I will guide you on the charm of the streets, the beautiful stories embedded in Jeongdong-gil, and how to fully enjoy Jeongdong-gil at 100%.
The Charming Jeongdong-gil: The Most Beautiful Stone Wall Street in the World
The allure of Jeongdong-gil lies in its stone wall street that meanders along the Deoksugung Palace. Lined with trees, this stone wall street showcases the refined and tranquil scholar culture of Joseon, known as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm,’ for over 500 years. There’s an intriguing story associated with this stone wall street: in the early 2000s, there was a legend that strolling along Jeongdong Stone Wall Street with your lover would lead to a breakup. Couples on dates used to avoid this street due to this belief.
There are various explanations for the origin of this legend, but one of them links it to the fact that the Seoul Family Court used to be located near Jeongdong-gil in the past. Couples heading for divorce would walk this street, marking the final chapter of their relationship. Consequently, it became associated with tales of parting. However, the Seoul Family Court has since relocated, and this legend has transformed into a lighthearted anecdote. Nowadays, Jeongdong-gil is one of the most beloved date spots for couples.”
Please note that this is a creative translation, as some nuances in the story may not have direct English equivalents.
Jeongdong-gil: A Blend of Past and Present
When you look at Jeongdong-gil, it carries an old-world charm while seamlessly blending with the modern cityscape, creating a strikingly beautiful atmosphere. This captivating ambiance is thanks to the presence of century-old historic modern Korean buildings.
In the heart of Jeongdong-gil, you’ll find the National Central Theater, a theater with a history spanning over a century. It continues to host major cultural and artistic performances in Seoul. While there may be an admission fee, entering the theater’s interior is free, so be sure to step inside and capture some fantastic photographs.
As you walk along Jeongdong-gil, on your left side, you’ll come across Ewha Girls’ High School, a high school with significant historical value in its own right. Ewha Girls’ High School traces its roots back to Ewha Hakdang, an early 20th-century institution for women’s education. It holds a prominent place in Korean modern history for producing leading female intellectuals. While the school’s buildings have been reconstructed, the Simpson Memorial Hall at the school’s entrance has been faithfully restored to its original appearance from a century ago. It stands as a historical building preserving the essence of Korean modern history.
Enjoying Jeongdong-gil to the Fullest – Jeongdong-gil Cafes
As you stroll along Jeongdong-gil, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, ‘I’d like to have a cup of coffee.’ Jeongdong-gil offers different charms and flavors in every season, be it spring, summer, autumn, or winter. However, no matter the season, it’s a place that perfectly complements the aroma of coffee. That’s why you’ll find a row of charming small cafes around Jeongdong-gil. While well-known coffee chains like Starbucks offer delightful coffee, I highly recommend stepping into one of the cozy local coffee shops if you visit Jeongdong-gil, where you can savor the leisure of a cup of coffee.
