Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gwanghwamun Gukbap (광화문국밥)

7.6Km    2024-06-19

53 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Gukbap is a dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) restaurant operated by Chef Park Chanil. Its distinctive feature lies in using only black pork loin and shoulder to enhance the flavor. The signature dish is the dwaeji gukbap, which boasts a mild, clean, and deep flavor. In addition to that, they also offer dwaeji suyuk (boiled pork slices) and pisundae (sundae with pork blood). Known for its authentic taste of rice soup and rich broth, it's a popular destination for many.

Hongneung Arboretum (홍릉수목원)

7.6Km    2020-05-23

57, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-961-2522

Hongneung Arboretum was the first arboretum in Korea, established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung Royal Tomb, the burial mound of Queen Myeong-Seong. Hongneung Arboretum is managed by the Korea Forest Service, and houses a variety of domestic and international plants for both visitors to enjoy and researchers to study. The arboretum and Forest Sciece Exhibition Hall are open to the public. Student groups can enjoy natural science and forestry experiences with advanced reservation.

Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

7.6Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It stands 12m in x_height, measures 5.9m in girth around the roots, and has branches spreading in all four directions. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Asian Table (아시안테이블)

7.6Km    2021-03-18

11, Seonggyungwan-ro, 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7608-1763

This is a Asian restaurant located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. A pub where you can try a variety of Southeast Asian beers. The best menu at this restaurant is pad Thai.

Insa-dong (인사동)

7.6Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

The Unexpected Man(홀연했던 사나이)

7.6Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 259 (명륜2가)

Gyeongbarwon (경발원)

7.6Km    2021-03-26

34, Mangu-ro 21-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2244-2616

It is a Chinese-run store. This Chinese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is sweet and sour chicken.

Olive Young - Kyung Hee Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 경희대)

7.6Km    2024-04-18

2, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

-

Yangpyeong Haejangguk (양평해장국)

7.7Km    2021-03-30

48, Sungkyunkwan-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-6960

It is a favorite place frequently visited by the residents of Hyehwa-dong. This restaurant's signature menu is hangover soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계유산])

7.7Km    2025-07-21

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.