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))

7.6Km    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)”

Beauty Play Myeongdong (뷰티플레이 명동)

Beauty Play Myeongdong (뷰티플레이 명동)

7.6Km    2024-12-27

73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Beauty Play is a K-beauty experience center operated by the Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It offers a wide variety of sample Korean beauty products for testing  as well as diverse beauty experience programs such as makeup touch-up service (choice of base, eyes, or lips), personal color test, and skin evaluation. Visitors can also ask for product recommendation based on their skin type or skincare concerns. Beauty Play also frequently hosts beauty seminars and one-day classes, which are announced online via its official website. International tourists can apply for a full makeup service with an advance reservation free of charge. 

Beauty Play has two branches in Seoul: one in Myeong-dong, which is located across from Myeongdong Cathedral; and one in Hongdae. Beauty Play experience programs are avilabe from 10:00 to 18:00 everyday except Sundays. 

Kumkang - Myeongdong Main Branch (금강제화 명동본점)

Kumkang - Myeongdong Main Branch (금강제화 명동본점)

7.6Km    2022-12-29

7, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-9411

Kumkang is a representative shoe brand of Korea (sneakers, casual shoes, etc.) that has been gradually expanding its product line to include accessories and clothing. Kumkang's main branch is located in Myeong-dong, frequented by international visitors. The brand offers plus-sized shoes and warranty service at the customer service center. Some of the bestsellers at the branch are Regal products, a sub-brand of Kumkang.

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

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

7.6Km    2024-04-18

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

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Miduem Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (믿음안경)

7.6Km    2024-06-27

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

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Hostel Vanilla2

Hostel Vanilla2

7.6Km    2021-04-09

34-8, Jong-ro 57-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9945-1944

Hostel Vanilla 2 is a guesthouse in a residential house located in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The 2-story house has 9 cozy rooms. Over 90% of the guests are from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan, and most of them are in their twenties. Since it is within a 10-minute walk from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, most guests – particularly those who came to Korea to shop during their tour - stay there for three or four days. All the guestrooms are for two and are kept clean at all times. The guesthouse provides free luggage storage service even after the guest has checked out, which is very convenient to the shoppers. Because the guests are young, the guesthouse owner communicates with the guests through various social network services and apps.

9ounce Burger (나인온스버거)

9ounce Burger (나인온스버거)

7.6Km    2021-03-26

109, Gwanak-ro 12-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8692-9020

It is a restaurant serving authentic American homemade burger. This restaurant's signature menu is house-made burger. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Himart - Yongdu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 용두점)

Himart - Yongdu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 용두점)

7.6Km    2024-04-18

414, Gosanja-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

7.6Km    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.

Innisfree - Sinseol-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 신설동역)

Innisfree - Sinseol-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 신설동역)

7.6Km    2024-04-17

1F, 20, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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