Discovering Seoul's Hidden Gems: Seosulla-gil and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
Lately, I've been captivated by scenic walking paths.
Today, I explored Seosulla-gil and Ikseon-dong.
Ikseon-dong is located west of Jongmyo Shrine.
It's home to a Hanok (traditional Korean house) village developed during the Japanese colonial era, with land divided into small plots.
Seosulla-gil
A path that follows the western wall of Jongmyo Shrine.
Every shop faces the wall.
Traditional wall view~
Between the wall and the shops, there's a narrow road, about 3.0m wide, enough for one car to pass. I imagine horse-drawn carriages or rickshaws used to travel here.
A path that sparks the imagination!
It's all thanks to Jongmyo Shrine, a precious cultural heritage site.
Jongmyo Shrine Wall
Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
(Bukchon Hanok Village VS Ikseon-dong Hanok Village)
Sloped vs. Flat
Large-scale vs. Small-scale
Wide streets vs. Alleys
Hanoks are nestled in narrow alleys where cars can't enter. It's fun to wander through each alley. Why does it feel so comfortable?
There's an aesthetic theory that explains the relationship between height and distance, and the Hanok street perfectly embodies it.
Alleys narrower than the height of the Hanoks encourage you to observe your surroundings and walk slowly.
After living among skyscrapers, coming to these low-rise residential areas brings a sense of comfort. Even the potentially messy power lines don't bother me when they're with Hanoks.
I guess that's why the concept of 'human scale' exists.
The paving is quite remarkable.
The paving pattern resembles the wooden veranda (Toenmaru) of a Hanok.
It looks luxurious. The construction is well-done.
Seoul's Charm: Old & New
The appeal of Seoul, especially the Gwanghwamun area, lies in the harmonious blend of modern and past.
Cafe street decorated with various concepts that match Hanoks.
Any place is good.
Just walk around and go into a place that catches your eye.
I liked how this cafe used water features, but the Japanese-style garden was a bit disappointing.
Hanoks and skyscrapers & scattering water droplets.
A place where the bright treatment of the wood created a refreshing atmosphere.
The cafe I chose had a mother-of-pearl inlaid dresser.
Effortlessly stylish (꾸안꾸)
Staying in a Hanok gives a strong sense that everything is tailored to humans, which makes me feel comfortable.
A perfect example of desirable human scale.
The size, height, and composition of the garden are so understated that I feel an absolute beauty of restraint.
Korean beauty is said to be simple but nonchalant.
Like it's decorated, but not really.
Isn't that the epitome of '꾸안꾸' (effortlessly stylish) these days?
My heart swells.
I'm looking forward to the scenery on a snowy day.
I'm happy to have found a place like a safe haven that brings joy to my life.
Solution
Organizing ideas for myself
I should try paving with a Toenmaru (wooden veranda) concept.
I should plant only short trees to create a narrow path.
I should look for local cultural heritage sites.
Lastly, a recommendation for a unique lunch menu:
Pajak Jonggak
A healthy sandwich restaurant that makes sandwiches with bread baked in a wood-fired oven.
I recommend it! Since the weather is nice, I recommend taking it out and eating it under the Cheonggyecheon bridge. *^*
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