Gwanghuimun Gate (광희문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gwanghuimun Gate (광희문)

5.5Km    2021-02-24

344, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gwanghuimun Gate is said to have been originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, at the southeast of the capital city. It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate,” as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.

During the Imjin War (1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyed to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, reconstruction efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the gate was restored together with the gate's watchtower. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was later damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.

Halmeoni Kalguksu(할머니칼국수)

5.5Km    2021-04-14

14-2, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-569-9900

It is a place where you can enjoy Korean noodles with hot soup. The best menu at this restaurant is noodle soup. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Ikseon-dong Hanok Street (익선동 한옥거리)

5.5Km    2025-06-19

Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ikseon-dong is a place where the harmony of alleys and hanok houses exudes beautiful charm and is a must-visit spot for tourists of all ages and genders. It is also an area that connects the younger and older generations.

Teterot Salon (때때롯살롱)

5.5Km    2022-12-26

21-12 , Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Teterot Salon is a representative hanbok brand in Seoul operated by Chima Jeogori Seoul. They boast high levels of completion by closely monitoring the process from design conception, production, and sale of products. In particular, they have their own factory that allows for high quality products and more frequent updates on new products. 

Tteulan Teahouse (뜰안)

5.5Km    2024-12-10

Tteulan Teahouse is a cafe that really allows one to feel the tradition and flair of Korea. Tteulan has two entrances: one facing the wide alley and the other facing the smaller one. The smaller entrance is decorated like a garden, so it feels as if one is stepping into a land of fairy-tales. The café has a floor seating tables with traditional items like gadari soban (a table with legs that curve like a dog's legs), and jogakbo (a textile woven from several pieces of scrap cloth), all of which add to the traditional Korean aesthetic. The menu features ssanghwacha (medicinal herb tea known to help the immune system), a favorite among middle-aged and elderly Koreans; omija tea (omija is a tart berry that grows in East Asia known to be good for lung and bronchial health and boosts immunity); citrus tea (usually made with yuzu which is rich in vitamin C and said to help mitigate fatigue); and pour-over coffee. Traditional desserts include mugwort rice cake (rice cake with mugwort added for herbal flavor, best enjoyed with malt syrup), pumpkin rice cake, and roasted grain powder (a nutritious beverage made with a variety of powdered grain). It can be hard to find seating in the afternoon, so visitors are advised to avoid these hours if they seek to enjoy their drink in peace.

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town (신당동떡볶이골목)

5.5Km    2022-10-25

10-18, Dasan-ro 33-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2236-9135

Sindang-dongTteokbokki Town started in the late '70s, although the alley did not become famous until the '80s. At that time, each restaurant had its own DJ booth, with the image of the "cool DJ" who played the music becoming a symbol of Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town. In addition, this period also marked the prime time of high school baseball where students would crowd the streets on days when Duksoo Commercial High School and Sunrin Commercial High School (now Sunrin Internet High School) played against one another. Although these high school students have aged, they continue to visit the area, reliving their youth and continuing to indulge in the specialty tteokbokki.

However, some claim the history of this alley began in the 1950s. The owner of Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki restaurant says tteokbokki was being sold as early as 1953 as the area used to be home to Donga Theater and she sold tteokbokki, corn and potatoes to those visiting the theater. At first, tteokbokki was simply made with gochujang (red chili paste) but as time went by, cooks decided the dish could be more than just a snack. By adding ingredients like eggs, cellophane noodles, fish cakes, instant noodles and more recently squid, prawn and cheese, tteokbokki can be made more delicious and turns this beloved snack into a full meal.

Artee Riders Club (아띠인력거)

5.5Km    2022-09-15

43, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-1666-1693

Artee Riders Club is the first company that offers rickshaw tours in the nation. Not only do you get to ride on the rickshaw to tour around popular attractions including Bukchon Village, Seochon Village, the rickshaw tour guides you to the smaller alleys as well. Travelers to Bukchon Village may have their belongings or luggage stored at the center, and individual's insurance as well as a complimentary drink are offered.

Woo Lae Oak (우래옥)

5.5Km    2024-03-07

62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-0151

Woo Lae Oak is a Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles) restaurant established in 1949. Its signature dish is the Pyeongyang naengmyeon, known for their clean and light broth. Alongside the onmyeon (warm noodles), they also serve bulgogi, which complements the warm broth perfectly. The restaurant is renowned to the extent that customers often line up to dine, and it was selected for the Michelin Guide 2023.

Meongseokjip (멍석집)

5.5Km    2021-03-29

7, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-4620

This restaurant is frequently used as a place for group dinners by office workers. This restaurant's signature menu is grilled pork belly. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Chanyangjip (찬양집)

5.5Km    2021-03-29

5, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-1384

A popular attraction since the early 1970’s, this rather shabby and hard-to-spot restaurant has attracted many customers with its representative menu item, haemul kalguksu (seafood noodle soup). The soup is delicious and plenty enough for a hearty meal compared to its relatively low price. The noodles are chewy as they are freshly prepared every day and the clam-broth soup is full of flavor. The appearnce of this restaurant may seem old, but it's a recommended spot for a simple and delicious meal.