Jeongdong-gil On Sunday, November 9, 2025, a beautiful autumn day with clear skies, I enjoyed my third outing to Deoksugung Palace. While there are paths leading to Deoksugung Palace, the one extending from the back right of the Salvation Army Seoul Central Church is much more atmospheric and charming. Ivy gracefully cascaded down the stone walls, and the ripe peach-colored maple leaves displayed a clear, beautiful red.
The low tiled roofs were perfect for capturing portraits with the background in a single frame. Many zelkova leaves had fallen, suggesting it was the peak of autumn foliage. This was further evidenced by the 1.5-fold increase in visitors compared to usual.
I didn’t forget to take a commemorative photo of our backs. My husband, looking stylish in a Zara jacket he got at a bargain, joined me for ačØåæµåē.
Exiting the stone wall path through a side gate, I found a path created like a walking trail. This path has set operating hours (9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed Mondays) and is used solely as a passage without an entrance fee when visiting Deoksugung Palace. Located next to the British Embassy, Gyeongungung Yangijae was used as a school for the children of royalty and nobility during the Korean Empire and is one of the last public buildings of the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, it can only be viewed from the outside as a standalone building.
Seoul Special City St. Mary’s Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style building completed in 1918. I was curious about this building because it looked so beautiful from afar. Construction began on September 24, 1922, and it was designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 35 of Seoul Metropolitan City on September 24, 1978. Although I couldn’t get close due to an event taking place inside the cathedral, the golden central sculpture was impressive. The grandeur of the cathedral viewed from the sides and front was breathtaking.
Following the stairs to the left of the cathedral leads to a passage to the rooftop observatory called ‘Sesilmaru’ of Seoul, part of the National Jeongdong Theater Cecil. Upon arriving at the R floor Sesilmaru via elevator, you can enjoy a panoramic view. To the right, the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral is visible.
Jeongdong-gil The Sesilmaru rooftop observatory at Jeongdong is a free dating spot that gained popularity after being featured in “Heart Signal 4.” It offers a beautiful view of Deoksugung Palace and the surrounding Jeongdong-gil area. It’s easily accessible from City Hall Station and is recommended as a place for autumn strolls or cultural outings, as you can even enjoy the night view. I also wanted to visit this spot after seeing it on “Heart Signal.”
In this beautiful place with a European feel, my husband and I took a couple’s photo. It would be even prettier to take photos wearing a vibrant spring dress. The glass walkway at the pointed tip is a popular photo spot.
The rooftop observatory is an open space like a wide plaza, allowing for free movement and photography. It’s advisable to use the elevator when descending on weekends. I went down via the stairwell, but the entrance on the first floor was locked, leading to a wasted effort.
Taking the elevator down leads to the front of the National Jeongdong Theater Cecil. Using the elevator marked with a heart to the left of the central stairs is convenient.
Concluding the Deoksugung Palace tour, the Jeongdong observatory from high up offers a beautiful panoramic view of the interior of Deoksugung Palace, while Sesilmaru offers a beautiful view of the Anglican Cathedral. Both are wonderful places, and I highly recommend visiting them.
I wish all my neighbors good health!
Cecil Theater Rooftop Observatory
Seoul Special City Jung District 16, Sejong-daero 19-gil
National Jeongdong Theater Cecil
Seoul Special City Jung District 16, Sejong-daero 19-gil
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Seoul Special City Jung District 15, Sejong-daero 21-gil
#Sesilmaru #HeartSignal4FilmingLocation #AnglicanCathedral #DeoksugungPalaceStoneWallPath #DeoksugungPalaceInternalPassage #NationalJeongdongTheaterCecil #SesilObservatory
