2024/07/10
Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization |
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This newsletter, issued by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
โป Please note that the "KR" on a button indicates that the website is available only in Korean.
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Seoul is filled with some truly beautiful and amazing places!
Some were even used as shooting locations for famous K-dramas and movies!
You will find that Seoul has numerous spots, hidden all around, that have been used as backdrops for your favorite TV dramas and movies!
Let's explore them!
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โ Cheonggye Plaza and Gwangtonggyo Bridge
#QueenOfTears #MarryMyHusband #LovetstruckInTheCity #Cheonggyecheon #CheonggyePlaza #GwangtonggyoBridge
"A Stream that Runs Through the Heart of Downtown Seoul"
Cheonggyecheon, a stream that runs through the heart of Seoulโs downtown area, has become a symbol of the cityโs urban development.๐ฃโโ๏ธ
Today, it serves as a popular walking path and urban retreat for Seoul office workers. The beloved landmark has been the filming location for numerous TV dramas, including <Queen of Tears>, <Marry My Husband>, and <Lovestruck in the City>.
There are many bridges along Cheonggyecheon~๐ and among them, you could argue that Gwangtonggyo Bridge is the most important. A large bridge that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, it was famous for attracting people on day of the first full moon of the lunar year for the traditional bridge-crossing game called "Dapgyo.โ.๐
Today, it continues to play an important role as a place for friendly chats between office workers. How about taking a from your busy Seoul sightseeing to enjoy a chat by Cheonggyecheon?
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[TIP]โ
-Address: 1 Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul |
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โก Sewoon Plaza and Seungyo Bridge
#Vincenzo #SeungyoBridge #ElectronicsMarket #Retro #Observatory #MZHotspot #EmotionalCafe
"May the Energy of the World Gather Here!"
If you walk from Gwangtonggyo Bridge to Seungyo Bridge, which takes about 30 minutes, you will come across Sewoon Plaza. To the right of Seungyo Bridge you will find Sewoon Plaza, and to the left you will find Sewoon Cheonggye Arcade.
The Korean name of Sewoon Plaza means โMay the energy of the world gather here.โ Originally a mecca for electronic equipment, it was Koreaโs first comprehensive electronics mall, and a famous landmark for quite some time..๐ป
Today, amidst a retro resurgence, Sewoon Plaza has evolved into a popular hotspot among Millennials and Generation Zers. It features numerous eateries, cafes, and night markets that blend nostalgia and sentimentality.โ๐ฐ
It gained even more fame after it was featured in the TV drama Vincenzo (starring Song Joong-ki) as โGeumga Plaza,โ where gold bars worth KRW 40 billion were hidden.๐ธ๐ฐ
While you spend a day having fun at Sewoon Plaza, you will inevitably lose track of time. At dusk, make sure to visit the Sewoon Rooftop Observatory! From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Jongmyo and Bukhansan Mountain against the backdrop of the sun setting over Seoul, where nature and Seoulโs palaces blend into a beautiful landscape.๐ |
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[TIP]โ
-Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AMโ7:00 PM / Saturday: 9:00 AMโ7:00 PM Varies by store / Closed on Sundays and public holidays
-Address: 159, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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โข Seonungak
#Mr.Sunshine #StonewallPath #OutdoorGarden #Hanok #BukhansanMountain #Tea
"The Largest Hanok Cafe, Nestled in Bukhansan Mountain"
In the TV drama <Mr. Sunshine>, the scene in which the chraracter Ae-shin((played by Kim Tae-Ri) climbs over the consulate wall, walks with Choi(played by Lee Byuong-hun), and later confronts Japanese soldiers was filmed at Seonungak.
The historical background of the Korean Empire era and the quaint atmosphere of Seonungak blend well here, bringing to mind scenes from the drama. Walk along the stone walls of Seonungak, and you will feel like the protagonist of the historical drama.
Seonungak's interior is adorned with outdoor garden seats and traditional hanok architecture, offering a variety of atmospheres. It is particularly renowned for its stunning views of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.๐ธ๐
Enjoy a moment of tranquility with a cup of tea while gazing at the Bukhansan scenery in a serene hanok at Seonungak.
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[TIP]โ
-Hours: Weekdays and weekends 11:00 AMโ7:00 PM / Closed on Wednesdays
-Address: 223, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
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โฃ Gamgodang-gil
#Guardian:TheLonelyandGreatGod #TrueBeauty #OurBelovedSummer #StonewallPath #DuksungGirlsHighSchool #SonghyeonNeighborhoodPark #SeoulMuseumOfCraftArt #TreeLinedStreet
"Experience the Past at Gamgodang-gil"
It is said that Gamgodang was given its name by King Yeongjo in based on the fact that Queen Inhyeonโs residence was in this area.๐คด
Currently, Duksung Girls' Middle School and Dusksung Girls' High School are located along Gamgodang-gil, which is filled with charming and pretty shops.
The stone walls running along the rows of trees add to its picturesque charm, making it a popular dating spot for couples.๐ซ
For these reasons, it is often featured in K-dramas such as <Guardian: The Lonely and Great God>, <True Beauty>, and <Our Beloved Summer>.
To reach Gamgodang-gil, you can use the alley between the Seoul Museum of Craft Art and Songhyeon Neighborhood Park. Along the way, you will find the vast Songhyeon Square, a popular spot to admire the flowers.๐ผ๐น๐
Next to it, stands the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, where various crafts are exhibited, and where visitors can enjoy hands-on activities.
