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Daedongmun is a timeless gateway, standing guard over Seoul’s evolution for over a century. Stepping through this ancient city gate feels like entering a historical painting—weathered stone walls, faded inscriptions, each step echoing stories from the Joseon era. On weekends, the area buzzes with lively markets and cultural performances, turning history into something vibrant and alive. Grab your camera, catch the interplay of light and old brickwork, and carry home a quiet, profound memory of Seoul’s enduring spirit.
Everything you need to know about Daedongmun
Hilton Seoul Myeongdong is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Daedongmun. This modern hotel offers elegant rooms with traditional Korean design touches, blending cultural heritage and comfort. Its prime location provides easy access to historical sites like Daedongmun and vibrant areas such as Namdaemun Market, where visitors can enjoy authentic street food and local shopping. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle service, and excellent customer support, making it ideal for travelers seeking convenience and cultural immersion.
Yes! Visitors can join guided tours of traditional Korean rituals hosted by local cultural centers, offering insights into the ancient defense system and urban layout of Han Yang’s old city. Every weekend, the Namdaemun Historic Park hosts a craft market where guests can try hands-on activities like making paper umbrellas, hanbok accessories, or pottery—engaging directly with intangible cultural heritage. At night, the park’s light show brings Daedongmun’s past glory to life through dynamic projections, creating an immersive historical journey. All activities are within walking distance, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
Traveling from Daedongmun to central Seoul takes only about 15 minutes via the Seoul Metro Line 2 or Line 4, reaching key districts like Myeongdong or Dongdaemun Station. Numerous bus routes also pass nearby, connecting to popular destinations such as Ewha Women’s University and Hongdae. For a scenic alternative, a 30-minute walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream Path offers lush greenery and historical views. Nearby, a well-equipped tourist information center provides maps, tickets, and real-time transit updates, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Daedongmun itself is a prime photo spot, especially during sunset when golden light bathes the ancient stone walls, creating a dramatic historical ambiance. The Cheonggyecheon Stream Path nearby is another favorite, lined with cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring, forming a dreamy tunnel effect. At the entrance of Namdaemun Market, the traditional wooden gatehouse and decorative Korean lantern installations offer striking visual contrast, perfect for culturally themed Instagram shots. Many visitors also rent hanbok (Korean traditional dress) to pose here, adding authenticity and charm to their photos.
See what other travelers say about Daedongmun
Staying at this traditional Korean house was an absolute delight! The breakfast was simple yet homely—warm, comforting, and just right to start the day. The room was spotlessly clean, with authentic Korean architectural details that truly captured the essence of old Korea—wooden beams, hanok-style layouts, and a peaceful ambiance. The host was incredibly welcoming and always ready to help, offering thoughtful tips on local transport and nearby attractions. It felt less like a hotel and more like staying in a cherished family home. For anyone looking to experience real Korean culture in Seoul, this is a must-try. Highly recommend for its charm, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality.
I stayed at Mangrove Sinseol Hotel for a few days and was really impressed. The location is perfect—right next to the subway station, just a 15-minute ride to Seongsu and about 30 minutes to Hongdae. The airport bus 6002 stops right outside, making travel super convenient. There are plenty of nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU, OY, Mega, and Mammoth—no long lines even during peak hours. The building has a secure entry with a password lock, and the elevator requires your room keycard, which adds peace of mind. The shared kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and the rooftop terrace offers a great view—perfect for relaxing in the evening. Check-in and check-out are fully self-service, and the machine supports Simplified Chinese, which is a big plus for introverted travelers. The bathroom is on the smaller side, and housekeeping comes every six days, but that’s not an issue if you’re staying just a few days. Overall, it’s a quiet, safe, and well-designed place with excellent value. Highly recommend for solo travelers.
This place is definitely a hostel, not a hotel—despite being listed as a hotel on the platform. The building signage and Korean apps clearly mark it as a hostel, so it’s misleading to present it as a hotel. That said, if you go in with the right expectations, it’s actually a solid hostel. The location is unbeatable: literally seconds from a vibrant food alley, just a few minutes from great shopping, within 10 minutes of palaces and temples, and a 15–20-minute walk to Gwangjang Market and the Han River trail. We stayed in the basement room, which was the only one large enough for our family of four with two kids. While it was modernized and had a private bathroom, it had a strong musty sewage smell that lingered despite airing out and running a dehumidifier nonstop. They’d placed several oil-based air fresheners in the hallway and room—something I couldn’t tolerate due to allergies, so I removed them, but that only made the unpleasant odor worse. The dehumidifier helped circulate air, but since it required regular drainage, we weren’t sure how effective it really was. All control buttons were in Korean, and even with translation apps, the functions didn’t make much sense. The AC worked well, and the beds were comfortable. Storage consisted of pull-out drawers under the bed—cleaning them revealed thick layers of dust. There was a couch and TV, which added comfort. The bathroom is a wet-style design with floor heating, so everything dried instantly—even though the heat was extreme. When we complained about dampness, they turned on the floor heating while we were out, likely to dry things up—but with temperatures exceeding 40°C, it wasn’t safe or practical to stay inside. The window was frosted glass facing a narrow alley, so privacy was an issue. Trash was collected at the bottom of the stairs near the landing, which wasn’t ideal. On the plus side, free laundry was available nearby—perfect for monitoring progress—and the shared kitchen across the hall was handy for morning tea. Staff were incredibly helpful, and communication through the booking app was smooth. In short, if you’re clear this is a hostel (not a hotel), and you don’t mind the basement, minor quirks, and scent sensitivity, it’s a good choice. But if you’re expecting a hotel experience—especially in the basement—this isn’t recommended. As a hotel? 2/5. As a hostel? 4/5.
