[One Day Walk] Alleys Full of Old Charm and Naksan Park... Changsin Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important point for daily walking. We introduce places around subway stations that are good for walking.

The course introduced this time is Changsin Station on Seoul Subway Line 6. The origin of the place name Changsin comes from the early Joseon period when it was called Changsin-dong from 1914, taking the characters from Dongbu Inchangbang and Sungsinbang, two of the 5 districts and 52 neighborhoods of Hansungbu city planning. It forms the eastern end of Jongno-gu and is located on a uniquely steep hill terrain where old multi-family houses are clustered. This area, which had many garment factories during the industrialization period, is now a neighborhood drawing a new future with urban regeneration projects underway.

The starting point of the Changsin Station course, full of old stories and local culture, is Cheongryongsa Temple. Founded during the reign of King Taejo of Goryeo, it is known as a place for Buddhist nuns. Inside, there is a monument called Jeongeopwon Gugi, erected by King Yeongjo in 1771 out of sympathy for Queen Jeongsun, the widow of King Danjong who lost her husband at a young age and spent her later years here. Around Changsin Station, there are many historical sites related to Queen Jeongsun. Dongmangbong and Jajudong Spring are places frequented by her. Dongmangbong is said to be a place she often climbed while mourning Danjong, and Jajudong Spring was where she used to wash clothes for sale. Next to Jajudong Spring is Biudang, the birthplace of Jibong Lee Sugwang, a practical scholar of the Joseon Dynasty. Biudang means 'a house barely able to shelter from the rain.'

Marronnier Park, where the Daehangno Street Performance Festival is being held.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Just a short walk from Biudang leads to Jangsu Village, a community formed by displaced people and those who moved from their hometowns to the city, living in huts and shacks. It has now transformed into a cultural village with alleys and murals where you can feel the old atmosphere. From Jangsu Village, the path leads to Naksan Park. It is part of the Hanyangdoseong Trail where the Seoul City Wall remains, offering a panoramic view of Seoul and is well known as a night view spot. After passing Naksan Park, you arrive at Marronnier Park, a symbol of Daehangno. You can feel the vitality of this representative cultural and artistic street.

Main stops: Changsin Station - Cheongryongsa Temple - Biudang - Jangsu Village - Naksan Park - Marronnier Park

Course distance: 2.4 km Duration: 53 minutes