Discover Jeongdong-gil: A European-Style Escape in the Heart of Seoul
๐ฟ Discover Jeongdong-gil: A European-Style Escape in the Heart of Seoul
If you're looking for a peaceful, history-filled stroll through one of Seoul’s most picturesque neighborhoods, welcome to Jeongdong-gil. Located behind Deoksugung Palace and near City Hall Station, this street blends Korea’s modern history with European elegance. From Western-style architecture to tree-lined walkways, historic spots, and artisan cafรฉs, Jeongdong-gil is a hidden gem for anyone visiting Seoul.
๐ Where Is Jeongdong-gil?
Jeongdong-gil (์ ๋๊ธธ) is located in Jung-gu, central Seoul, behind Deoksugung Palace and close to City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2). Though surrounded by modern skyscrapers, Jeongdong-gil offers a serene atmosphere with stone walls, old buildings, and leafy trees.
- Subway: City Hall Station (Exit 1 or 12)
- Best season: Autumn ๐ (October–November)
- Recommended time: Morning to afternoon (10 AM–5 PM)
๐บ️ Suggested Walking Route
- Start at City Hall Station Exit 1
- Visit Jeongdong Observatory (13F, Seoul City Hall Seosomun Annex)
- Explore Deoksugung Palace (Seokjojeon, Jeonggwanheon, Dondeokjeon)
- Walk along the Stone Wall Road (Doldam-gil)
- Check out the Former Russian Legation Tower
- Take the Cecilmaru Observatory elevator
- Stop by the Seoul Museum of Art
- Explore Jungmyeongjeon Hall and Ewha Hakdang Museum
- Relax at cafรฉs and restaurants on Jeongdong-gil
๐ธ Jeongdong Observatory
This free observatory offers sweeping views of Deoksugung Palace and Jeongdong-gil. Located on the 13th floor of the Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building, it’s a peaceful starting point with a cafรฉ to enjoy coffee and the cityscape.
๐️ European Vibes at Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace is Korea’s only royal palace featuring Western-style architecture. Don’t miss:
- Seokjojeon Hall: A neoclassical building built for Emperor Gojong. Join a guided tour to explore the interior and take photos on the terrace.
- Dondeokjeon: Once a venue for foreign dignitaries, now featuring exhibitions on Korea’s diplomatic history.
- Jeonggwanheon Pavilion: Inspired by European garden pavilions, this was Emperor Gojong’s favorite relaxation spot.
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Deoksugung branch): Hosting Korean modern art, such as embroidery and special exhibitions.
Admission: 1,000 KRW | Hours: 9 AM–9 PM (Closed Mondays)
๐ Romantic Walk: Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
Once rumored to break up couples, today Deoksugung Doldam-gil is a beloved walking trail, especially in fall. Highlights include:
- Former Russian Legation Tower: Where King Gojong took refuge after Empress Myeongseong’s assassination.
- Cecilmaru Observatory: A modern viewing deck with a backdrop of a unique cathedral combining Romanesque and Korean styles.
- Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA): Housed in a former courthouse, this Gothic building now offers free exhibitions, including one by Norman Foster.
๐ฅ Jeongdong-gil’s Must-Try Food & Cafรฉs
๐ง Snacks & Desserts
- Liege Waffles: Belgian-style street snack. Visit “The View” on the 5th floor for dessert + Deoksugung views.
- Cafรฉ Doldamgong: Premium crepes with a stylish setting.
- My Secret Den: Quiet by day, wine bar by night. Reservation required.
๐ฒ Korean Meals
- Deoksujeong: Pork belly, spicy squid, and aged stews. TV-featured.
- Pungnyeon Dakdoritang: Rich chicken stew + fried rice combo.
- Dongari: Japanese izakaya run by Japanese expats. Cozy and flavorful.
- Jeongdong Independent Brewery: Great craft beer + pizza in a modern industrial space.
๐️ Cultural Stops & Creative Shops
- Jungmyeongjeon Hall: Royal library turned treaty site. Learn about the 1905 Eulsa Treaty.
- Shin-A Memorial Hall: Indie creator space with workshops and artisan brands.
- Lapalma: Handcrafted interior goods.
- Soil Baker: Studio pottery and curated ceramics.
- Gajungsic Fabric: Artistic fabric showroom and mini gallery.
- Ewha Hakdang Museum: Recreated classroom of independence activist Yu Gwan-sun.
☕ Top Cafรฉs with Vibes
- Roundnd: Famous for financiers (French almond cakes), loved by actor Fabien.
- LePul: Garden terrace cafรฉ with fresh panini and kiwi juice.
- LaGreen: Relaxing terrace cafรฉ near Ewha Girls' High School.
- My Choice Jeongdong: Rooftop + boutique cafรฉ with artisan charm.
๐ Bonus: Jeongdong Night Walk
Every autumn, the Jeongdong Night Walk turns the entire neighborhood into a lighted cultural festival. With music, guided stories, and glowing installations, it’s a magical way to explore Jeongdong after sunset.
๐️ The Real Meaning Behind “Jeongdong”
The name Jeongdong (์ ๋, ่ฒๆด) comes from Jeongneung (์ ๋ฆ, ่ฒ้ต)—the royal tomb of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Her tomb was originally located in what is now Jeongdong 4-gil, near Deoksugung Palace.
Though the tomb was later moved to Seongbuk-gu, the area retained the name “Jeongdong,” meaning “noble tomb neighborhood.” Today, Jeongdong is a legal district (beopjeong-dong) of Seoul’s Jung-gu, and administratively part of Sogong-dong.
๐️ Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors
- ๐ซ Most galleries and cafรฉs are closed on Sundays
- ๐ท Reserve in advance to tour Seokjojeon Hall
- ๐ Wear comfy shoes—expect 2–3 hours of walking
- ๐ Best time: Mid-October to early November for fall leaves
- ๐ Use Google Maps or Naver Map to navigate hidden cafรฉs
๐ Final Thoughts
Jeongdong-gil is more than a street—it’s where Korea’s past meets European elegance. Whether you're snapping photos by the stone walls, sipping tea in a sunlit garden cafรฉ, or learning about Korea’s diplomatic history, this neighborhood offers something for everyone.
๐ Add Jeongdong-gil to your Seoul itinerary—you won’t regret it!
