoy geotjeori (freshly made kimchi) and kkakdugi (sliced white-radish kimchi), which is fermented for about three days.

Honam Sikdang (호남식당) - Area information - Korea travel information