[One Day Walk] Healing by Walking Through Traditional Markets... Jegidong Station

Today's walking course takes you to Jegi-dong Station in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Between Jegi-dong Station and Cheongnyangni Station, there are traditional markets such as Seoul Yakryeongsi, Gyeongdong Market, and Cheongnyangni Market. Walk through these traditional markets and feel their vibrant atmosphere.

The course starts at Exit 1 of Jegi-dong Station and heads toward Seonnongdan. Seonnongdan is an altar from the Joseon Dynasty, where the national ritual called 'Seonnongje' was held to inform the people about the importance of agriculture. It is said that the king himself plowed the fields at Seonnongdan to set an example in farming. Seonnongdan is also known as the origin of Seolleongtang, a traditional Korean soup. People who held the ritual here ate a broth made by boiling ox bones with rice, called 'Seonnongtang' after the ritual. Over time, the pronunciation changed, and it became known as Seolleongtang.

Right next to Seonnongdan is the Seonnongdan History and Culture Center, which is also worth visiting. Built to restore the historical and cultural value of Seonnongdan, this center offers in-depth information about the Seonnongje ritual and Seonnongdan itself. Artifacts used during the Seonnongje are displayed, and visitors can experience traditional clothing and take photos with the Seonnongje as a backdrop.

Next, head to Seoul Yakryeongsi and the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center. Seoul Yakryeongsi is a large herbal medicine market, accounting for about 70% of Korea's herbal medicine trade volume. Established in the 2nd year of King Hyojong's reign, Seoul Yakryeongsi now hosts over 1,000 specialized businesses related to Korean medicine, including clinics, herbal pharmacies, and herbal medicine dealers. Inside the market is the Seoul Korean Medicine Promotion Center, which showcases the history of Korean medicine and offers various experiences such as diagnosing your body according to Korean medical philosophy.

The final stop is Gyeongdong Market. Known as a traditional market where you can feel the atmosphere of an old rural marketplace, Gyeongdong Market boasts the largest area among traditional markets in Seoul. Recently, as part of a local coexistence project, a Starbucks opened on one side of Gyeongdong Market, gaining popularity among younger generations. The Starbucks, located in the remodeled space of the former Gyeongdong Theater, features retro-inspired interior design that attracts tourists. A stroll around Gyeongdong Market concludes today's walking course.