[One Day Walk] Following the Traces of Artists... Seochon Village

Today's walking course heads to Seochon Village.

Seochon is located west of Gyeongbokgung Palace and has been called Seochon since the Joseon Dynasty. This contrasts with Bukchon Hanok Village nearby, which is situated north of Gyeongbokgung and thus called Bukchon. Seochon has long been famous as a neighborhood where artists lived; artists such as Gyeomjae Jeong Seon and Chusa Kim Jeonghui also settled in Seochon. In modern times, it is said that painter Lee Jung-seop and poet Yun Dong-ju also resided in Seochon. Today's walking course follows in their footsteps.

The course starting from Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station heads to Baeksong Site in Tongui-dong, where the Baeksong (White Pine) once stood. The Baeksong originally at this site was 16 meters tall and 5 meters in circumference, making it the largest and most beautiful in Korea, and it was designated as Natural Monument No. 4. However, it fell during heavy rains in July 1997 and despite efforts to revive it, it did not survive. Now only the stump remains, showing that this was the site of the Baeksong.

Next, the course moves to Sangchonjae, a traditional hanok cultural space. Sangchonjae was transformed into a cultural space where visitors can experience traditional culture after Jongno-gu purchased a hanok abandoned for a long time. Built in the late 19th century in the traditional hanok style, this place offers an exhibition space where visitors can experience Korea’s unique residential culture and appreciate the excellence of ondol (underfloor heating). At the same time, programs to experience traditional culture such as hanbok and crafts are regularly operated.

After visiting the Yun family house in Ogin-dong, the next destination is Suseongdong Valley. Located on the slopes of Inwangsan near Seochon, Suseongdong Valley was named for the loud sound of water during the Joseon Dynasty. The scenery was so beautiful that many poets frequently visited the place. Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, a late Joseon painter, depicted Suseongdong with its stone bridge in his 'Jangdong Palgyeongcheop' (Album of Eight Scenic Views of Jangdong). The site of Suseongdong Valley once had the Ogin Demonstration Apartment, but after its demolition in 2011, the valley was restored.

Next, the course searches for traces of poet Yun Dong-ju. The site of Yun Dong-ju’s boarding house is where he stayed for about five months while attending Yeonhui Professional School (now Yonsei University). It was the home of novelist Kim Song, whom he respected. During his stay here, the poet wrote ten poems including 'Night of Counting Stars' and 'Self-Portrait.' The original hanok no longer exists, replaced by a general multi-family house, but a sign on the wall reading 'Yun Dong-ju Boarding House' marks the site.

Passing by the Park Nosu Art Museum, Lee Sang-beom’s house, and the site of No Cheon-myeong’s house, the course heads to the home of writer Lee Sang, famous for works such as 'Five Senses' and 'Wings.' This is where Lee Sang lived for 20 years until he was 23 after being adopted by his uncle. The house was opened as a cultural space in 2009, and in the facility’s 'Lee Sang’s Room,' visitors can glimpse his artistic world and life story.

Finally, the walking course concludes by moving to Geumcheongyo Market, a traditional market near Gyeongbokgung Station.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.