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

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

12.6Km    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.

Bourhill Esthetic (부르힐에스테틱)

12.6Km    2017-07-21

39-5, Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-3374

Bourhill Esthetic (est. 2005) is a professional beauty shop located in Daehangno, Seoul. Nationally recognized, certified professional therapists offer hand care, foot care, skin care, and body care treatments. The shop uses only high-end international cosmetic brand products, 80% of which are from aroma therapy lines.

Olive Young - Dongnimmun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 독립문)

12.6Km    2024-04-18

99, Songwol-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

12.6Km    2025-01-17

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Jigum - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (JIGUM 종로)

12.6Km    2024-04-18

F1, F2, 21-8, Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Bukchon Son Mandu Bukchon Branch (북촌손만두 북촌점)

12.6Km    2024-12-10

This third-generation family-owned handmade mandu restaurant has been in business since 1953. Its handmade mandu bears the tradition of nearly 70 years. This restaurant distinguishes itself above others with its unique expertise in the art of mandu-making and fresh ingredients, capturing deep flavors with care in each mandu. A full spread of mandu is available here, from steamed mandu to thin-skin mandu, deep-fried mandu, shrimp mandu, and galbi mandu, which can be ordered in individual pieces or as an assorted package. Mandu and noodles go perfectly together, and here, visitors can enjoy mandu with cold buckwheat noodles or noodle soup. The most recommended menu is the noodle soup, which serves thick, plump noodles in warm broth. But that does not mean that the cold buckwheat noodles are lacking: cold buckwheat noodles are served in a cool, red kimchi broth.

Sinuyangdon (신우양돈)

12.6Km    2021-03-18

19-8, Daemyeong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-3779

Spicy beef ribs are also available. The best menu at this restaurant is spicy grilled spareribs. This is a Korean cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul.

Innisfree - Daehangno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 대학로)

12.6Km    2024-04-19

51, Daehak-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Gogungmasil (고궁마실)

12.6Km    2020-05-04

229, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-763-9937

Gogungmasil is a hanbok rental shop located near Changgyeonggung Palace. Visitors can rent hanbok from Gogungmasil before going on a palace tour to Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung Palaces.

Gallery Hyundai (갤러리 현대)

12.6Km    2021-03-18

14, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2287-3500

Gallery Hyundai has been improving daily for over 40 years since April 1970, working closely with various Korean artists in modern art. Gallery Hyundai introduces varied artists including prominent artists, as well as up-and-coming artists, regardless of genre through sophisticated exhibitions, showing domestic and overseas art all in one place.