4.5/2
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

On August 1st, 2009, the redesigned Gwanghwamun Square opened to the public. With the inauguration of the square, Sejong-ro, located at the center of the 600-year-old historic city of Seoul, was transformed into a human-centered space that harmonizes with the beautiful scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukaksan Mountain. The close to 20,000m2 Gwanghwamun Square is located at the center of Sejong-ro which connects Gwanghwamun Gate and Cheonggye Square. The square is divided into the sections, “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza,” “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza,” “Korea Main Plaza,” “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza,” “Downtown Plaza” and “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector.” The “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza” section is at the entrance of the plaza, where a stone base called Woldae and a statue of Haetae, a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire, have been restored. Near Sejong-ro Park is “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza” where Yukjo Street, the main street of old Seoul (Formally known as Hanyang) was recreated. On the side is also a miniature depiction of Yukjo Street. The Statue of King Sejong the Great has been relocated in the “Korea Main Plaza” where Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, is projected on a fountain water screen. Between the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is the “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza” with a range of attractions and services including accommodation facilities for visitors, exhibition halls, elevators, a meeting plaza, and art galleries. “Downtown Plaza,” located near the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, symbolizes Sejong-ro. The Square has water facilities such as a pond and pop-jet fountains. The “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector” functions as a connecting walking path between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gyeongbokgung Palace. In addition, there is the “Memorial Waterway”, flowing underground water, which goes from both Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun subway stations to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Plus, behind the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is “Sunken Square” which connects Gwanghwamun subway station and the ground allowing people to access the Square more easily. Two statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and Sejong the Great, who are great and influential people in Korean history, are situated at Gwanghwamun Square where the beatification ceremony will take place. Visitors can see “Waterways of History” and “King Sejong Story” exhibitions, the latter of which highlights the achievements of King Sejong and history of Hangeul.    


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower. Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing the Japanese building and restoring the palace. Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Seven Springs delivers pleasure and well-being, as the food intends to serve an environmentally-friendly, healthy meal. The restaurant is styled with a pleasantly comfortable interior, while the open-kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs prepare the salads, for a more delightful dining experience.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Dduksim Hanu - Gwanghwamun Branch offers outstanding Korean beef at an exceptional price. The interior of the restaurant is also very attractive, bringing the beauty and liveliness of nature inside. The restaurant has rooms of various sizes ranging enough seating for groups as large as 50 people, to rooms for just two people for a private dining experience. Dduksim Hanu is the perfect location for VIP dinners, family outings, company dinners and more.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Woonsan (Formerly, Yongsusan) is a traditional Korean restaurant located in the basement of the Seoul Finance Center. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has been serving up Gaeseong-style (Old capital of Goryeo Dynasty), which is said to be experienced using each of the five senses. Though the restaurant offers a variety of traditional course meals, the best-selling course is Haewon Jeongsik. This special set meal typically starts with porridge for soothing the stomach and then moves on to more substantial dishes like Kimchi, mung bean jelly, vegetable dishes, pork, beef, jeon (Korean-style pancakes), Gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies), Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib meat patties), rice steamed in bamboo, and desserts. Private rooms are also available in various sizes for business meetings or special family gatherings.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The Gwanghwamun International Art Festival is designed to increase public knowledge and appreciation for the arts and culture. In addition to the art exhibitions, visitors will also be able to enjoy various performances and try different kinds of arts and crafts such as ceramics, silver handicrafts, leather handicrafts, and  more. The festival is also making a continuous effort to deliver more exciting programs and activities for the visitors' enjoyment.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Nestled in the heart of Seoul's bustling Gwanghwamun area, beneath the prestigious Sejong Club Building, lies a gem waiting to be discovered – The Gwanghwamun Korean Pub. Dive into an authentic Korean experience, where rich traditions meld with contemporary urban vibes. With seating for 124 and two intimately designed private rooms, this hotspot caters to both large gatherings and quiet dinners. Indulge in the best of Korean culinary delights and traditional liquors at this iconic locale. Every inch of this establishment screams tradition, from its folk-inspired interiors to the charmingly curated traditional trinkets that adorn its walls. If you're seeking an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia, combined with the playful charm of a modern-day blog, look no further. "Sip, Savor, and Soak in Tradition!" - Our pub invites you to relish in Korea's rich heritage, as you share tales over a refreshing glass of Makgeolli or dive into our signature dish - the scrumptious Bossam. A favorite among Seoul's savvy professionals for both lunch and dinner, our interiors ooze warmth, enticing many to make memories here. Visiting Korea? This Korean culinary sanctuary is a must-visit. Elevate your travel tales with an evening at Gwanghwamun Korean Pub – where tradition meets taste. Get ready to pen a story of flavors, ambience, and the essence of Korea. So, whether you're an expat seeking a comforting taste of home, or a traveler craving authentic Korean gastronomy, our doors are always open.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Ildossi Dakgalbi is a dakgalbi (spicy stir fry chicken) restaurant with a classy atmosphere. They sell a variety of dakgalbi menu including “Cheese Dakgalbi” and “Dakgalbi with Bean Sprouts”, making it a popular restaurant among visitors. Text below Text below Text below  


Jeollanam-do(Jangheung-gun)

From Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문), the heart of downtown Seoul, straight down to the very the tip of the peninsula lies the warmest place on the Korean mainland, Jangheung County’s Jeongnamjin (정남진). The region has a diverse natural environment including stunning views of mountains, fields, the ocean, lakes, rivers and streams. It also as well as cultural sites such as Cheongwansan Mountain, Bangchon Cultural Village, and Borimsa Temple, one of the three major Borimsa Temples in Asia. The Jeongnamjin district has a wide variety of tourist attractions nearby such as the Samsan Embankment, a provincial park on Cheongwansan Mountain; a literature park; and Sodeungseom Island, the filming place of the movie “Festival”. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunrise or take a seawater bath at Anyang water gate. There are a diverse number of events based on natural resources of the area like the Jeam Azalea Festival, Pen Shell Festival, Pike Eel Festival, Aqua Festival, Gaemegi Fishing Festival, and the Cheongwan Mountain Eulalie Festival. Area size: A total of 618㎢ (farmland 23%, forest 66.5%, others 10.5%) Administrative districts: 295 villages, 7 townships, and 3 towns