Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

1.1Km 2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

1.1Km 2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

Artbox - Jongno 3(sam)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 종로3가)

1.1Km 2024-04-17

126, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

1.1Km 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.

Jirisan Restaurant (지리산)

1.1Km 2019-08-01

30, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-723-4696

Jirisan is one of the representative Korean restaurants in Insa-dong, an area known for its traditional culture. One of the trademarks of this restaurant, besides its amazingly delectable bean and tofu dishes, is a wooden sign that welcome guests into a neat and cozy interior.

Each day, fresh beans are ground at the restaurant to prepare dishes such as soybean paste, soft tofu, and bean-curd tofu stew. Bean-curds are prepared by using seawater, which gives the tofu a unique flavor. The fresh and clean taste of the tofu is one of the many reasons that choosey tofu aficionados flock to the restaurant.

Not just limited to tofu, Jirisan presents customers with a full-range of side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (glass noodles with sautéed vegetables), cucumber kimchi, seasoned seaweed, braised lotus roots, roasted yellow corbinas (a type of fish), leafy greens, bean-curd stew, and more. The restaurant gives visitors a chance to experience a hearty traditional Korean-style meal, but has thoughtfully toned down its seasonings to appeal to a wider audience (particularly those not used to spicy foods).

One of the recommended menu items is the Jirisan set meal, which offers diners the chance to sample foods that are popular in the Jirisan region. Adventurous diners may want to try the sea urchin soup or dried Pollack soup.

The restaurant, originally a traditional Korean house, has been modified over the years to better suit the needs of its customers. The walls surrounding the structure were removed and a glass ceiling was installed to allow guests to enjoy the natural light of the sun as they sample some of the area’s best traditional Korean cuisine.

Sigoljeonjip (시골전집)

1.1Km 2021-03-19

123, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-8525

This Korean cuisine is located near Jongno 3(sam)ga Station, Seoul. The representative menu is seafood and green onion pancake. Enjoy delicious food at affordable prices.

Well-being Sujebi (웰빙수제비)

1.1Km 2021-03-26

123, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-2436

A hidden restaurant frequented by workers in Jongno. The best menu at this restaurant is hand-pulled dough in perilla seed soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Pajeongjip (파전집)

1.1Km 2021-04-13

27, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-6763

A great store to visit on a rainy day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is assorted savory pancakes.

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

1.1Km 2024-10-29

129, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

The alley that connects from Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 4 is full of people eating dried young pollack and drinking beers at tables along the street every night. Under the bright lamp lights, plastic tables filled with customers can be seen. The first Nogari pub, Eulji OB Bear, opened in November 1980 to form what is now the Euljiro Nogari Alley. Euljiro also has the largest Printing Alley in the nation, providing printing for almost all books and printed materials across the country. The shift workers would stop by the pub for dried young pollack and cold beer before heading home after work, leading to more restaurants opening nearby until the alley was formed. In the beginning dried young pollack was cooked over a briquet fire and served with red pepper paste, but now, the alley is full of pubs and restaurants serving various types of food, but nothing beats nogari and cold draft beer.

Hotel Crown Insadong (호텔 크라운-인사동)

1.1Km 2021-02-10

9, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3676-8000

Hotel Crown is a premier hotel that was renovated in May 2002. The hotel is in close proximity to Jongno and Insa-dong, making it a convenient place to stay for tourists.

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원) - Area information - Korea travel information