Jung District 2025.10.29.(Wed)
[Deoksugung Palace Part 2] Walking Along the Deoksugung Palace Stone Wall Path
After looking around Seonwonjeon and passing the former Joseon Savings Bank executive residence, we climbed the uphill path following the children. I was curious where the narrow stone wall path would lead, but I could guess that this place was popular as a lunch break walking course from the conversations of the office workers following behind.
As we passed through the gate, a white building was faintly visible on the hill. It was the [Former Russian Legation].
The group of children following the teacher were sitting on the stairs and writing something, while the teacher was passionately explaining. This legation, shaped like a long tower, was quite large in its old form, but only a part of it remains now.
Located at 15-1 Jeongdong, Seoul, the Former Russian Legation is a late Joseon architectural building in the Renaissance style designed by Russian Sabatan. Construction began in 1885 after the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Joseon and Russia, and it was completed in 1890. It is the historical site of Agwan Pacheon, where King Gojong took refuge from 1896 until his return to Gyeongungung Palace (now Deoksugung Palace) the following year. (Excerpt from Encyclopedia of Korean Culture)
[The First Site of a Catholic Monastery in Korea] and Ewha Girls’ High School
The Ewha Girls’ High School building was very beautiful. The bright tone of brick color and the unique roof shape were impressive, and I stared at it for a long time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t look around the school interior because it was during class.
Beautiful Buildings of Old Shin-A Ilbo Building Annex and Jeongdong-gil
Thanks to the people enjoying brunch on the outdoor terrace, I paid close attention to the Old Shin-A Ilbo Building Annex building. There were many 멋지고 예쁜 (cool and pretty) buildings on this street, and the European-style entrance was particularly impressive.
I briefly considered having lunch here after checking the prices, but I decided to move on, promising to come back next time.
‘Round & Round’ and ‘Tanbaek’
The bakery cafe ‘Round & Round’, which we planned to visit after lunch, is located at Dubiville Building, 35, Seoul Jung District Jeongdong-gil. (Individual posting planned)
‘Tanbaek’ is a place that offers single dishes at reasonable prices, and it turned out to be very popular with a waiting line. I’ve bookmarked this place too.
National Jeongdong Theater Cecils and a Walk on Jeongdong-gil
Established in 1995 under the restoration ideal of Won Gak Sa, Korea’s first modern theater, the National Jeongdong Theater Cecils has established itself as a cultural tourist attraction in the city center by showcasing various performance programs with the goal of developing and popularizing traditional arts, promoting cultural movements in daily life, and fostering youth culture. (Excerpt from homepage)
The performance of ‘Seopyeonje’ is currently underway.
It is operated as a car-free street until 2 PM on weekdays, allowing for a leisurely stroll.
I accidentally discovered the memorial stone for the song ‘Mike’ by the late composer Lee Young-hoon. I was happy to find it, as I like the songs of the person who composed most of Lee Moon-sae’s songs.
As I walked along the Deoksugung Palace stone wall path humming ‘Gwanghwamun Love Song’, I noticed couples walking hand in hand amidst the scenery that had changed with time. It was also quite enjoyable to walk while admiring the sculptures.
Many people were walking along the Deoksugung Palace stone wall path. The uniform stone walls and the autumn foliage in green, yellow, and orange created a beautiful scenery. Although there is a saying that couples who walk together break up, I wondered if foreigners knew this. I saw many people taking photos in various places.
The long, pot-shaped planters along the sidewalk added a classic touch. The wilting flowers were a bit disappointing, but it’s a good place for an outing around Deoksugung Palace on a nice day.
I will introduce the places where I had lunch and enjoyed bread and coffee in more detail through individual posts. Have a comfortable weekend!
Deoksugung Palace Stone Wall Path
Seoul Special City Jung District 24 Sejong-daero 19-gil British Embassy
Ewha Girls’ High School
Seoul Special City Jung District Jeongdong-gil 26 Simpson Memorial Hall
National Jeongdong Theater Cecils
Seoul Special City Jung District Jeongdong-gil 43
#FormerRussianLegation #Deoksugung Palace #DeoksugungPalaceStoneWallPath #Ewha Girls’ High School #NationalJeongdongTheaterCecils #SeoulAttractions #SeoulOuting
