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

3.5Km 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)”

Olive Young - Hawangsimni Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 하왕십리점)

3.5Km 2024-06-27

1F, 331, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

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Mangnae Hoejip (막내회집)

3.5Km 2021-04-09

34-11, Namdaemunsijang, 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-5115

It is a Hoejip (raw fish restaurant) with 26 years’ tradition. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is sliced raw flatfish.

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

3.5Km 2024-04-19

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

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Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

3.5Km 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.

Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산)

3.5Km 2024-03-04

San 2-1, Muak-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2834

Inwangsan Mountain is a rocky mountain located to the northwestern side of Seoul. It stands 338m tall. The Seoul City Wall is built along its ridge, connecting to the Baegak Mountain Trail. From the summit, one can see the three mountains of Naksan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and the Bugaksan Mountain surrounding the historical center of Hanyang, the historical name for Seoul in Joseon period, with the Gyeongbokgung Palace at the center. There are five hiking trails, all taking about two hours to complete. It takes about three hours if you want to visit all the peaks of the mountain.

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

3.5Km 2021-09-01

46-1, Changuimun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5066

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won relocated in 2019 from Insa-dong to Buam-dong. Six exhibition halls offer visitors a look at wooden figures from around the world. Mokin refers to traditional wooden sculptures carved in shapes of human figures or various animals. The museum holds around 12,000 wooden folk sculptures including those used to decorate funeral carriages and temples mostly from the Joseon dynasty up to modern times. The museum also has an outdoor exhibition hall that harmonizes the sculptures with nature.

Jinguk Seolleongtang (진국설렁탕)

3.5Km 2021-03-29

293, Gosanja-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2292-4700

It is a store that’s open 24 hours a day. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is ox bone soup.

Buam-dong (부암동)

3.6Km 2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Olive Young - Dongnimmun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 독립문)

3.6Km 2024-04-18

99, Songwol-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목)) - Area information - Korea travel information