Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

4.2Km 2024-10-31

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

4.2Km 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)”

Golmok Daejang (골목대장)

4.2Km 2021-03-25

1-8, Dangsan-ro, 32-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2671-7573

It is a place where you can grill various parts of pork. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled pork belly. This Others restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

Hanaro Optics [Tax Refund Shop] (하나로안경원)

4.2Km 2024-04-19

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

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Uriheo Pocha (우리회포차)

4.2Km 2021-03-25

8-2, Gukhoe-daero, 34-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2672-0890

It is a place where you can enjoy various types of fresh sashimi. This restaurant's signature menu is sliced raw fish. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.

Namdaemun Daeho Optic [Tax Refund Shop] (남대문대호안경)

4.2Km 2024-06-27

B1, #7, 32, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Manjok Ohyang Jokbal City Hall (만족오향족발 시청)

4.2Km 2024-03-12

134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755

Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience.