Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

8.0Km 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.

K-medi Spring (한강애봄)

8.0Km 2025-12-09

6th Floor, 63 Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

HanGang AeBom is a certified agency specializing in attracting international patients, offering customized programs that combine Korea’s advanced medical services with tourism. The agency collaborates with medical institutions to arrange consultations, interpretation, accommodation, and travel itineraries.

Gahoe Museum (가회민화박물관)

8.0Km 2025-10-31

52 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-0466

Opened in 2002, Gahoe Museum exhibits folk paintings and amulets reflecting the lifestyle and wishes of the Korean people from ancient times. Inside the Hanok gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Korea, including old paintings depicting people's lifestyle in the past and religious beliefs, and roof tiles in the shape of humans or goblins. Visitors will also find folding screens and religious objects used in the past that show skills and knowledge of Korean ancestors.

Banhadang (반하당)

8.0Km 2024-02-15

36 Seongbuk-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Banhadang is a café located 20 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site Changdeokgung Palace. Renovated from a hanok, it preserves the charm of hanok with open spaces, leaving only the pillars of the original structure. The signature menu includes a Strawberry latte made with homemade strawberry syrup and milk. During the summer season, the jeontong pat bingsu (traditional shaved ice with red beans), made with domestically sourced jujube and red bean, is also popular.

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

8.0Km 2021-12-21

10, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3673-2778

Opened in April 2004, Dong-Lim Knot Museum exhibits a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.

Olive Young - Soongsil Univ. Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 숭실대입구역)

8.0Km 2024-04-18

358, Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

-

Aritaum - Kyung Hee Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아리따움 경희대)

8.0Km 2024-04-18

1F, 22, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

-

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul [MMCA Seoul] (국립현대미술관 서울관)

8.0Km 2023-06-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-9500

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) opened in 2013 as a city venue of the MMCA, which opened in 1986 in Gwacheon. The museum site was where many of Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved, both during the Joseon dynasty and after the Korean War. The Seoul venue of MMCA stands out from other museums through its use of Korea’s traditional architectural concept of "madang," a spacious courtyard where people can come and gather to socialize. The exterior of the building stands in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the museum is equipped with many facilities, including a reference center, project gallery theater, and multipurpose hall. MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public.

Osulloc - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오설록 현대미술관)

8.0Km 2024-04-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

-

Inwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 인우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.0Km 2023-09-12

1-9 , Gyedong 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1115

Inwoo House is a traditional hanok down an alley in Gye-dong, Jongno, Seoul. There is a swallow's nest under the eaves, and the pride of this house is that the swallow family returns every spring. Each room in the house has a private bathroom. Residents can sample Korean culture by taking part in traditional paper crafts, knot bracelet making, and fan decorating. The location is convenient for restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Insadong, and Samcheong-dong are all within walking distance.

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