Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley (서울 동대문 닭한마리 골목)

5.4Km 2024-03-04

37-7, Jongno 5(o)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located near the Dongdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley gets its name from the restaurants serving dak hanmari (whole chicken soup) that line the alley. Dak hanmari (whole chicken soup), literally “one whole chicken” in Korean, is a dish where a whole chicken is boiled in a soup and served with the alley’s special sauce. After the diners eat the meat, the broth is used to make kalguksu (noodle soup). Because the area is home to large-scale apparel and fashion material markets of the Dongdaemun Market, the district is always lively and bustling.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town (동대문 종합시장·동대문 쇼핑타운)

5.4Km 2025-06-30

266 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most well-known markets. It was founded in December 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia and has maintained that status for the last 40 years. Browsing the plethora of shops, you can find fabric and clothing following all the latest global fashion trends. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex continues to build up its reputation as a hub of international design.

Etude house myeongdong chungmuro / 에뛰드하우스(명동충무로점)

5.4Km 2025-08-11

24-1, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Etude House is a cosmetics brand that sells makeup, hair, and fragrance products. The Etude House Myeongdong Chungmuro Branch, located in the heart of a major shopping district, carries a wide selection of cosmetics that customers may test before purchasing. Moreover, the brightly lit store interior, designed with a princess bedroom decor, adds fun to the experience.

It is visited largely by foreign customers from Japan, Thailand, China and other East Asian countries. To facilitate an easy shopping experience, the shop always has foreign staff available to assist. The most popular items include creams made using snail extract, lipsticks and eye shadows. Etude House also has many sales on facial mask packs, and tax refunds are available.

Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문)

5.4Km 2025-10-23

288, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

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.

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)

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.

HOTEL QB (호텔큐비(호텔QB))

5.5Km 2024-12-23

322-10 , Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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.

Donga Stationery (동아완구)

5.5Km 2024-09-11

5 Jong-ro 52-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Donga Stationery is a stationery store located along Changsin-dong Stationery Street. The stop offers a full range of stationery and character goods and is popular among children and adults alike. The shop is located right by Dongdaemun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 4, making it easily accessible.

Cheonggyecheon Museum (청계천박물관)

5.5Km 2021-11-02

530, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Cheonggyecheon Museum officially opened in October 2005. The museum’s long, glass exterior represents the flowing waters of Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through the heart of Seoul. The museum has a permanent exhibition hall, special exhibition hall, educational hall, and an auditorium. The museum contains visual representations of Seoul before and after the transition of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The permanent exhibition hall was remodeled in October 2015, and now offers even more ways to view the history of Seoul as shaped by Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley (서울 동대문 닭한마리 골목) - Area information - Korea travel information