Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

5.5Km 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.

Kuho - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (구호 한남점)

5.5Km 2024-04-22

253, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

5.5Km 2025-03-13

172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Gwanghwamun Plaza was opened to the public in August 2022 after renovation. Sejong-ro, the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, has been reborn as a space for historical and cultural experiences by restoring Yukjo Street. Woldae (Elevated Ceremonial Stage) was reconstructed at the entrance of the "Plaza that Recovers the History of Gwanghwamun," and the statue of Haetae, an imaginary animal that judges good and evil, has been restored. In addition, traces of Yukjo Street, the main street of Hanyang in the past, were restored in the ‘Plaza that recreates the scenery of Yukjo Street’ near Sejong-ro Park, with a scale model installed. This is an excellent place for a stroll with beautiful scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.

Cos - Cheongdam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (코스 청담점)

5.5Km 2024-04-23

418, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Ttukseom Park Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 뚝섬유원지역)

5.5Km 2024-04-22

7, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

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Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (삼성미술관 리움)

5.5Km 2022-12-15

60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2014-6901

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, exhibits traditional and modern art works by Korean and international artists. The museum itself is just as fascinating as the art works on display, since the museum's three buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.

MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists.

Boylondon - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (보이런던 회현)

5.5Km 2024-04-16

2F, 72, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

5.5Km 2024-03-04

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

Wangsol Pharmacy [Tax Refund Shop] (왕솔약국)

5.5Km 2024-04-22

36, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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SI Emporio Armani - Cheongdam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (SI 엠포리오아르마니 청담)

5.5Km 2024-04-18

420, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) - Area information - Korea travel information