As most people know, there are many places in Seoul that are worth visiting. You of course are familiar with Lotte World, the ancient palaces, Namsan Tower, Insa-dong, Han River, etc. Here, we want to introduce to you the good places to visit in Seoul with your family, friends, and significant others. Let’s find out what Jongno-gu’s attractions are. There are many places in Jongno-gu where one can come in contact with things Korean; among these are Insadong, Samcheong-dong, and Gahoe-dong. Here, ST will talk about Samcheong-dong and Gahoe-dong.
Gahoe-dong was designated as a Hanok (Korean traditional house) Preservation District in 1981, but such designation was lifted in 1991 for the protection of the residential property therein. This notwithstanding, Hanok Village has been well protected. You can get off at Anguk Station, tread on Gahoe-dong’s pathways, visit Hanok Village of Bukchon, and go cafe-hopping in Samcheong-dong. Hanok Village of Bukchon has some guides who can give you directions. They have Bukchon guide maps and gladly help not only Koreans but also the foreigners who happen to go there as tourists. They are good at foreign languages, particularly Japanese, because a good number of Japanese tourists tour the place.
ST ran into an elderly gentleman named Kang San-hae who happened to be a guide and who was a Japanese teacher in his youth. He talked to us about Hanok Village of Bukchon and gave us directions to Samcheong-dong. ST also asked him about Samcheong-dong.
ST: Do you remember what Samcheong-dong was like in your youth?
Kang: In my youth, Samcheong-dong didn’t have empty houses and was not sophisticated at all, but the Hanoks were recently remodeled. It was also a popular place, especially among lovers, who went there on dates. In fact, whenever one said “I’m going to Samcheong-dong,”he is told, “Ah, you must have a date!”
ST: What do you think are the merits of Samcheong-dong?
Kang: There are many foreigners who visit this place, where things Korean have remained as they are until now. Thus, the occupation of guiding foreigners emerged. I am pleased that the youths of today are developing an interest in the Korean traditions.
If you go down the stone steps from the village, you will see the lane of cafes in Samcheong-dong. Samcheong-dong has countless spectacles and food items. ST went a cafe called aA Cafe. The Cafe has a popular outdoor patio where you can eat Western dishes while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
ST recommends that you visit not only Samcheong-dong and Gahoe-dong but the whole Jongnogu region, where there are many places that you can visit other than those that were mentioned here. Just go and find out what Jongno is like. When you go there, do not forget to bring your camera as there are many great things and places that can be photographed.
Jung Da-hye (ST Reporter)
82260219@ssu.ac.kr
