Exploring Huam-dong: History, Culture, and Views Near Namsan Tower
Located near Namsan Tower, Huam-dong is a charming neighborhood with delicious restaurants, cafes, and interesting sights to explore.
Two of the most notable attractions are the Huam-dong 108 Steps and the Haebangchon Sinheung Market.
The Huam-dong 108 Steps carry a painful history from the Japanese colonial era. Back in the 1910s, this area was a rural village at the foot of Namsan Mountain. During the Japanese occupation, it became the site of an upscale residential complex where the first Japanese settlers resided. Namsan's proximity to the Japanese military base in Yongsan led to the construction of the Gyeongseong Gokoku Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of soldiers who died in the Sino-Japanese War and the Asia-Pacific War. The high altitude of the area made the steps a suitable entrance, and these steps are what remain today as the Huam-dong 108 Steps.
In 1943, during the late Japanese colonial period, Korean people's property and labor were mobilized to commemorate the war dead from Japan's invasion, making these steps a painful reminder of our history.
After liberation, the area quickly became home to Koreans returning from overseas and defectors from North Korea, leading to the formation of Haebangchon (Liberation Village).
You can walk up and down the stairs, but there's also an elevator available. I took the elevator to go up and down and enjoyed the beautiful sky!
The sky was so pretty that even a quick snapshot turned out beautifully.
Next, I visited the Sinheung Market in Haebangchon, which started in 1953. It has a distinct vibe compared to traditional markets, with trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. It's a really fun place to explore!
On the way to Namsan Tower, I bought a few scratch-off lottery tickets and tried my luck. I didn't win, but it was fun to do!
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