Gyeongbokgung: 5 Must-Visit Spots — Hanbok Rental, Tosokchon, Café Boan, Gowooga & Hwangsaengga
Quick notes — how to use this guide
This is a half-day loop: combine hanbok rental → palace stroll → Tosokchon or Hwangsaengga for a hearty meal → café break → premium dinner if you like. Each entry includes exact address, hours and a practical tip to save time or take the best photo.
1) Hanboknam (한복남) — Hanbok Rental near Gyeongbokgung
What it is: Popular hanbok rental shop a short walk from Gyeongbokgung. A great starter: pick your outfit, have hair options if you want, then stroll the palace gates in full costume.
- Address: 133-5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 09:00 – 19:00 (varies by season)
- Price: Regular Hanbok: 1 hour and 30 minutes (₩7,000), all day (₩21,000) / Themed Hanbok: 1 hour and 30 minutes (₩14,000), all day (₩35,000) — hair/makeup extra
- Why go: Admission to the palace is free if you wear hanbok. Take a wonderful photo in front of the main gate wearing hanbok.
2) Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)
What it is: A classic restaurant famous for ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang). Hearty, restorative and beloved by locals and visitors alike — perfect after a palace walk.
- Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Last order 21:00)
- Price: ~ ₩20,000 per bowl
- Why go: Iconic Korean comfort food — steady foreign reviews and easy to find from Gyeongbokgung.
3) Café Boan (카페 보안) — Palace-edge café and art space
What it is: A calm café inside/next to the Boan Inn complex, blending contemporary coffee culture with a historic neighborhood atmosphere. Some window seats offer glimpses of the palace walls; it’s a perfect pause between sightseeing and meals.
- Address: 33 Hyoja-ro (Boan 1942 area), Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 08:00 – 19:00 (Last order 18:00)
- Price: Americano ₩5,000, Café Latte ₩6,000, Matcha Soy Milk Latte ₩9,000, Black Tea ₩11,000, Green Tea ₩12,000, Gomette Salt Butter Scones ₩5,500, Yuja Madeleine ₩3,500
- Why go: Unique mix of art space + café, great for quiet photos and local atmosphere.
4) Gowooga (고우가) — Premium Hanwoo (Korean beef)
What it is: An upscale but approachable spot to taste premium Korean beef (hanwoo). Great for a celebratory meal or to experience Korea’s high-quality beef in a refined setting.
- Address: Finance Building, Basement 136 KR, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00 ~ 22:00 / Weekends 11:30 ~ 22:00, Break Time 15:00 ~ 17:00 (Last Order 21:00)
- Price: Gouga Course A (9 courses of Korean beef grilled) ₩119,000, Gouga Course B (10 courses of Korean beef grilled) ₩129,000, Korean beef tenderloin 130g ₩69,000, Korean beef sirloin 130g ₩69,000, Lunch Special Course (9 courses of Korean beef grilled) ₩99,000, Lunch Course B (6 courses of Korean beef grilled) ₩59,000
- Why go: Premium dining experience after a day of sightseeing; good for groups and special evenings.
5) Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (황생가 칼국수) — Bib-Gourmand Kalguksu near Gyeongbokgung
What it is: A beloved local noodle shop known for handmade kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and large mandu (dumplings). Frequently recommended on tourist guides and appreciated for its comforting, authentic flavors — an ideal stop after palace photos.
- Address: 78 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 11:00 – 21:30 (Last Order 20:30)
- Price: Kalguksu ₩12,000, Wang Mandu ₩12,000, Wang Mandu Soup ₩12,000
- Why go: Michelin/Bib-Gourmand visibility and high foreign review density make this a strong draw for visitors searching “where to eat near Gyeongbokgung.”
Why this mix works (and the subtle K-pop connection)
The list balances experience (hanbok), classic Korean comfort (Tosokchon, Hwangsaengga), modern pause (Café Boan), and premium dining (Gowooga). If you enjoyed the small, human moments in K-pop Demon Hunters — casual late-night food, quiet café scenes, or a quiet costume moment between action — these places recreate that feeling without being contrived.
Practical tips for visitors (quick checklist)
- Gyeongbokgung timing: Palace is closed on Tuesdays; check the official site for special events/closure days.
- Hanbok free entry: Wearing a full hanbok typically grants free palace entry — confirm rental shop instructions for correct wearing.
- Queue management: Tosokchon and Hwangsaengga can have lines at lunch — plan to arrive early or after peak hours.
- Payments: Most restaurants and cafés accept cards; carry some KRW for small purchases or market stalls.
Ready to explore? Rent a hanbok, stroll the palace, try a local noodle bowl, sip a quiet coffee, and reward yourself with premium hanwoo — a perfect half-day around Gyeongbokgung.
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