[The Future of Seochon]⑦ "Seochon Inspiring Imagination... Harmonious Development Is Important" - Baek Youngran, CEO of History Bookstore

Seochon, Many Places with Historical Significance
Need to Discuss Development Directions with Local Residents
Must Become a Beautiful Old Town Where History Breathes

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Baek Youngran, CEO who opened the History Bookstore in Tongui-dong in May 2018, described Seochon as a "place imbued with historical significance." Located west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon retains a somewhat more modest atmosphere compared to Bukchon. There is a historical reason behind this. Unlike Bukchon, where noblemen lived during the Joseon Dynasty, Seochon was home to middle-class people such as government officials and interpreters.

Seochon is also the area where key figures of modern culture and arts, such as the painter Jeong Seon, calligrapher Kim Jeonghui, modern artists Lee Jungseop and Lee Sangbeom, and poets Yun Dongju and Lee Sang, were active. As a result, traces of these figures are hidden in every corner of Seochon's alleys. When I met CEO Baek in Seochon on the 17th, she said, "There is a joy in imagining the history embedded throughout Seochon," expressing her hope that "it becomes a beautiful old town where history breathes alive."

Baek Young-ran, CEO of History Bookstore. Photo by History Bookstore.

--I understand you originally lived in another neighborhood before settling in Seochon. What distinguishes Seochon from other downtown areas?

▶(Baek Youngran) I lived in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu for a long time and moved to Seochon about two years ago. Nowadays, wherever you go in the city, there are countless signboards. But Seochon has its own quiet charm. It means it is not a commercial neighborhood. To put it simply, you could say it has a "European-style atmosphere." It’s not flashy, but it’s not messy either; it’s a neighborhood with a unique vibe.

It’s also great for walking. There are small alleys everywhere, and since there are palaces, it’s suitable for strolling around and sightseeing. Especially when you walk looking at Bukaksan Mountain from the palace, you feel as if you are a king. Seochon also feels different from Bukchon. Bukchon is famous for its hanok (traditional Korean houses), but Seochon doesn’t have many hanoks. Seochon can be described as a place where you can feel the atmosphere of the 1970s and 1980s.

--Seochon has many places with historical significance, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, right?

▶History is embedded throughout Seochon. This historical nature stimulates people’s imagination. For example, Seochon is the birthplace of King Sejong. Because of this, some people imagine walking the streets that Sejong passed every day. Near the site of Changuigung Palace, there is a place where the calligrapher Kim Jeonghui lived. There are many spaces with historical significance, so naturally, people imagine "what kind of place this was in the past."

Baek Young-ran, CEO of History Bookstore. Photo by History Bookstore.

--Since the recent opening of the Blue House, interest in Seochon seems to have increased. Are you sensing this growing interest?

▶It seems to have become commercially excited. Commercial enthusiasm is not bad, but there are concerning points. For example, as a tenant, there is a possibility that rent will increase. Also, if this enthusiasm is expressed in the wrong way, it could negatively affect the neighborhood. For instance, Seochon could be developed by building apartments and high-rise buildings. I oppose this. It doesn’t fit the atmosphere here, and it would erase Seochon’s unique characteristics. This is not a neighborhood suitable for high-rise buildings.

--Then, what kind of development do you think is appropriate?

▶Not only I but all the residents here have various thoughts about Seochon’s development. There are many Blue House-related buildings as well. Residents are considering various ways to utilize these sites. Some residents say there should be anchor facilities, while others say that since this is a residential neighborhood, living spaces should be created. It is important to communicate continuously with residents who have diverse opinions and develop harmoniously. The key point is that discussions should be made in a way that maintains Seochon’s unique atmosphere while developing.

--What exactly do you mean by maintaining Seochon’s unique atmosphere?

▶Seochon itself is a place that contains history. You can find history not only in buildings and house sites but also in people’s stories. That history includes the Joseon Dynasty through modern and contemporary history. I hope Seochon is developed as a space where history itself can be recalled. It would be good to preserve and develop it as a beautiful old town where history breathes alive.

Exterior view of the History Bookstore located in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by History Bookstore.

--Do you think the increased interest in Seochon following the Blue House opening will be temporary or sustained?

▶Interest in the Blue House opening will be temporary. Since it was not a planned opening, the interest can only be temporary. Although tourists are visiting restaurants and other places a lot now, I believe this boom is temporary. Ultimately, for long-term interest in Seochon, development that does not damage the historical nature of the entire Seochon area is necessary, not just the Blue House opening. How to develop the space left by the Blue House and its annex buildings is another challenge.

--Lastly, how do you envision Seochon’s future?

▶Seochon is a place with a unique atmosphere. Because of this, it can become a place that people from many countries around the world like and relate to. In a way, the area itself is so small that it was somewhat predictable. For example, I almost know every building in this area. But with the Blue House moving out, there are more vacant lots and greater potential for development. Depending on how these lots are developed, the neighborhood can change significantly. This street could become a cultural and artistic street, or more broadly, Seochon itself could become a cultural and artistic neighborhood. It could become a neighborhood unlike any other city in the world. There is a need to discuss Seochon’s future in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government or the government.