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))

6.5Km    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)”

Namu Hotel (나무호텔)

Namu Hotel (나무호텔)

6.5Km    2024-06-04

9 Achasan-ro 76ga-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-456-3271

Namu Hotel, which received the Institute of Architects Award, is a hotel with a distictive design. Rather than having the main entrance on a main road, the hotel must be entered through the alley. Each room has its own unique style in terms of structure and furniture arrangement. Most rooms also feature a blacony that allows guests to be one with nature while also being protected from outside forces. Enjoy a soak in the outdoor bathtub to relax.

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

6.5Km    2025-01-23

55 Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
02-3672-1599

Situated in Sulla-gil, the Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi is a roaster café where each bean is handpicked. It also offers a range of wine selections. The café is a perfect place to relax after exploring downtown Seoul. The cozy atmosphere of the café with the added charm of the stone wall visible from café, makes visitors feel at ease and relaxed. The evenings here turn into a music and movie session, adding a lively atmosphere to the space.

Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)

Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)

6.5Km    2024-05-17

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Opened in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets.

Most of the goods are made directly by the storeowners. Namdaemun Market is even open overnight, from 23:00 to 04:00, and is crowded with retailers from all over the country. When day breaks, the site of busy shoppers bustling around the market creates a unique scene that attracts tourists worldwide. Namdaemun Market sells a variety of clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, and imported goods.

Namdaemun Shopping Center (남대문 종합상가)

Namdaemun Shopping Center (남대문 종합상가)

6.5Km    2021-06-04

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Thanks to its rich history, Namdaemun Shopping Center boasts not only an impressive array of items, but items not available elsewhere. For instance, visitors can find all kinds of hard-to-get camera parts and accessories. Local products from across the country are also readily available in Namdaemun Shopping Center.

Cheongja Imported Goods Shopping Center (청자 수입상가)

Cheongja Imported Goods Shopping Center (청자 수입상가)

6.5Km    2022-12-21

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

Cheongja Imported Goods Shopping Center offers imported utensils, household items, clothing and accessories not readily available elsewhere. Its main customers tend to be women. Its first underground floor boasts diverse utensils, women's clothing and accessories while the first floor offers children's clothing and household items. After shopping around in the center, visitors may want to visit the second and third floors, which house customer lounges and coffee shops.

Namdaemun Jungang Shopping Center (남대문 중앙상가)

Namdaemun Jungang Shopping Center (남대문 중앙상가)

6.5Km    2020-04-17

21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-2805

Jungang Shopping Center boasts diverse items for women. Its first floor is devoted to shops selling women's clothing and accessories with colorful designs, appealing to female customers. The second floor houses shops selling folk crafts and tradtional crafts, popular among international tourists. It also deals with bedding items, handicrafts, linen and cotton items, and tradtional wedding items.

Neungnabapsang (능라밥상)

Neungnabapsang (능라밥상)

6.5Km    2021-03-22

42, Donhwamun-ro, 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9905

A place where you can taste North Korean traditional dishes run by a chef who was a North Korean defector. This restaurant's signature menu is boiled meat platter. This North Korean cuisine restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

Jangan Accessory Shopping Center (장안 액세서리상가)

6.5Km    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.

Jeongwon Sutbulgalbi (정원숯불갈비)

Jeongwon Sutbulgalbi (정원숯불갈비)

6.5Km    2021-03-22

8, Donhwamun-ro, 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-1305

A place where you can experience the Korean BBQ culture. This restaurant's signature menu is marinated grilled beef ribs. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.