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

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

8.5Km    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.

Nampo Myeonok (남포면옥)

Nampo Myeonok (남포면옥)

8.5Km    2024-03-07

24, Eulji-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3131

Located near Seoul City Hall and Cheonggyecheon Stream, Nampo Myeonok is a traditional Korean restaurant. Opened in 1968, it has been recognized by the Michelin Guide several times. Their specialty is pyeongyang naengmyeon (pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles). The restaurant also serves a variety of other dishes that are the most commonly found in Korea, including galbi tang (galbi soup), bulgogi, mandu soup, and yukgaejang (spicy beef soup).

Myeongdong Seoseo Galbi (명동서서갈비)

Myeongdong Seoseo Galbi (명동서서갈비)

8.5Km    2023-11-01

20-8 Myeongdong 7ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-6400

This is a Korean cuisine located in Myeong-dong, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled beef ribs. The restaurant has no seating, so everyone eats grilled meat while standing.

8 Seconds - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에잇세컨즈 명동점)

8 Seconds - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에잇세컨즈 명동점)

8.5Km    2024-04-22

32, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Myeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동점)

8.5Km    2024-06-26

14, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

8.5Km    2022-12-27

198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

Too Cool for School - Myeongdong Branch (투쿨포스쿨 - 명동점)

8.5Km    2020-06-15

17-1, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2231-2710

The unique cosmetic brand TooCoolforSchool was introduced in 2009 and is a division of TODACOSA, the first chain cosmetic store in Korea. The name TooCoolforSchool reflects originality, experimentation, artistic sensibilities and the fresh, rebellious sprit of those in their teens, twenties, and thirties. The 3-story building in Myeongdong offers a cozy place for a little rest, entertainment and shopping spree for the fashion-minded cosmeholics.

Converse - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (컨버스 명동점)

Converse - Myeong-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (컨버스 명동점)

8.5Km    2024-06-27

16-1, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Hotel Prince Seoul (서울프린스호텔)

Hotel Prince Seoul (서울프린스호텔)

8.5Km    2021-03-25

130, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-752-7111

Hotel Prince Seoul is located at the front of the Myeong-dong shopping district, and within a convenient distance from Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets, making the hotel a great place to stay for businessmen and shopping tourists alike. Right outside the hotel is Namsan Park, perfect for walking or jogging. In addition to the clean guestrooms, the hotel has a restaurant and business room facilities for small gatherings. The hotel's conference room is complete with a projector and screen for business presentations, with a computer and printer free to use. A shuttle bus operates between Incheon International Airport and the hotel for the convenience of all guests.