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| Visit Korea |
Seochon Village, west of Gyeongbokgung Palace,
is a neighborhood where Korea’s history, literature, and art converge. From Joseon
painters like Gyeomjae Jeongseon to modern poets like Yun Dong-ju
and avant-garde writer I Sang, this area has been home to generations of
cultural icons. Walking through Seochon is like following their footsteps,
while also enjoying lively markets and cultural spaces reborn in hanok houses.
This itinerary offers a 3–4 hour sentimental walk,
starting from Gyeongbokgung Station, and weaving through historic homes, artist
spaces, and literary landmarks.
Main Attractions (Walking Route)
1. Tongui-dong Pine Tree Sites (통의동 백송터)
A symbolic site once known for its ancient white
pines. Though the trees are gone, it reflects the natural charm that once
shaped Seochon’s identity.
2. Tongin Market (통인시장)
Established in the 1940s, Tongin Market is best known
for its Dosirak Café, where visitors exchange brass coins (yeopjeon)
for a variety of banchan to fill a lunchbox tray. A fun and delicious way to
begin your Seochon walk.
3. Sangchonjae Hanok House (상촌재)
A restored hanok cultural facility. Inside, you can
explore the structure of traditional houses, learn about the ondol
floor-heating system, and appreciate the beauty of Korean wooden
architecture.
4. Ogin-dong Yun Family’s House (옥인동 윤씨 가옥)
This hanok residence belonged to the Yun family, a
respected lineage. It provides a glimpse of noble family life in the late
Joseon period.
5. Boan1942 (보안1942)
Originally opened as an inn in 1942, this historic
building has been transformed into a cultural complex featuring art
exhibitions, a café, and a bookstore. Its retro-modern atmosphere captures both
the nostalgia of the past and the creativity of the present.
6. Suseong-dong Valley (수성동계곡)
A scenic stream where Joseon painters like Gyeomjae
Jeongseon once found inspiration. Today, it’s a refreshing green retreat in
the city, perfect for a quiet pause.
7. Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관)
Just a short walk uphill from Suseong-dong Valley,
this hanok-style library offers a tranquil space for reading. Its most famous
feature is a waterfall view framed by a large window—a rare and calming sight
in central Seoul.
8. Inwangsan The Forest Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)
A former Cheong Wa Dae guard post repurposed as a café
and bookstore. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views over Seoul, including
Namsan and N Seoul Tower, while sipping coffee among books.
9. Yun Dong-ju’s Boarding House Site (윤동주 하숙집 터)
The poet Yun Dong-ju once lived here during his
student days, writing poems that expressed longing and resistance during the
colonial period. The site is preserved as a reminder of his short yet impactful
life.
10. Park No-soo Art Museum (박노수미술관)
The hanok residence of painter Park No-soo,
later converted into a museum. It showcases his artworks and private
collection, blending fine art with the intimate setting of a traditional home.
11. Yi Sang-beom’s House (이상범 가옥)
The former home of Yi Sang-beom, a master of
Korean landscape painting. His works bridged traditional styles with early
modern techniques.
12. Noh Cheon-myeong’s House (노천명 가옥)
The residence of poet Noh Cheon-myeong, whose
lyrical works reflected the sorrows and aspirations of modern Korea.
13. I Sang’s House (이상 가옥)
Avant-garde writer I Sang lived here. Known for
his experimental and modernist works, he remains one of Korea’s most
influential literary figures.
14. Geumcheongyo Market (금천교 시장)
A traditional market where the itinerary comes to an
end. Its stalls selling fresh produce and daily goods reflect the authentic
local life of Seochon residents.
Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁): Seoul’s grandest palace,
directly east of Seochon.
- National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관):
Located at the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung, showcasing royal relics and
cultural treasures.
- Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장): A major civic space with
statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, often hosting cultural
events.
- Buam-dong: A tranquil hillside neighborhood with cafés and art galleries.
- Samcheong-dong: Chic shops and galleries east of the palace, perfect for extending
your walk.
Itinerary Tip
- Length of Tour: ~4 hours at a moderate pace, including breaks at cafés and markets.
- Start Point: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 3.
- The
order is designed to flow naturally from historic hanok residences and
cultural facilities, to scenic valley spots, to markets.
- Wear
comfortable shoes—some areas involve uphill walking, especially around
Inwangsan.
Final Thoughts
This expanded Seochon itinerary combines art,
literature, history, and everyday life. From hanok residences of Korea’s
greatest painters and poets, to cultural hubs like Boan1942, to scenic
retreats such as Suseong-dong Valley, Cheongun Literature Library,
and The Forest Chosochaekbang, you’ll experience both the intimate and
grand stories of Seoul.
Seochon’s alleys carry the spirit of artists who lived
and dreamed here. By walking their paths, you don’t just see Seoul’s past—you
feel it.
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