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 top-notch restaurants 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 vibrant area.

Lotte World
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
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
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
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

Activities

Hyangwonjeon Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace on our Best Seoul City Tour

Best Seoul City Tour (Gyeongbokgung Palace,Insadong,Namsan Tower)

AU$42
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Best Seoul City Tour (Gyeongbokgung Palace,Insadong,Namsan Tower)
GyeongBokGung Palace

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

AU$80
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)
Changing of Guard Ceremony

Korean Palace and Temple Tour in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple

AU$45
per adult
Korean Palace and Temple Tour in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple
Seoul: Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm opt Railbike

Seoul: Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm opt Railbike

AU$73
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Seoul: Nami Island and Garden of Morning Calm opt Railbike
Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental

Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental

AU$13
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace with Gigibebe Hanbok Rental
Signature DMZ Tour: Exclusive NK Defector Talk +Suspension Bridge

Signature DMZ Tour: Exclusive NK Defector Talk +Suspension Bridge

AU$67
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Signature DMZ Tour: Exclusive NK Defector Talk +Suspension Bridge
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$151 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$151
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (665 reviews)
Clean room and nice staff

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Orakai Daehakro Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu Seoul Seoul
The price is AU$381 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$381
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Best ever !

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Grand Hyatt Seoul
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$200 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$200
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (1,137 reviews)
Very clean and modern hotel. Staff were excellent as well as the amenities. Loved having a washer and dryer in our room, it made the long trip we had much more comfortable and homey.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

HOTEL THE BOTANIK SEWOON MYEONGDONG
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$284 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$284
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (3,346 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay (6 nights) - large room, king-size bed; all very comfortable. Only downside are the room-doors - very difficult to close quietly and some folks are wont to slam them! Very annoying. If soft-close doors, I’d have awarded this place 5 stars. Liked the location and the restaurant was ...

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
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$133 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$133
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,782 reviews)
Rooms where very clean and very quiet. Breakfast was great!

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station
LOTTE CITY HOTEL MYEONGDONG

LOTTE CITY HOTEL MYEONGDONG

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu Seoul
The price is AU$187 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$187
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
LOTTE CITY HOTEL MYEONGDONG
See all 2,514 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.

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Other neighbourhoods around Daehangno

Injeongjeon Hall at Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

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
I came across the Jungbu dried fish market quite by accident, and it was exactly that..a huge market selling mostly dried fish. Many vendors were giving away free samples. I thought it was good, tasting kind of like beef jerky!

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
I didn't go inside the plaza, but was intrigued by this giant silver jelly bean of a building.

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 Bukchon Hanok Village and Statue of Sejong the Great. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu

Daehangno Travel Guide

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