[One Day Walk] A Glimpse into the Lives of Artists at the Foot of Bukaksan

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides walking course recommendations for subscribers of the ‘Harumanbo Harucheonja’ newsletter. The Harumanbo content is organized daily and monthly around themes, featuring courses recommended by Asia Economy, government, local authorities, experts, and subscribers.

Seochon Hanok Village

Today's recommended course is the route from Gwanghwamun to the foothills of Bugaksan.

Starting from Gwanghwamun, you pass by the Government Seoul Office and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, then enter Seochon Hanok Village.

After briefly touring the open Cheongwadae (Blue House), the path leads toward Gyeongbok High School and Gyeonggi Commercial High School. On the left roadside of the Buam-dong hilltop, there is the Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum. The hill on the left side of the pass is named ‘Poet’s Hill.’ It is said that Yun Dong-ju, who lived in Buam-dong, often visited this place.

Buam-dong, known as ‘Jamun Bak’ (outside Jahamun) because it lies outside Jahamun, one of the four small gates of the Seoul Fortress Wall also called Changui Gate, is a neighborhood filled with the artistic atmosphere of alley courtyards. The name Buam-dong (付岩洞) originates from the presence of Buchim Rock here. According to legend, if you rub a stone against this rock as many times as your age and then release it, the stone will stick to the rock, and you will have a son.

Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum

Passing Jahamun and going a bit further, you will find the Hwanggi Art Museum. The small white museum building itself is a work of art. Retracing your steps back up the road and following the sign toward the ‘Sanmotungi’ caf? on the main alley, the caf? appears. It is a famous spot featured as the home of music director Choi Han-sung (played by Lee Sun-kyun) in the drama Coffee Prince 1st Shop, attracting many Hallyu tourists from Japan, China, and other countries.

Stepping out onto the rear terrace, you can't help but exclaim in admiration. The view overlooking the Buam-dong area is truly spectacular. Leaving Sanmotungi and following the curve of the mountain corner as its name suggests, you will find Baeksasil on the left, where the ‘Sanyuhwa’ caf? is located. Climbing back up the hill and following the road a bit further, you will meet the ‘Bugak Skyway’ in front of a military base. Following this road leads to Bugak Pavilion, and continuing further, you can meet the Kim Shin-jo route at Haneulmaru. To the left, Bukhansan Mountain appears as if within reach.