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))

1.1Km    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)”

Jeonjugol Sutbulgalbi (전주골숯불갈비)

Jeonjugol Sutbulgalbi (전주골숯불갈비)

1.1Km    2021-03-22

15, Donhwamun-ro, 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-2582

It is famous as a regular hang-out spot of the well-known Korean MC (Hae Song). This restaurant's signature menu is grilled beef ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Cheese Industry (치즈인더스트리[치즈공업사])

Cheese Industry (치즈인더스트리[치즈공업사])

1.1Km    2023-08-22

33-7 , Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Cheese Industry is a ranch-themed cafe decorated with moving wooden cows grazing on grass. The cafe specializes in cheese, selling a wide range of handmade cheese and baked goods. 

Bukchon Hanok Village Gamgodang Street (북촌한옥마을 감고당길)

Bukchon Hanok Village Gamgodang Street (북촌한옥마을 감고당길)

1.1Km    2024-10-30

Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

An alley with cute cafes and galleries
This is the road that appeared in the last episode and the flashback scene where Choi Ung (played by Choi Woosik) and Kuk Yeonsoo (played by Kim Dami) got drunk. Behind the Seoul Craft Museum in Bukchon Hanok Village, it extends for about 440m from Poongmoon Girls' High School to Jeongdok Library. There are many pretty cafes and galleries on the cozy road, and there are also craft markets open, so there is plenty to look around. The alley where Kuk Yeonsoo walked with the drunken Choi Ung on her back is Yunboseon Street in the middle of Gamgodang Street. It stretches along the hill between narrow tiled walls and stone walls, giving off a unique atmosphere.

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

1.1Km    2025-06-30

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst young people and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 20 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

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

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

1.1Km    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.

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

1.1Km    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.

Cheong Su Dang Bakery (청수당 베이커리)

Cheong Su Dang Bakery (청수당 베이커리)

1.1Km    2023-08-31

31-9, Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1318-8215

Cheong Su Dang Bakery is a large hanok bakery cafe that combined six hanok houses into one with a garden. Visitors can relax in a forest-like setting within the city. Various desserts are available including a special present package. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as time moves slower with the calmness.

Seusiya (스시야)

Seusiya (스시야)

1.1Km    2021-03-22

43, Supyo-ro, 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2268-8775

A restaurant that sells various Japanese dishes from sashimi course meal to stew. This Japanese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is assorted sushi.

Oncheonjip Ikseon (온천집 익선)

Oncheonjip Ikseon (온천집 익선)

1.1Km    2023-08-07

31-8 , Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

A restaurant with a pond and garden in the courtyard for the feel of old hanok style architecture, visitors can enjoy a meal with a view of the pond anywhere in the restaurant. The white gravel floor looks like a snow covered ground, and the brazier that burns wood daily gives off the mood of real hot springs motel.