The path leading up to Gamgodang-gil is indeed beautiful and atmospheric, carrying a charming resonance as suggested by its name. It is cherished and beloved by many thanks to its nostalgic ambiance. Be sure to visit Gamgodang-gil with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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[TIP]โ
-Address: Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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โค Hyemindang and Coffee Hanyakbang
#HotelDelLuna #LovelyRunner #Euljiro #Newtro #Vintage #Cafe
"Retro Attractions That Represent Hipjiro"
With the rise of the retro trend, places that capture the old alleyway charm have gained immense popularity, as introduced in our last issue! Among these, vintage cafes like โCoffee Hanayakbangโ and "Hyemindangโ in an area known as Hipjiro (Hip place + Euljiro) have become iconic spots.๐ฎโ
Coffee Hanayakbang is located at the old Hyeminseo, where the famous Jeoson doctor โHeo Junโ treated his patients. ๐ฉบ๐
Across from it, you will find Hyemindang. Preserving the interior design from the Enlightenment period, both cafes exude a strong retro vibe.
In the well-known drama TV drama <Hotel del Luna>, which was a hit in countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand, there is a scene in which Man-wol (played by IU) and Chan-sung (played by Yeo Jin-goo) eat red bean porridge together. This scene was filmed at Hyemindang.๐ฅฃ
The location is so well-known that nearby office workers and tourists often line up to enjoy the cafรฉโs delicious desserts and unique interior!
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[TIP]โ
-Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 AMโ10:00 PM / Saturday: 11:00 AMโ10:00 PM / Sunday: 11:00 AMโ8:00 PM
-Address: 16-6, Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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โฅ Saeseoul
#WhenTheCamelliaBlooms #ExtraordinaryAttorneyWoo #Ikseon-dong #Arcade #LoungeBar
"Old and New Seoul Heritages"
Hotel Seine, once a landmark of Ikseon-dong, Jongno, was the filming location for Hotel del Luna. After undergoing renovations, it was transformed from an inn into a cafรฉ.
A pink brick-covered exterior and an interior filled with antique decorations blend seamlessly to create a nostalgic and exotic atmosphere, making it a very popular coffee shop.๐ฉ
Last year, it was transformed yet again into a new complex entertainment space combining an arcade, cafรฉ, and rooftop lounge, and was reborn as Saeseoul.
The first and second floors feature a retro-themed arcade, while the third to fifth floors operate as a terrace cafรฉ lounge bar. The Saeseoul arcade has gained even more fame as a filming location for popular TV dramas <When the Camellia Blooms> and <Extraordinary Attorney Woo>. ๐ฎ
If you're in Ikseon-dong, Jongno, Saeseoul is definitely a place you want to visit!
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[TIP]โ
-Hours:
*Saeseoul Comcom Arcade: 24/7, open year-round
*Saeseoul Lounge Bar: Daily 17:00โ01:00
-Address: 28-5, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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โฆ Suyeonsanbang
#TheWorldOfTheMarried #Traditional #Hanok #Dessert #SweetPumpkinBingsu #JujubeTea
"The Small House Where Literary People Gather"
Suyeonsanbang, which means "a small house where literary people gather," was the residence of the writer Sangheo Lee Tae-jun and a popular retreat for many literary figures.
Today, Suyeonsanbang serves as a traditional tea house where you can enjoy omija tea and traditional Korean sweets and cookies in a serene hanok setting.๐ต
The TV drama <The World of the Married>, which captivated audience worldwide for its dramatic storyline adapted from a British original, featured the tea house as a rice cake shop.
Thanks to its traditional hanok interior and nostalgic feel, tourists have been flocking to tea house since the drama aired.
Unlike other hanok cafes with newly renovated modern interiors, Suyeonsanbang has painstakingly preserved the authentic feel of Korean hanoks.
Here you can enjoy their signature dish, the Sweet Pumpkin Bingsu, and feel like a scholar from the past savoring traditional Korean treats!๐จ
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[TIP]โ
-Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays / Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 AMโ5:50 PM / Saturday: 11:30 AMโ6:00 PM, 7:00 PMโ9:50 PM / Sunday: 11:30 AMโ7:40 PM
-Address: 8, Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
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โง Korean Stone Art Museum
#QueenOfTears #StoneArtifacts #Museum #Seongbuk-dong #Exhibition #Rooftop
"Korea's First Museum Dedicated to Stone Artifacts"
The recently aired TV drama <Queen of Tears> featured the Korean Stone Art Museum, which was the residence of the protagonists Hyun-woo (played by Kim Soo-hyun) and Hae-in (played by Kim Ji-won).
This is Korea's first museum dedicated exclusively to stone artifacts, featuring valuable stone relics from all over the country.๐งฑ๐ฟ
The museumโs indoor collection features a wide variety of stone artifacts, and diverse exhibitions have been held following the museumโs re-branding as Museum Wave. Outside, there is a garden where visitors can enjoy a stroll while admiring countless stone relics both small and large. If you continue upward, you will reach a spacious rooftop.
Under the mountains of Seongbuk-dong, you can enjoy both serenity and tranquility while overlooking a panoramic view of downtown Seoul.
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[TIP]โ
-Hours: Closed on Mondays / Weekdays: 10:00 AMโ5:00 PM / Weekends: 10:00 AMโ6:00 PM
โปThe museum is open on Mondays that are public holidays but will then close on the following day (Tuesday).
-Adress: 66, Daesagwan-ro 13-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul,
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A Word from the Seoul Tourism Organization๐
It would be fun to recreate and film yourself as the main character in a scene from a movie, drama, or music video that you love, wouldn't it?
London has its blue plaques, and now Seoul has Soul Spots!
Soul Spots are selected filming locations from K-dramas, K-movies, and K-pop that showcase the heart of K-content to international tourists!
The final list will be released soon, so please stay tuned!๐
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