Daehangno Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sungkyunkwan University uses the name of the old royal Confucian academy (Romanized as Seonggyungwan, though Sungkyunkwan is an alternative ad-hoc Romanization and used for the university's name). It was the official academy of the Neo-Confucian Joseon Dynasty, founded in 1398, and its modern incarnation as a university dates back to 1946. Currently, Sungkyunkwan University is affiliated with the Samsung Business Group. Its curriculum remains Confucian, and it is often at the forefront of movements to oppose and undo modern liberal social reforms, such as the 2008 change to the vital records registry that replaced old Confucian family census registers with a more modern one (and eliminated special rights reserved for "head of household," a status only married men were eligible for) as well as the 2005 marriage law changes that eliminated the ban on marriage between people of same surnames (the ban was a major headache in a country that is 22% Kim and 45% Kim/Lee/Park). Sungkyunkwan's school motto is Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom (仁義禮智/인의예지), which would better be translated to "Pursue Truth and Embody Social Justice."
Sungkyunkwan University uses the name of the old royal Confucian academy (Romanized as Seonggyungwan, though Sungkyunkwan is an alternative ad-hoc Romanization and used for the university's name). It was the official academy of the Neo-Confucian Joseon Dynasty, founded in 1398, and its modern incarnation as a university dates back to 1946. Currently, Sungkyunkwan University is affiliated with the Samsung Business Group. Its curriculum remains Confucian, and it is often at the forefront of movements to oppose and undo modern liberal social reforms, such as the 2008 change to the vital records registry that replaced old Confucian family census registers with a more modern one (and eliminated special rights reserved for "head of household," a status only married men were eligible for) as well as the 2005 marriage law changes that eliminated the ban on marriage between people of same surnames (the ban was a major headache in a country that is 22% Kim and 45% Kim/Lee/Park). Sungkyunkwan's school motto is Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom (仁義禮智/인의예지), which would better be translated to "Pursue Truth and Embody Social Justice."

Popular places to visit

Myeongdong shopping street at night in Seoul. Seoul, South Korea, 2015.

Myeongdong Street

When you visit Myeongdong Street, a popular shopping spot in Seoul, you can search for that perfect souvenir. Visit the shops and charming cafes in this culturally rich area.

Myeongdong Street
Scenic park at downtown of Seoul, South Korea

Lotte World

Have a fun-filled day at Lotte World and see why people love this theme park in Seoul. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Lotte World
Namdaemun Market featuring a city, street scenes and markets

Namdaemun Market

This traditional Korean market is the largest and oldest in Seoul, and where you’ll find all manner of clothes and food at very reasonable prices.

Namdaemun Market
Dongdaemun Market featuring night scenes, street scenes and a city

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

This sizable commercial district is home to a staggering number of shopping malls, specialty stores and traditional Korean marketplaces.

Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
Lotte World Tower which includes a high-rise building

Lotte World Tower

Stunning city views, an aquarium, shops and restaurants are part of this futuristic tower that looms over the southern banks of the Han River.

Lotte World Tower
COEX Convention and Exhibition Center featuring signage

COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

You don’t have to be in Seoul for a conference or fair to appreciate the facilities of COEX, South Korea’s outstanding events center and mall in Gangnam.

COEX Convention and Exhibition Center

Activities

GyeongBokGung Palace

Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)

AU$84
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)
Tour Seoul’s oldest district with a storyteller from Bukchon

Tour Seoul’s oldest district with a storyteller from Bukchon

AU$59
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour Seoul’s oldest district with a storyteller from Bukchon
Talk with North Korean Defector

Signature DMZ Tour: Exclusive Defector Talk & Suspension Bridge

AU$58
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Signature DMZ Tour: Exclusive Defector Talk & Suspension Bridge
Boat Voyage in Imjin River flowing out of North Korea to South Korea

[DMZ Adventure] DMZ and optional Boat Voyage in River

AU$52
per adult
[DMZ Adventure] DMZ and optional Boat Voyage in River
Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental

Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental

AU$14
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental
Suwon Hwaseong+Gwangmyeong Cave+Starfield Library from Seoul

Suwon Hwaseong+Gwangmyeong Cave+Starfield Library from Seoul

AU$78
per adult
Suwon Hwaseong+Gwangmyeong Cave+Starfield Library from Seoul
See all activities in Seoul

Our pick of the best Daehangno Hotel Deals

Orakai Daehakro Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Orakai Daehakro Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3.5 out of 5
180, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$138 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
AU$138
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dongdaemun History and Culture Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (639 reviews)
Clean room, very friendly staff

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Orakai Daehakro Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Mayplace Seoul

Mayplace Seoul

3.5 out of 5
179, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$82 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
AU$82
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (670 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025

Mayplace Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$271 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$271
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Clean, filtered water and coffee maker available in room which is convenient for longer stays.

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$125 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
AU$125
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,255 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG

4 out of 5
23-1 Eulji-ro 19-gil, Jung-gu Seoul
The price is AU$125 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
AU$125
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Myeongdong Street and Dongdaemun ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,048 reviews)
Breakfast was good. Friendly and helpful hotel staff.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station

4 out of 5
76, Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$120 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
AU$120
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,733 reviews)
Clean and convenient location

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station
See all 2,472 properties in Daehangno
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Daehangno

Insadong featuring art and interior views

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong

While you're in Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong, take in top sights like Insa-dong or Gwangjang Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Anguk Station or Jongno 3-ga Station.

Jongno-1.2.3.4 ga-dong
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Euljiro-dong

While you're in Euljiro-dong, take in top sights like Chungmu-ro or Cheonggyecheon, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Euljilo 3-ga Station.

Euljiro-dong
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while in the area.

Insa-dong
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park featuring a city as well as a small group of people

Gwanghui-dong

While you're in Gwanghui-dong, take in top sights like Migliore Mall and jump on the metro at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station to see more of the city.

Gwanghui-dong
Dongdaemun Design Plaza which includes modern architecture as well as a couple

Jung-gu

4.5/5(171 area reviews)

Myeongdong Street and Chungmu-ro are top sights in Jung-gu, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Euljiro 4-ga Station or Chungmuro Station to see more sights in the area.

Jung-gu
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(45 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu

Daehangno Travel Guide

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