[One Day Walk] From Jeongneungcheon Stroll to Historical Site Experience... Wolgok Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a mode of transportation 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 great for walking.

Today's course to introduce is Wolgok Station on Seoul Subway Line 6. The name Wolgok-dong, from which Wolgok Station takes its name, originated from Daritgul (gol) Wolgok (月谷), the village attached to a mountain in the current Hawolgok-dong that is shaped like a half moon.

Exiting from Exit 1 of Wolgok Station and walking straight along the road, you will find stairs leading to the Jeongneungcheon Stream walking trail. Jeongneungcheon originates from the Bukhansan valley in Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, flows through Seongbuk-gu and Dongdaemun-gu, and merges with Cheonggyecheon around Yongdu-dong. Cheonggyecheon then merges again with Jungnangcheon before flowing into the main stream of the Han River. Although most sections of Jeongneungcheon have the Naebu Expressway passing over the stream, the riverside has been continuously well maintained recently, making it a popular resting place and walking course for nearby residents. Enjoy the seasonal gifts of flowers, foliage, clear water, ducks and herons by the stream, and the thickets. Along the upper side of the stream, you can also encounter various scenes frequently through small bridges, thanks to the riverside residential areas and roads that have been tightly packed for decades and still remain.

Seongdang Church in Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul [Photo by Dongdaemun-gu Office]

After walking along Jeongneungcheon for over 2 km and reaching the Yakryeong Market area, it is now time to find hidden historical traces near Jegi-dong. Walking about 200 meters west along the road, you will find Jegi-dong Catholic Church. Built in 1957, it is a rectangular stone religious building with a central front bell tower, representing a typical 1950s stone church architecture. Recognized for its value, it was designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site in 2013. The bell tower, front, side entrances, and protruding roof sections are relatively well preserved, making it highly valuable from an architectural preservation perspective.

Crossing the street and walking down a bit from Jegi-dong Catholic Church, you will find the Seonnongdan Shrine site. Seonnongdan is an altar dedicated to the agricultural gods, Shennong and Houji, who are among the ancient Chinese Three Sovereigns. Since the Joseon Dynasty, this ritual became a state ceremony, with the king personally performing the rites every year. It was a very important event in the traditional agrarian society, and there is even a theory that the ritual of eating rice soaked in beef broth at this event is the origin of Seolleongtang (ox bone soup). This site is recognized for its significance and designated as Historic Site No. 436. In addition to the ruins, the Seonnongdan History and Culture Center has also been established, where visitors can view relic exhibitions and participate in experiences.

Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 Branch
[Photo by Starbucks]

Today's final destination is Gyeongdong Market. This area is home not only to Gyeongdong Market but also to Yakryeong Market, Cheongnyangni Wholesale Market, and Cheongnyangni Agricultural and Marine Products Market, all closely located. There are hidden restaurants throughout the area, and recently, Starbucks renovated the existing Gyeongdong Theater building to open a specialized store inside, promoting coexistence with local merchants. New hot spots are steadily emerging, offering a variety of enjoyable experiences.