[One Day Walk] A Historical Tour Around Bukchon... Bukchon Pilgrimage Trail

Today's walking course takes us to Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Bukchon area has been a residential district for the yangban class since the Joseon Dynasty. There was little significant change until the 1920s after its formation, but changes began in the 1930s during the Japanese colonial period when Seoul's administrative districts expanded and the urban structure was transformed. At that time, housing companies purchased large plots and forest land in Bukchon and collectively built medium- and small-sized hanoks on those sites, shaping the current appearance of Bukchon Hanok Village. The hanok residential areas densely clustered in Gahoe-dong, Samcheong-dong, and Gyedong were all created during this period.

The Bukchon Hanok Village area hides places associated with historical figures. Through today's walking course, let's discover their hidden stories.

The course begins at Gwanghwamun Square. Gwanghwamun Square has witnessed many events that left marks on our modern history, such as World Cup street cheering and candlelight rallies. In August 2014, Pope Francis also celebrated mass here. On that day, one million believers from around the world gathered for the mass. This place is also symbolic in Catholicism as the site of the Gwanghwamun beatification.

From Gwanghwamun Square, passing along Gamgodang-gil beside Gyeongbokgung Palace, you will reach Jeongdok Library. Operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Jeongdok Library is one of the largest libraries in Seoul. Originally Gyeonggi High School, Jeongdok Library opened after acquiring the building when Gyeonggi High School relocated to Gangnam in 1976. The library building was completed in 1938. It was constructed with a steam heating system and the highest-grade reinforced concrete structure of the time. During the Korean War, the building was used by the U.S. military communications unit. The building is still preserved today, consisting of three reinforced concrete buildings used as stacks and reading rooms, and the Seoul Education Museum at the site entrance, all designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 2.

Next, head to Gahoe-dong Cathedral. Gahoe-dong Cathedral is also a historic site in Korean Catholicism. It is where the first Catholic mass in Korea was celebrated. Father James Zhou Mun-mo, the first Catholic missionary in Korea, secretly entered the country and held the first mass here in April 1795. Later, the cathedral was completed in 1954. However, due to the aging building, reconstruction began in 2011, and it reopened in 2013. Here, you can learn about the early spread of Korean Catholic history.

Finally, the course concludes at Seokjeong Boreum Well.