Seungdong Church (승동교회) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

Seungdong Church (승동교회)

1.9 Km    14170     2020-04-02

7-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-2340

Seungdong Presbyterian Church was designated Tangible Cultural Asset No. 130 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on April 6, 2001. Originally known as “Gondanggol Church,” the church was established by Samuel Foreman Moore (1860-1906) in 1893. In those days, the church was known as a “baekjeong church” since it primarily drew Korea’s social underdogs such baekjeong (the butchers), the untouchable class of Joseon society.

Following a number of relocations and name changes (called “Gondanggol,” “Jungang,” and finally “Seungdong”) the church was moved to its current location in Insadong. After Moore died in 1906, Charles Allen Clark became the pastor of the church and Mongyang Yuh Woon-hyung, a key figure in the political history of Joseon, became active in the church. The church was attended by many other activists as well. In fact, the large student demonstration that took place during the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919 was organized by a group of young church members. The church once again made its mark on history with the establishment of the Joseon Theological Seminary in 1939.

Seungdong Church (B1-2F) covers a total of 660 square meters. No record has been found on its architect or builder, but the building is said to have been one of the more magnificent buildings in the area before its beauty was obscured by newer structures.

Hoopcity Dongdaemun [Tax Refund Shop] (HOOPCITY 동대문)

Hoopcity Dongdaemun [Tax Refund Shop] (HOOPCITY 동대문)

1.9 Km    0     2024-04-18

1F, 324, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Gwanghuimun Gate (광희문)

Gwanghuimun Gate (광희문)

1.9 Km    19476     2021-02-24

344, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900

Gwanghuimun Gate is said to have been originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, at the southeast of the capital city. It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate,” as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.

During the Imjin War (1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyed to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, reconstruction efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the gate was restored together with the gate's watchtower. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was later damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목)

1.9 Km    0     2023-09-21

129, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

The alley that connects from Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station, Exit 4 is full of people eating dried young pollack and drinking beers at tables along the street every night. Under the bright lamp lights, plastic tables filled with customers can be seen. The first Nogari pub, Eulji OB Bear, opened in November 1980 to form what is now the Euljiro Nogari Alley. Euljiro also has the largest Printing Alley in the nation, providing printing for almost all books and printed materials across the country. The shift workers would stop by the pub for dried young pollack and cold beer before heading home after work, leading to more restaurants opening nearby until the alley was formed. In the beginning dried young pollack was cooked over a briquet fire and served with red pepper paste, but now, the alley is full of pubs and restaurants serving various types of food, but nothing beats nogari and cold draft beer.  

Koibito - Dongdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (고이비토 동대문)

Koibito - Dongdaemun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (고이비토 동대문)

1.9 Km    0     2024-04-18

2-5F, 215, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop (KCDF 갤러리숍 공예정원)

1.9 Km    18992     2021-07-08

8, Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-9041

The Korean Craft & Design Foundation Gallery Shop displays and sells high-quality Korean handicrafts, stamped with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts. The shop possesses handicrafts by renowed master craftsmen and artists. Crafts have both practical and decorative uses.

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

2.0 Km    873652     2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Hotel PJ (호텔PJ)

Hotel PJ (호텔PJ)

2.0 Km    35485     2021-03-16

71, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2280-7000

Hotel PJ is located near Euljiro 4-ga, a transportation hub connecting subway lines 2, 3, 4, and 5, allowing guests to reach Seoul's tourist destinations such as Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Namsan, Insa-dong, Hongdae, and Daehangno with ease. The hotel has 272 guestrooms as well as a restaurant, cafe, banquet halls, and a business center.

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

Busan Sikdang(부산식당)

2.0 Km    67     2021-04-09

12 Insadong 11-gil Jongno-gu Seoul
+82-2-733-5761

It is a house where you can eat hot and spicy Daegutang (Codfish Soup). This restaurant's signature menu is codfish stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Eunnamu [Tax Refund Shop] (은나무)

Eunnamu [Tax Refund Shop] (은나무)

2.0 Km    0     2024-04-16

72, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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