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))

3.1Km    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)”

Spao - Myeongdong Branch (스파오 - 명동점)

Spao - Myeongdong Branch (스파오 - 명동점)

3.1Km    2020-05-07

15, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-319-3850

Spao is a global clothing brand shop offering various items from casual wear to men's suits, women's suits, children's clothing, underwear, sportswear, and accessories. Spao works on star marketing in collaboration with SM Entertainment and offers product lines co-produced with top-notch designer, Chang Kwang-hyo.

Hamcho Ganjanggejang (함초간장게장)

Hamcho Ganjanggejang (함초간장게장)

3.1Km    2024-03-11

27, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-1624

Situated in Myeongdong Street, Hamcho Ganjanggejang specializes in ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab). Their signature dish, ganjang gejang, is made by marinating blue crab in soy sauce and is a favorite among Koreans. Saeu jang (soy sauce marinated shrimp) and other seafood dishes (abalone, octopus, etc.) are also a must-try. In addition, the traditional Korean side dishes are so tasty that the restaurant never runs out of customers. 

EW Spao - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (EW 스파오 명동)

EW Spao - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (EW 스파오 명동)

3.1Km    2024-04-17

15, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

L’Escape Hotel (레스케이프 호텔)

3.1Km    2022-06-08

67 , Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-317-4000

L’Escape Hotel has multiple branches in Seoul and is a boutique hotel by Josun Hotel and Resort. It was listed on Forbes Travel Guide recommended hotels for three years in a row since 2020. The guest rooms were designed by world famous interior designer Jacques Garcia. Facilties include a fitness center, spa, and small banquet hall. The hotel is located a quick two minute walk from Shinsegae Mall.

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

3.1Km    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.

Bunni Studios Optical - Myeongdong Branch (바니스튜디오 안경(명동역점))

Bunni Studios Optical - Myeongdong Branch (바니스튜디오 안경(명동역점))

3.1Km    2024-04-02

21 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Bunni Studios is an optical store geared toward the younger generation, offering quality glasses and color contact lenses. The staff are able to provide service in a range of foreign languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese. Bunni Studios collaborates with popular lens producers, and offers over 500 types of lenses. Shoppers can also have products delivered to their hotel within Seoul if they shop does not have the item in stock. International tourists can make tax-free purchases.

Miduem Eyewear - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경 회현)

Miduem Eyewear - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경 회현)

3.1Km    2024-04-18

33-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Miduem Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경)

3.1Km    2024-06-27

33-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Evita Clinic (에비타흉부외과의원)

3.1Km    2025-07-07

(5th Floor, Burda Moon Building), 815 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

In 2009, Evita Clinic launched healthcare services combining cosmetic procedures and surgeries with traditional thoracic surgery.
With the number of English-speaking patients gradually increasing, all staff members have come to speak English as a common language. We are evolving into a multinational clinic committed to raising awareness of Korea's advanced medical technology across the world.
Our director is a board-certified cardiothoracic expert with extensive experience of treating heart, vascular, and pulmonary diseases, thoracic deformities, and other severe illnesses at a university hospital. Building on the experience, His private practice, established in 2008, combines more than a decade of experience in dexterously suturing micro vessels with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, perfecting his skills even further.