Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

5.1Km 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.

CheongKwanJang - Eungam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 응암)

5.1Km 2024-04-23

142, Eunpyeong-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

-

Mijin (미진)

5.1Km 2024-03-06

19 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-1954

Mijin is a Korean-style cold buckwheat noodle restaurant located near Gwanghwamun, specializing in Korean-style naeng memilguksu (cold buckwheat noodles). They offer a broth that is richer in flavor compared to Japanese soba bonito soy sauce, along with chewier buckwheat noodles. The restaurant produces the broth and noodles in-house and serves them directly to customers. The cold broth and buckwheat noodles condiments can be adjusted according to preference. Another popular menu is the memil jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepe) filled with bean sprouts, bean curd, aged kimchi, and ground pork.

Sky Pizza (스카이피자)

5.1Km 2025-11-05

86, Noryangjin-ro 6-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

K-movie <PARASITE> - Real pizza store in the movie
It is a real pizza store that appears in the movie 'Pizza Age'. Kitaek's (played by Song Kangho) family has a side job folding pizza boxes here. It also appears as a place where family members gather to conspire to kick out President Park's butler. Although it is a pizza store located in a quiet residential area, it is famous for the movie 'PARASITE' and is visited by ‘PARASITE’ fans from all over the world. There is a picture of the president and director Bong Joonho on the inside wall.

Olive Young - Mullae Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 문래)

5.1Km 2024-06-27

63, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

-

Himart - Eunpyeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 은평점)

5.1Km 2024-04-22

148, Eunpyeong-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

-

Olive Young - Jongno 1(il)-ga Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 종로1가)

5.1Km 2024-04-16

19, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center (명동 영양센터)

5.1Km 2024-03-11

52, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-2015

Myeongdong Yeongyang Center specializes in roasted chicken and ginseng chicken soup. The jeongi gui tongdak (rotisserie chicken) is light and juicy with just the right amount of fat, and the crispy skin is excellent. The vinegar-marinated radishes are a must-have side dish. Samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup) is also the signature dish of the restaurant. The lunch special, Tongdak set menu (Roasted chicken set menu), features roasted chicken, chicken soup, nutritional bread, and vegetables, offering a satisfying ensemble.

Olens - Myeong-dong Embassy Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 명동대사관점)

5.1Km 2024-04-22

50, Myeongdong 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

-

Nampo Myeonok (남포면옥)

5.1Km 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).

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