Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓)

Gwanghwamun Market (광화문 마켓)

- Tel
+82-2-3788-8168

Gwanghwamun Market takes place along with the Seoul Lantern Festival to support local small businesses and promote Seoul night tourism. The market features local store owners and businesses that exhibit and sell seasonal decor, handcrafted items, and winter snacks.

- Address : 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul


※ Presentation Information
- Event Date
20241213 ~ 20250105

- Schedule
Monday-Thursday 17:30-21:30 / Friday-Sunday 18:00-22:00

- Location
Gwanghwamun Square, Sejongno Park

- Sponsor
Seoul Tourism Organization

- Sponsor Phone
+82-2-3788-8168

- Co-Sponsor Phone
+82-2-3788-8168

- Fees
Free



- Introduction
Gwanghwamun Market takes place along with the Seoul Lantern Festival to support local small businesses and promote Seoul night tourism. The market features local store owners and businesses that exhibit and sell seasonal decor, handcrafted items, and winter snacks.

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Sejong Center (세종문화회관)

- Homepage
www.sejongpac.or.kr

- Tel
+82-2-399-1000

Sejong Center, officially known as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, opened on July 1, 1999 to provide citizens with a cultural art space. Having completed a grand remodeling project in 2007, Sejong Center offers customer-friendly programs aimed at improving the quality of art performances in a comfortable resting area. Comprising the Grand Theater of Sejong Center, Sejong M Theater, Sejong Chamber Hall, Exhibition Hall, and other subsidiary facilities, Sejong Center is a multicultural art center.

Various genres of performances including traditional, classic, and crossover have taken place in the center, giving many opportunities for cultural nostalgia.

* Opened April 14, 1978

⊙ King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

- Homepage
tour.jongno.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well. 

⊙ Cancelled: Gwanghwamun International Art Festival (광화문국제아트페스티벌)

- Homepage
www.giaf.or.kr

- Tel
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-723-9484~7

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 visitors' enjoyment.

⊙ The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

- Homepage
www.sejongstory.or.kr

- Tel
+82-2-399-1000

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

⊙ Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

- Homepage
tour.jongno.go.kr

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

⊙ Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

- Homepage
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-120

Gwanghwamun Plaza was opened to the public in August 2022 after renovation. Sejong-ro, the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, has been reborn as a space for historical and cultural experiences by restoring Yukjo Street. Woldae (Elevated Ceremonial Stage) was reconstructed at the entrance of the "Plaza that Recovers the History of Gwanghwamun," and the statue of Haetae, an imaginary animal that judges good and evil, has been restored. In addition, traces of Yukjo Street, the main street of Hanyang in the past, were restored in the ‘Plaza that recreates the scenery of Yukjo Street’ near Sejong-ro Park, with a scale model installed. This is an excellent place for a stroll with beautiful scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.

⊙ Olive Young - Sejong-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 세종로)

- Homepage
www.o1iveyoung.co.kr

-

⊙ KT Square (KT스퀘어)

- Homepage
corp.kt.com

- Tel
+82-1577-5599

KT Square is a multi-complex that offers various cultural performances as well as hands-on experiences of the latest in IT technology. Gallery 130 showcases the history of KT Corp.



This work was created by the Korea Tourism Organization for 24 years and opened as the first type of public Nuri. You can download it for free from the Korea Tourism Organization, https://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

- Homepage
www.nmkpg.go.kr

The National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government was established to shine a light on the proud history of the Korean Provisional Government's independence and the spirit of a democratic republic and to pass it on to future generations. The four-story memorial building with three underground floors houses three permanent exhibits, one special exhibit, Larchiveum, Symbol Plaza, storage, multi-purpose hall, and rooftop garden over a total area of 3,656 square meters, a total floor area of 9,703 square meters and a total exhibition space of 2,240 square meters. The permanent exhibits consist of a series of historic events from the March 1st Movement, which served as a turning point for the formation of the Provisional Government, to the foundation of the Korean Government that succeeded the mantle of the provisional government, while the special exhibit on the 1st floor currently hosts a special opening exhibition under the title of 『The Return of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea』. Moreover, a symbolic wall installation under the theme of "Waves of History" is displayed in the outdoor plaza on the 1st floor of the memorial expressing the Provisional Government’s desire for independence and the dynamics of the past, present, and future of Korea.

- Address : 279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul


※ Presentation Information
- Information and Guides
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-772-8708

- Day Off
Mondays (or following weekday when Monday is a holiday), January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays

- Usage Fee
Free

- Operating Hours
10:00-18:00 (Last admission is 1 hour before closing)

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

- Tel
+82-2-3140-8305

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.


