[SEOUL] Encountering Seoul’s Modern and Contemporary History in the Back Alleys of Seodaemun / 4K

The route stretching from Seodaemun Station to Dongnimmun Station is a historic path that preserves the legacy of pivotal moments in modern and contemporary history. It begins at Gyeonggyojang—which served as the final headquarters of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and the office of Baekbeom Kim Koo—and continues to Dilkusha and the Hong Nan-pa House, both of which retain the aesthetic of Western-style modern architecture from the Japanese colonial period. It offers a unique atmosphere—serene and exotic—that makes it hard to believe you are in the heart of downtown Seoul. ** Hot Spots ** #Gyeonggyojang: Located within the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital complex near Seodaemun Station, this was the final headquarters of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and the office of Baekbeom Kim Koo. #Woram Neighborhood Park: A tranquil hillside park connected to the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) trail, offering scenery that harmonizes with the surrounding urban skyline. #Hong Nan-pa House: An exotic, Swiss-style modern building characterized by its red brickwork and ivy-covered exterior. #Dilkusha: A Western-style house meaning "Palace of Heart's Delight"; it was the home of journalist Albert Taylor, who first reported news of the March 1st Independence Movement to the international press. #Dongnimmun (Independence Gate): A granite arch symbolizing national independence, standing majestically in the center of Seodaemun Independence Park. ** Recommended Restaurants & Cafes ** #Dongnip Milbang (Dongnimmun): An atmospheric Italian brunch restaurant tucked away in a hanok (traditional Korean house) alley near Dongnimmun Station. #Daeseongjip: A restaurant specializing in doganitang (ox-knee cartilage soup) with a 60-year history; it has long been recognized in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. #Yeongcheon Market: A charming traditional market situated between Seodaemun and Dongnimmun, bustling with lively street food stalls offering treats like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), twisted doughnuts (*kkwabaegi*), and sundae (Korean blood sausage). #Osteria Gosma: An authentic Italian restaurant located in the commercial complex of the Gyeonghuigung Xi apartment complex. #Pyeongyang-ok: A traditional eatery near Seodaemun Station serving deep, clean-tasting dakgomtang (chicken soup) and dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken), both prepared in traditional cauldrons. #Seoul #SeoulWalk #SeoulTravel #SeoulTour #SeoulSubway #SubwayLine3 #SubwayLine5 #DongnimmunStation #SeodaemunStation #Gyeonggyojang #HongNanpaHouse #Dilkusha #WoramNeighborhoodPark