Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문)

Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문)

5.4Km    2025-10-23

288, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1842

Heunginjimun Gate was built to protect Hanseongbu, which historically housed essential government facilities. Heunginjimun Gate was the gate on the east side of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress among eight gates. It is referred to as Dongdaemun Gate as well. The gate was constructed during King Taejo’s 5th year in 1396, remodeled during the reign of King Danjong in 1453, and was newly built in 1869 during the sixth year of King Gojong’s reign in 1869.

The gate features a hipped roof with five front and two side compartments on a two-storied building. The thin and weak bracket system supports the eaves and is excessively decorated, reflecting the construction features of the late Joseon period. Also, outside of the fortress is the half-circle-shaped Ongseong, a small wall, to protect the gate.

One of the unique factors of Heunginjimun Gate is that it is the only gate among Seoul’s eight to have Ongseong, further exhibiting the style of construction used during the late Joseon period.

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

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

5.4Km    2024-04-22

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

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Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

5.4Km    2025-11-06

Eulji-ro 129, Jung-gu, Seoul

Going out of Exit 3 of Euljiro 3-ga Station on Seoul Metro Line 3 and turning to the alley, you will find many pubs selling Nogari/Dried Young Pollack (Korean people grill and dip it in red pepper paste to eat as a side dish with alcohol) and restaurants specializing in Golbaengi/Sea Snails (It is a kind of conch shell, and Korea people made it a seasoned dish and enjoy it with Somyeon/Thin Noodles or use it as a bar sack). People gather in small groups at every outdoor table and sit in every alley to enjoy beer and snacks on weekday evenings and weekends, so it isn't easy to find a seat.
Originally, this area was lined with various company buildings and shops selling tools. However, in 1980, the pub 'Eulji OB Bear' opened, and as similar pubs opened nearby, it naturally came to be called 'Euljiro Nogari Alley.' As the affordable prices of snacks and beer attracted nearby office workers and college students, it has become increasingly popular, leading to its current status.
Here, along with a cold draft beer, let's try the K-snacks only available in Korea, such as Nogari/Dried Young Pollack and Golbaengi/Sea Snails. In addition, snacks such as chicken and fried dishes are also available, so try various snacks.

Korean Spa Yeo Yong Guk (여용국 한방스파)

Korean Spa Yeo Yong Guk (여용국 한방스파)

5.4Km    2025-10-23

60 Seokchonhosu-ro 12-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Korean Spa Yeo Yong Guk was created under the philosophy of "a woman taking care of her face is akin to a king running a country." It was inspired by the ancient Korean novel titled "Yeoyonggukjeon" written by Ahn Jeong-bok from the Joseon Dynasty. Korean Spa Yeo Yong Guk understands that people have different body types, therefore applying the same massage method or medicinal herb to everyone will not always have the same effect. Different medicinal herbs and massage techniques should be applied according to one's body type. 

Innisfree - Myeong-dong Chungmu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 명동충무)

Innisfree - Myeong-dong Chungmu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 명동충무)

5.4Km    2024-04-16

28-1, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Myeongdong Jjukkumi (명동쭈꾸미)

Myeongdong Jjukkumi (명동쭈꾸미)

5.4Km    2025-07-23

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Myeondong Jjukkumi is a jjukkumi (ocellerated octopus) restaurant located in Jung-gu, Seoul. It only takes about a 1-minute walk from Hoehyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 2, a convenient location for both tourists and people who work in the area. Main menu items consist of jjukkumi and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), pork galbi (rib meat), bossam (cabbage wraps with pork), among other set menus. All dishes are cooked in the kitchen, and are known for their spicy kick and savory taste. The restaurant can accommodate group guests as it has a spacious hall as well as outdoor tables. Customers dining at the restaurant can help themselves to more side dishes at the self-service side dish bar and enjoy a hearty meal at a reasonable price. 

Bokidang (복이당)

Bokidang (복이당)

5.4Km    2025-09-15

3-28 Toegye-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Bokidang is a handmade salt buns specialty bakery cafe located in Jung-gu, Seoul. It is conveniently located just a 30-second walk from Exit 2 of Hoehyeon Station, situated in an area with high foot traffic from office workers and tourists. Bokidang presents handmade salt bread and beverages made with carefully selected fresh ingredients, with the hope that "everyone who eats will be blessed." The signature menu features a lineup of salt breads inspired by the 12 zodiac animal characters, each embodying health, wishes, and small happiness in a single bite. The store has a clean and warm atmosphere with an indoor seating area and outdoor seating, accommodating group guests and offering takeout for added convenience.

Hwanggeum Mokjang Myeongdongseongdang (황금목장 명동성당)

5.5Km    2024-03-11

23, Myeongdong, 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-2426

Located in Myeongdong, Hwanggeum Mokjang Myeongdongseongdang is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Myeongdong. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike as it serves high-quality beef and pork barbecued in the Korean style. Other dishes such as samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup), bulgogi, naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), and many other dishes are also a must-try. 

Dami Porridge (다미죽)

Dami Porridge (다미죽)

5.5Km    2024-03-11

38, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-5077

Located in Myeongdong Street, Dami Porridge focuses on porridge. Their delectable porridges are made with a variety of seafood including abalone as well as mushrooms. Porridge is easy to digest and full of nutrients, so it's recommended for when you're not feeling well.

HOTEL QB (호텔큐비(호텔QB))

HOTEL QB (호텔큐비(호텔QB))

5.5Km    2024-12-23

322-10 , Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-1294

Hotel QB in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Dongdaemun subway station and close to the airport bus stop. Rooms range from single rooms for individual travelers to a quad room, and there is a studio and fitting room where selfies and photos can be taken. The hotel cafe has a microwave, water purifier and refrigerator, and customized travel consulting and free luggage storage are provided in the lobby. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, Dongmyo Flea Market and a variety of fashion wholesalers are all nearby.