One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

⊙ Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

Dongnimmun stands at the location originally known as Yeongeun, where envoys were once treated. When a Chinese envoy visited, the King would go out through this door to greet. In 1898, to announce the independence from Japan, Dongnimun was constructed with the fund collected by the citizens. The traces of the past still remain on Dongnimmun with two pillars in front of Dongnimmun being the remains of Yeongeunmun.


The Arc de Triomphe in France can be recalled in comparison to Dongnimmun. Dongnimmun was built using granite with a passageway x_height of 14.28 meters. On the top it is written ‘Dongnimmun’ in Korean with the national flag drawn on each side. On the inner-left side there are stone stairs leading to the attic. The national flower Mugunghwa are planted around Dongnimmun. Now it is surrounded by roads and it is eye-catching to view when passing by.

⊙ Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

- Homepage
sphh.sscmc.or.kr

- Tel
+82-2-360-8590

Seodaemun Prison was built under the Japanese administration to imprison independence movement activists. It first opened on October 21, 1908 under the name Gyeongseong Prison. Eventually, so many activists were imprisoned that the building had to be expanded. At that time, the name changed to Seodaemun Prison on September 3, 1912. Eighty years later, the prison was turned into Seodaemun Independence Park on August 15, 1992 to commemorate the Korean patriots who were tortured in prison, giving their lives for freedom. Of the many buildings, only seven were preserved for their historical significance, among which three prison buildings and the execution site were designated as a Historic Site. In 1998, the park underwent another transformation into today's Seodaemun Prison History Hall to educate the public on the importance of Korea's independence and the sacrifices of those who fought to achieve it.

⊙ Heroes of Independence Look at the Stars (독립의 영웅, 별을 보다)

⊙ Inwangsa Temple (인왕사 (서울))

- Tel
+82-2-737-4434

Inwangsa Temple refers to the entire cluster of small Buddhist temples located on Inwangsan Mountain (alt. 338m) in the heart of Seoul. The eastern foot of the mountain has many scenic spots with its distinctively cozy and tasteful atmosphere, and the northern area called Mugye-dong also offers beautiful scenery. Inwangsa Temple was established in the early Joseon period (1392-1910) to guard the national palace Gyeongbokbung. The temple is comprised of 11 shrines from five different Buddhist orders. The unique design of each shrine adds pleasure to hikers on their way up to Seonbawi, an unusual rock formation that is a site of many folk beliefs and shamanist rites.

⊙ Daesungjip (대성집)

- Homepage
daesungjip.modoo.at (Korean only)

- Tel
+82-2-735-4259

Daejungjip has specialized in Dogani tang (ox knee joint soup) for 60 years. Customers can feel a simple and familiar ambience at the restaurant.

⊙ Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사)

- Homepage
bongwonsa.or.kr

- Tel
+82-2-392-3007

Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.

“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.

⊙ Hwanghakjeong Pavilion (황학정)

- Homepage
www.hwanghakjeong.org (Korean only)

- Tel
+82-2-738-5785

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was built in 1898 by decree of King Gojong’s. It was originally set up close to the northern wall of Hoesangjeon in Gyeonghuigung Palace for archery practice. In 1922 when the Japanese colonial government sold buildings of Gyeonghuigung Palace to the public to build Gyeongseong Middle School in the location, the Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was bought and restored at the current location, which is an old site of Deunggwajeong Pavilion located to the North of Sajik Park.



It is relatively large for a pavilion, but the structure is plain and simple. There is a well behind the pavilion to the southwest. A rock behind the well has an engraved poem about eight beautiful scenes of Hwanghakjeong. Located to the right of the pavilion building (northeast of the building) is Hancheongak Pavilion, which has unique roof. To the west of the pavilion is Sauhoegwan Hall that was built with reinforced concrete.

⊙ Inwangsan Mountain (인왕산)

- Homepage
parks.seoul.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-2148-2834

Inwangsan Mountain is a rocky mountain located to the northwestern side of Seoul. It stands 338m tall.  The Seoul City Wall is built along its ridge, connecting to the Baegak Mountain Trail. From the summit, one can see the three mountains of Naksan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and the Bugaksan Mountain surrounding the historical center of Hanyang, the historical name for Seoul in Joseon period, with the Gyeongbokgung Palace at the center. There are five hiking trails, all taking about two hours to complete. It takes about three hours if you want to visit all the peaks of the mountain.



