[One Day Walk] A Historical Stroll Along the Walls... Yulgok-ro Palace Wall Path

Today's 10,000-step course takes a walk along Yulgok-ro and the palace wall path.

The course starts at Exit 7 of Jongno 3-ga Station and heads toward Donhwamun-ro. Donhwamun-ro is the name of the road connecting Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace, to Toegye-ro. During the Joseon Dynasty, Donhwamun-ro was also the government office area of Changdeokgung, the royal palace. The section of Donhwamun-ro from the Jongno 3-ga intersection to the Changdeokgung intersection is a two-lane road in both directions, maintaining the original road width from the Joseon era.

Next, the destination is Donhwamun Gate of Changdeokgung. Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung, was first built in the 12th year of King Taejong’s reign, seven years after the palace was completed. The name Donhwamun means "strengthening harmonious governance," symbolizing the king’s great virtue in harmoniously educating the people. Donhwamun was burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea but was restored in 1608, the first year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign, and its appearance has remained unchanged since then. Donhwamun is also the oldest existing main gate among Korean palaces.

Next, we head to the wall path above the tunnel on Yulgok-ro. This area is where Jongmyo Shrine and Changgyeonggung Palace meet. During the Japanese colonial period, the construction of the road cut through the ridge of Eungbong. Now, it has become a pleasant walking path connecting Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung to Jongmyo Shrine, allowing visitors to feel Korean history while walking along the palace walls.

Next is Seosunra-gil, a famous walking path in Jongno. Seosunra-gil was named because it was located west of the patrol office, Sunlacheong, which was responsible for patrolling near Jongmyo during the Joseon Dynasty. The 800-meter-long Seosunra-gil harmonizes the past and present along the stone wall-lined street trees. Near Seosunra-gil, there are hanok restaurants and cafes that capture the atmosphere of Jongno.

From Seosunra-gil, passing through the outer gate of Jongno, the course ends at Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. The alleys of Ikseon-dong, with a history of 100 years, were once a quiet hanok cluster in downtown Seoul. Since the 2010s, restaurants, cafes, and accessory shops renovated from hanoks have opened, attracting the attention of young people. Thanks to the unique cafes and eateries lining the narrow alleys, it has become a popular dating spot.