[One Day Walk] Time Travel Following 'Modern Times' in the City Center... Jeongdong-gil

Today's walking course takes us to Jeongdong-gil in Seoul.

Jeongdong is the site of Korea's first diplomatic town. Since the Korean Empire era, consulates of countries that established diplomatic relations were located here, and even now, embassies such as the British Embassy remain. Behind the buildings that evoke an old atmosphere, tall buildings of downtown Seoul rise, creating a unique landscape.

The starting point of the course is the Seoul Urban Architecture Exhibition Hall. Opened in March 2019, this is the first specialized urban architecture exhibition hall in Korea, showcasing the development process of Seoul's urban architecture and future urban architecture. Here, visitors can glimpse the process and future of Seoul's urban architecture.

Next, we move to the nearby Seoul Metropolitan Council. The Seoul City Council building holds significant historical value. It was built in 1935 as Gyeongseongbu Bumin-gwan. Bumin-gwan was constructed for the residents of Gyeongseong (old name for Seoul) and was used for cultural performances such as plays, movie screenings, concerts, and weddings. After liberation in 1945, it was used as the National Assembly building until 1975 when the current National Assembly building in Yeouido was constructed. Afterwards, it served as an annex to the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and has been used by the City Council since 1991.

Next is Yangijae of Gyeongungung Palace, built during the Korean Empire era as a study hall for educating the children of the royal family and aristocrats. In 1912, during the Japanese colonial period, the Anglican Church of Korea leased the building before relocating it. Yangijae was originally built inside Gyeongungung Palace but was moved to its current location during restoration of the palace.

Then it is time to walk along Gojong's Road. Gojong's Road is the escape route taken by Emperor Gojong during the Agwan Pacheon (Russian legation refuge). After Empress Myeongseong was assassinated in the Eulmi Incident, Gojong, who was living in anxiety, fled to the Russian legation in 1896 riding in a palanquin used by palace maids along with Sunjong. This path was restored to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Agwan Pacheon and officially opened in October 2018.

The next destination is Ewha Hakdang. Ewha Hakdang was established in 1886 by American missionary Mary F. Scranton as a women's educational institution, marking the beginning and symbol of women's education in Korea. It is known that Mary Scranton renovated the thatched houses on the site of Ewha Hakdang to build a school for teaching students.

Now it is time to head to Jeongdong First Methodist Church. Jeongdong First Methodist Church is one of the first churches built in Korea. It was founded when American Methodist missionary Henry Appenzeller began holding worship services in his residence in 1885. The church building, Bethel Chapel, was constructed in 1897 and is known as Korea's first Western-style Protestant church.

The course concludes after passing by Paichai Hakdang History Museum, Seoul Museum of Art, and Seosomun Annex Jeongdong Observatory.