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

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

10.5Km    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.

Woo Joo Yon Clinic (우주연한의원)

10.5Km    2025-10-23

(2nd Floor, Hanok), 41 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Woojooyon Clinic takes an integrative approach considering the patient's overall health. Rather than merely treating the affected area, we listen to the patient's story, understand their daily life, and focus on identifying and correcting the root causes of imbalances in the body. Our goal is to pursue true healing and happiness by treating with a delicate touch that connects with the patient's soul. We aim to restore the body to its original state, ensuring a holistic examination of both body and mind, as well as habits and personality. Woojooyon Clinic is committed to helping patients regain a healthy life by applying the wisdom of traditional Korean medicine. We value our relationships with patients and strive to always do our best.

Uireung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 의릉(경종, 선의왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Uireung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 의릉(경종, 선의왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

10.5Km    2021-06-03

146-20, Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-964-0579

Uireung is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui.

King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died four years after becoming the king, without any great political achievements. Uireung tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment. Another feature of Uireung Royal Tomb is the stone fence raised using twelve stone posts. Each post has a letter inscribed, representing one of the twelve sibijisin gods.

Seoul Gyeonggyojang House (서울 경교장)

Seoul Gyeonggyojang House (서울 경교장)

10.5Km    2021-09-15

29, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-2038

Gyeonggyojang House, a designated Historic Site, was the location of the provisional government and the place where Baekbeom Kim Koo passed away. Seoul reproduced the historical site, Gyeonggyojang House, to use the area as an educational site. Also, the house exhibits the history of the provisional government in order to see the history more clearly.

Restoration work included the demolition of the interior that was changed when the building was turned into a hospital facility and embassy after Kim Koo passed away in 1949. During the work, the remaining parts were maintained with the utmost care. Reconstructed parts were based on the building's floor plan written in Chosun and Architecture (8th edition in 1938). Visitors can see various contents related to the Korean Provisional Government history through relics, video, and information searching corners.

We Trip Korea ((주)우리클럽관광개발)

10.5Km    2025-10-23

(101-1204, Lotte Castle President), 467 Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

We Trip Korea was established in 2011 and has been successfully attracting international travelers for 13 years. Our company is dedicated to promoting and showcasing our travel products through extensive overseas sales efforts. We actively collaborate with various online travel agencies (OTA) to offer a wide range of travel products that align with current trends. As a professional and customized travel agency, we cater to all types of events, from standard packages to incentive trips, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE), medical tourism, VIP services, and personal travels. When you choose our company, you can expect prompt and accurate tailored bookings to meet your specific needs.

World Jewellery Museum (세계장신구박물관)

World Jewellery Museum (세계장신구박물관)

10.6Km    2023-09-21

2, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-1610

Situated in the gallery district in the back alley of Samcheong-dong (east of Gyeongbokgung Palace), the World Jewellery Museum houses 3,000 jewelry pieces from 60 countries, which have been collected over 30 years. Of which, 1,000 have been selected for display. The first floor contains an Amber Wall that goes back as far as 50 million years, the Golden Hall (El Dorado), the Necklace Hall, and the solemn Alter of the Cross. The second floor holds a mask wall, rings, beads and ivory as well as modern jewelry.

Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

10.6Km    2024-07-09

45 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, a designated Historic Site, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Pyunkang Yul Flagship & Tea house (편강 율 플래그십&티하우스)

Pyunkang Yul Flagship & Tea house (편강 율 플래그십&티하우스)

10.6Km    2025-12-10

35-4 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Pyunkang Yul Flagship & Tea house is a cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village near Gyeongbokgung Palace. The first floor is a teahouse where one can enjoy Korean tea infused with traditional ingredients and delightful desserts with a view of the cafe's serene garden, and the second floor is a flagship store of Pyeongang Yul, a K-beauty brand known for integrating hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) in their skincare products. The third floor features a rooftop that offers a sweeping view of the Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)

Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)

10.7Km    2021-07-29

54, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8449

The Kukje Galley has been committed to presenting the work of significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public since 1982. The gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits such as Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro, Cy Twombly, Edward Ruscha, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and Bill Viola, attracting enthusiastic responses from both the public and the media.

The gallery has placed emphasis on collaborations between artists, galleries, and art dealers around the world and nurturing upcoming artists by sponsoring their artwork and giving them international exposure.