This work was created by the Korea Tourism Organization for 23 years and opened as the first type of public Nuri. You can download it for free from the Korea Tourism Organization, https://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

- Homepage
www.gogung.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-3701-7500

The National Palace Museum of Korea displays over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty. With various treasures on exhibit, the museum continues to provide information on the dignity of royal culture and the creativity of royal cultural assets.

- Address : 12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul


※ Presentation Information
- Information and Guides
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3701-7500

- Parking
Available

- Day Off
January 1, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)

- Usage Fee
Free

- Operating Hours
10:00-18:00
* Last admission is 1 hour before closing.

- Scale
Building floor area: 18,284 ㎡ (B1-2F)

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Lee Seo-yun Hanbok (이서윤한복)

- Homepage
cafe.daum.net/seoyounlee
- Tel
+82-2-735-4250

Lee Seo-yun Hanbok seeks hanbok that blends both traditional Korean and western designs. It not only weaves fabrics for its own hanbok, but dyes them as well. The main items cover party dresses, wedding dresses, ornaments, cushions, and sitting cushions. Lee Seo-yun, the owner of the store, was responsible for clothing and ornaments shown in the Korean soap opera, Iljimae and his works have appeared in many soap operas, traditional Korean dance performances and fashion shows as well.

⊙ Daelim Museum (대림미술관)

- Homepage
www.daelimmuseum.org

- Tel
+82-2-720-0667

The Daelim Museum, built by the Daelim Group, was first established in Daejeon in 1996 and later moved to Jongno, Seoul in 2002. The art gallery studies, analyzes, and presents modern art through the lens of photography and holds exhibitions centered around photo media.



The museum is located in the residential area of Tongui-dong, near the time-honored Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum, which was designed by French architect, Vincent Cornu, and built by the Daelim Corporation, opened its door to the public in late May 2002.



On the first floor, there is a garden, parking lot, reception desk, storage area, and conference room. On the second and third floor are offices and exhibition hall approximately 595 m² in size, consisting of small and large rooms, a long gallery, and a special high-ceilinged exhibition space. On the fourth floor, there is a seminar room that can seat up to 120 guests and a balcony with a beautiful view. From the balcony of the seminar room, Visitors can also enjoy a wide open view of Inwangsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. The stained glass panels (designed to reflect the beauty of traditional Korean wrapping cloth) and the scenic lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building add to the overall charm.



Above all else, the museum was designed with consideration of the photos, which are very sensitive to humidity, light, and temperature.

⊙ GRANDHAND. Seochon (그랑핸드 서촌)

- Homepage
granhand.com
@granhand_official

Lauched in 2014 at a small hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Korea perfume brand now has six stores around Seoul as well as a cafe brand KOMFORTABLE. With no adversements or online sales, GRANDHAND has preserved its roots for over 7 years. GRANDHAND. Seochon located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and various art museums has customers of all ages and nationalities. 

⊙ Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

- Homepage
www.royalpalace.go.kr (Korean, English)

- Tel
+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.

⊙ Gallery Simon (갤러리 시몬)

- Homepage
www.gallerysimon.com

- Tel
+82-2-720-3031

Since its opening in April, 1994, Gallery Simon has continued to focus on promoting the beauty of modern art. Exhibitions include works from experienced artists as well as the works of budding artists, both from Korea and abroad. Select artists, referred to collectively as "Simon's Friends," have exhibitions annually. The changing collections allow the museum and featured artists to constantly strive for improvement and follow the changes in art over time.

⊙ Ground Seesaw Seochon (그라운드시소 서촌)

- Homepage
www.groundseesaw.co.kr

Ground Seesaw is a cultural complex located in Seochon, Jongno presented by Media & Art, an exhibition production company, and designed by SoA, an architecture firm, and Loci Studio, a landscaping studio. Visitors are able to check out a variety of exhibits at Ground Seesaw Seochon.

⊙ Oliva Garden (올리바가든)

- Tel
+82-2-733-3056

It is an Italian restaurant featured in a popular Korean drama. The best menu at this restaurant is steak. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

⊙ Seochon Village (서촌마을)

Seochon Village is the name given to the area to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a historic village, home to old shops and hanok buildings that have stood the test of time. Korean traditions and contemporary sensibilities coexist within Seochon Village’s maze-like alleyways, creating the unique ambience that makes the district so beloved. One can find shops, guesthouses, cafés, and restaurants in the village.



This work was created by the Korea Tourism Organization for 23 years and opened as the first type of public Nuri. You can download it for free from the Korea Tourism Organization, https://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto