There is a place where past inspirations and modern busy lives coexist. it’s Seochon, which is located near Gyeongbokgung Station. There are many companies and restaurants around Gwanghwamun. Seochon is also famous for dating courses for lovers due to a recent romantic TV program. Seochon has recently become the most popular place among young people in their 20s and 30s, as it has a combination of past and present sophistication, and is rich in things to see, eat, and experience. Therefore, the Pharos decidid to investigate this village.

Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway

- Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

First we will introduces the most traditional relaxing Korean-style place in Seoul, where many tall buildings are concentrated. it is the Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway. Gyeongbokgung is popular with citizens because of its scenic beauty. In Seoul, which used to be the capital of Joseon, there are several beautiful stonewall walkways near the old palace. The Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway is one of them. Gyeongbokgung is the representative palace of Joseon. The 2.6-kilometer-long road is the longest stonewall walkway in Korea. If you walk slowly, it usually takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete the route. The Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway had been difficult to access for ordinary citizens for a long time. However, in June 2017, the northern road of Gyeongbokgung, the front road of Cheongwadae, was fully opened and reborn as a street for citizens. Anyone can freely use the road and take a complete walk along the stone wall. Some important features of Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway can be found at the four main gates, which are located in the east, west, south, and north. You can see large gates such as Dongmun - Gunchunmun, Seomun - Yeongchumun, Nammun - Gwanghwamun, and Bukmun - Shinmumun, something that is not easily done when strolling along other ancient palace stone walls walkway. Among them, the atmosphere in Gwanghwamun is overwhelming. As the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, it is the largest and has three gates. Looking south of Gwanghwamun, you can see tall buildings standing on both sides of Gwanghwamun Square and busy people walking around. It seems that the past and the present coexist there. Another feature is that Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway serves as a channel between Seochon and Bukchon, cultural neighborhoods to the west and east. In a word, it is a stone wall road where you can enjoy history and culture together.

Tosokchon Samgyetang

- Address: Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

There are various types of restaurants in Seochon. There are many restaurants with interior design and menus that stimulate the emotions of young people, and there are also popular restaurants that satisfy both men and women. This month, during the Dog Day season, The Pharos chose “Tosokchon Samgyetang,” among the many restaurants in Seochon. The traditional Korean-style house restaurant is located near Gyeongbokgung. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, guests were allowed them to enter the restaurant only after taking a temperature and hand sanitizer. The interior of the restaurant was unusual, unlike ordinary restaurants. A large tree was placed in the center hall of the restaurant, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The space was divided into tables and sitting on the floor. The Pharos chose the table area. The menu was written in Chinese, Japanese and English in addition to Korean for the many foreign guests, and how to eat samgyetang was written on the menu. The basic side dishes included raw garlic, ssamjang, kkakdugi, and fresh kimchi, and in particular, we enjoyed the a glass of ginseng wine was served before the meal. With the scent of ginseng, we could appreciate the flavor. samgyetang was also rich in various nuts. we could eat tender lean meat and thick soup with gusto.

The price was a bit expensive at 18,000 won, but we felt it was worth it to enjoy the traditional Korean-style house and the food.

Onground Cafe

- Address: 23 Jahamun-ro 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Near Gyeongbokgung there is a cafe that stimulates people’s emotions.

It’s the “Onground Cafe.” Unlike ordinary cafes, the cafe has artworks or exhibits placed inside. It is also highlighted by a warm wood tone interior as well as the fact that it is a comfortable place for people to relax. Also, there is a period when the cafe is devoted to exhibitions. They are said to be held every month. However, given that the last exhibition was in January this year, the corona virus outbreak seems to have stopped the exhibition for a while. The interior is crumbled and broken brick-type walls. The store looks small at the entrance, if you keep going along the aisle, there is a table in the outside. Since it was hot, most of the guests settled down at the indoor table, but it would be nice to have a cup of coffee at the outdoor table in spring or fall. Beyond the outdoor space, there is another indoor space. There too, there are several tables around large speakers. If you want a quieter atmosphere than the entrance space, the Pharos recommends you settle down there. In addition, various table shapes and chairs attract customers’ attention. Inside the cafe are books related to architecture and photography, as well as photographs taken with film that are cameras, displayed on the walls and in the decor. Finally, the most basic and important beverage, the coffee tastes very good. The price is more expensive than at other cafes, but it is not a waste of money because there are various photo displays and exhibits that can leave memories.If you’re tired of your busy daily life and want to enjoy relaxation in a place not far away, why don’t you visit the shops in Seochon Alley where tradition and modernity coexist, and the Gyeongbokgung Stonewall Walkway where history, culture and romance coexist?