SungBuk Dong, Seoul, South Korea
Seongbuk-dong is a tranquil neighborhood in Seoul known for its historic charm, traditional Korean houses, and cultural heritage sites. 1036
Old House of Choe Sunu: 9 Seongbuk-ro 15-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
The Site of Seonjamdan Altar: 64-1 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
Kansong Art Museum: 102-11 Seongbuk-ro, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
Suyeonsanbang: 8 Seongbuk-ro 26-gil, Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
Simujang House of ‘Manhae’ Han Yong-un: 24 Seongbuk-ro 29-gil, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
Rheehall Music Gallery: 9 Seongbuk-ro 31-gil, Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea
Date Picture Taken: December, 2024
To explore the Seongbuk-dong area, I got off at Hansung University Subway Station and walked toward Choe Sunu’s Old House.
To explore this area, I followed the main road, Seongbuk-ro, which was slightly uphill throughout my walk.
Yes, Seongbuk-dong is home to some old-style store fronts that evoke a nostalgic charm. These include traditional tea houses, old-school bakeries, and small mom-and-pop shops with wooden signs and retro designs.
Choe Sunu’s Old House (최순우 옛집) is a charming hanok (traditional Korean house) located in Seongbuk-dong.
It was the former residence of Choe Sunu, a renowned Korean art historian and the third director of the National Museum of Korea. This house has been preserved as a cultural space to honor his legacy and promote traditional Korean culture.
The house was closed when I visited.
On SeongBuk-ro again
I crossed the street and looked at the backside. I came to this side of the road to get a better view of…
… to see the site of the Seonjamdan Altar in Seoul
The Site of Seonjamdan Altar in Seoul is a significant historical landmark. It was an altar used during the Joseon Dynasty for royal agricultural rituals to pray for a good harvest.
It was quite a small place.
On the SeongBuk-ro
The narrow road on the right leads to the Kansong Art Museum.
Kansong Art Museum, Korea’s first private museum, established by Jeon Hyeong-pil (pen name: Kansong). The museum is famous for its collection of priceless Korean cultural treasures, including ancient ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. It is only open to the public during special exhibitions, making it a rare and special place to visit.
It was closed when I visited
Back on SeongBuk-ro again
I walked down this side street to visit Suyeonsanbang, a traditional tea house.
Suyeonsanbang (수연산방) is a charming traditional Korean tea house located in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. Once the home of renowned Korean novelist Lee Tae-jun, it has been converted into a tranquil tea house that offers an authentic cultural experience.
I returned to Seongbuk-ro, and across the street, there is a stairway leading to Simujang, the house of ‘Manhae’ Han Yong-un.
‘Manhae’ Han Yong-un (만해 한용운, 1879–1944) was a prominent Korean Buddhist monk, poet, and independence activist. He is best known for his resistance against Japanese colonial rule and his deeply moving poetry collection “The Silence of Love” (님의 침묵), which blends themes of love, nationalism, and Buddhism.
“The Silence of Love” (님의 침묵)
Places related to ‘Manhae’ Han Yong-un
Climbing up the stairs to visit his old house.
Looking back at the street
Simujang House of ‘Manhae’ Han Yong-un
Simujang, his former home, is located in Seongbuk-dong. It was named “Simujang” (meaning “a place without lies”) by Han Yong-un himself, reflecting his pursuit of truth and integrity.
The house is now a cultural heritage site, preserved to honor his life and contributions. Visitors can explore the traditional hanok, his study, and displays of his personal belongings and manuscripts.
The neighbourhood near his old house
This is SeongBuk-ro again
Rheehall music gallery
It is a music hall with thousands of vinyl records, playing selections chosen by listeners. Equipped with high-quality amplifiers and speakers, it ensures an exceptional listening experience.
