Jongno-gu to Resume 'Alleyway Guide' and 'Seoul Hanyangdoseong Stamp Tour' Programs from November... Alleyway Guides Share Stories of Culturally and Historically Significant Sites with Tourists
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) will resume the 'Alleyway Guide Program' and the 'Seoul Hanyangdoseong Stamp Tour Guide Program,' which were temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, starting this month.
First, the Alleyway Guide Program is a specialized guided tour unique to Jongno, where local residents personally lead tourists visiting Jongno through the nooks and crannies of the alleyways.
It adds a special touch by allowing participants to hear stories about cultural assets and historically significant sites throughout the area from residents who have a deep understanding and affection for the region.
Currently, a total of 24 courses are operated, including Sejong Village, Bukchon, and the March 1st Movement Road, with each course taking about 2 to 3 hours. Since 2011 until 2019, the district has trained 1st to 5th generation alleyway guides composed of residents. Currently, 51 guides are active, actively promoting the charm of Jongno to tourists through warm and heartfelt explanations.
If you wish to use the program, you can apply on the Jongno-gu Office website at least 3 days before the departure date. Applications are possible for one or more persons, but guided tours are provided only if three or more people gather on the departure date. Applications are accepted from upper-grade elementary school students and above, and groups of 10 or more must apply at least 5 days in advance.
The Seoul Hanyangdoseong Stamp Tour Guide Program allows participants to walk the entire 18.627 km length of Hanyangdoseong, enjoying trekking while listening to explanations about its long history, various cultural assets, and ecological environment.
In Jongno-gu, the stamp tour is conducted with storytelling about the meaning behind the names of the Four Great Gates, which were named after the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom during the Joseon Dynasty. While walking the fortress, collecting all four stamps at the Four Great Gates locations entitles participants to receive a completion commemorative badge at a designated place.
The program operates four courses: Baegak, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwang. Since Jongno-gu and Jung-gu, where Hanyangdoseong is located, jointly operate the program, applications for the 3rd course Namsan must be made through Jung-gu.
The 1st course, Baegak (Bukak) Mountain course, is a walking tour from Changuimun to Hyehwamun. The 2nd course, Naksan, starts at Hyehwamun and covers Naksan Park, Dongdaemun Fortress Park, Gwanghuimun, and more. The 4th course, Inwangsan, begins at Sungnyemun and passes by Paejaehakdang, Jeongdong Church, Donuimun site, Yoon Dong-ju Literature Museum, ending at Changuimun.
The Seoul Hanyangdoseong Stamp Tour Program also requires prior reservation and can be applied for on the district office website at least 3 days before the departure date. If three or more participants are recruited, the free guided tour program is available. Comfortable clothing such as sneakers or hiking shoes and drinking water are essential, and children below elementary school age cannot participate.
Kim Young-jong, Mayor of Jongno-gu, stated, “The Alleyway Guide and Seoul Hanyangdoseong Stamp Tour are specialized programs that can only be experienced in Jongno. We recommend taking the time to enjoy in-depth explanations while exploring various parts of the area and Hanyangdoseong, and savoring the deepening autumn atmosphere.”
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