The hotel exceeded my expectations—spotlessly clean, cozy, and warmly welcoming from the moment I walked in. The room was immaculate, with a serene atmosphere that made me feel instantly at home. Located just minutes from subway access, it’s super convenient for exploring Seoul’s highlights. The staff were attentive and friendly, adding to the overall excellent experience. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Stayed here with my friend in a private two-bed room, and it was absolutely fantastic! The air conditioning worked perfectly, the room was spotless, and the beds were super comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised to find a mini fridge included—such a nice touch for storing drinks or snacks. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with anything we needed. But honestly, the top reason to stay here is the location. Right next to a metro station, you're just steps away from amazing local eateries, bustling streets, and everything the city has to offer. It’s such a convenient and vibrant area. If you’re looking for a cozy, well-maintained hostel with great service and unbeatable access, this is the place. Would definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
Stayed in a double room with a door latch—felt secure and cozy, no signs of any wheels or noisy vibes at all. The host was incredibly kind and welcoming, making the whole experience feel warm and personal. The atmosphere was peaceful and authentic, just what I was looking for. Highly recommend this hidden gem for anyone seeking comfort and charm in Seoul.
Staying right in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village made everything so convenient—walking distance to bustling shopping streets, scenic views of traditional hanok alleys, and just a short stroll from famous Ginseng Kitchen and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The host was incredibly welcoming, always ready to help with local tips and recommendations. The place itself is spotless, with modern amenities and thoughtfully stocked toiletries in the bathroom. It felt like a true home away from home. Every detail was well considered, from the quiet neighborhood vibe to the cozy atmosphere. If you're looking for an authentic Seoul experience with comfort and charm, this is the perfect choice. Highly recommend it!
The inn was exceptionally clean and comfortable—truly a great stay! The staff were very helpful and friendly during check-in, making the whole process smooth and welcoming. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Jongno, just steps away from subway stations and major attractions. It’s so convenient for exploring Seoul. I’d absolutely come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting. A real gem with excellent value!
I had a fantastic stay at Hanil Hostel! The location was incredibly convenient—just a short walk to subway stations and major attractions. The staff were friendly and always willing to help with tips and recommendations. My room was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable for a hostel setting. It’s clear they care about guest experience, and I truly appreciated the warm atmosphere and attention to detail. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a budget-friendly yet enjoyable stay in Seoul.
The first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was quite unpleasant, so I asked to be moved. The staff were very kind and promptly arranged a new room without any hassle. However, the second room wasn’t much better—the bathroom felt a bit dark and slightly unsettling, and the overall facilities were just average. That said, the price is definitely affordable, making it a solid choice if you're on a budget. It’s perfect for students or travelers looking for a no-frills stay with good value. While not luxurious, it gets the job done, especially considering the cost.
I ended up booking this hotel by chance, mainly because of its great location. Turns out it was an excellent choice! Situated right in the heart of Insadong, just a short walk from Seoul's top attractions. The hotel is only 200 meters from the airport shuttle stop and literally steps away from the subway station—super convenient for getting around. The room was spotless and quiet, making it a peaceful retreat after a long day. The staff were incredibly welcoming and spoke fluent English with no trouble at all. For my next visit to Seoul, I’ll definitely choose this hotel again!
Staying at Bukchonae was a delightful experience overall. The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Seoul’s traditional neighborhood, making it super convenient for exploring nearby cultural spots. The room is compact but well-organized and spotlessly clean, which really stands out. The bathroom has a slightly cramped shower area, so it’s not ideal for long stays or if you’re sensitive to tight spaces. However, the cleanliness and maintenance are excellent—everything feels fresh and well cared for. The owners are genuinely warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local eats and hidden gems around the area. It’s perfect for a short getaway or a night or two while soaking in the charm of old Seoul. While I wouldn’t recommend it for extended stays due to the size, for a quick visit, it’s a great value with a cozy, authentic vibe.
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