1. Historical background of Huam-dong
During the Goryeo Dynasty, this area was called ‘Huam’. ‘Huam’ means ‘rock on which a tiger sits,’ and is a name that well describes the characteristics of this area. At that time, Huam-dong was the center of the country, so many people settled here.
During the Joseon Dynasty, this place developed into an important political center. During this time, this place was considered a place where the king could hang out because it was located close to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Because of this, many noblemen began to build houses here, and as a result, today's Hanok Village was formed.
As Korea began to modernize, Huam-dong experienced various changes. During the Japanese colonial period, many Hanoks here were destroyed due to Japan's colonial policy. However, after independence, as this area developed into the center of Seoul again, hanoks began to be restored.
Currently, Huam-dong is located in the center of Seoul and still maintains the appearance of a traditional Hanok village.
2. Unique alley scenery in Huam-dong
The alleys of Huam-dong have a unique atmosphere and charm, making them a place that many people visit.
First, the alleys of Huam-dong have a unique atmosphere where old Korean houses and modern buildings coexist. The combination of traditional Hanok houses and small shops along the alley gives a cozy and warm feeling. As you walk down the alleys, you will see many shops selling works of art and unique items.
Second, the alleys of Huam-dong are lined with various shops and stores. There are many small shops selling artwork, crafts, traditional clothing, props, antique furniture, etc., where you can browse and purchase unique and unique products. Additionally, various cafes and restaurants are spread out along the alleyways, making it a great place to enjoy a break.
Third, the alleys of Huam-dong are known as a place where art and culture come together. If you walk along the alley, you can see many artists' works and art installations. Additionally, street performances and cultural events are sometimes held here, and you may encounter these events. Take a walk through the alleyways and feel the diversity of art and culture.
Fourth, the alleys of Huam-dong are a very attractive place to take pictures. Traditional Korean houses and modern buildings come together to create a unique atmosphere, and murals and artwork decorate the alleyways. Walk along the alleys or take nice poses with the small shops in the background. And there are beautiful bridges in Huam-dong, making it a great place to take pictures. For example, “Huam-dong Bridge” is a bridge that crosses the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and you can capture the scenery of downtown Seoul and the riverside from the bridge. Take a night view of the bridge with great lighting, or pose with the bridge in the background during the day. Namsan Tower, close to Huam-dong, is a very popular place for taking photos. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Seoul, especially at night. During the day, take pictures with the green nature in the park around the tower.
3. Things to do in Huam-dong
First, there are various places around Huam-dong that are ideal for experiencing Seoul's history and understanding its culture. When you visit royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Deoksugung Palace, you can appreciate the beauty and sophistication of traditional Korean architecture and feel the peace of the beautiful gardens within. Furthermore, places of historical significance, such as Gwanghwamun and Jongmyo Shrine, are located close to Huam-dong, making it easy for history lovers to explore them.
Second, there are many places around Huam-dong that offer various cultural experience programs. You can experience Korea's unique culture firsthand through Hanbok experience, traditional craft experience, and traditional Korean food making experience. Through these experiences, you can gain a deeper understanding and experience of Korea's cultural aspects and characteristics.
Third, there are a variety of shops and shops around Huam-dong, so you can enjoy shopping or try a variety of foods. Surrounding areas such as Insa-dong and Myeong-dong are known as popular shopping destinations, where you can find everything from traditional Korean products to modern fashion items. In addition, there are various restaurants and cafes in Huam-dong, including Korean food, Western food, and snack food, so you can experience various flavors and food culture of Korea.
Fourth, there are many places around Huam-dong where you can relax or get close to nature. Namsan Park is located nearby, so you can enjoy a walk or picnic. The area where Cheonggyecheon flows is close, so you can experience downtown Seoul in a different way by taking a walk along Cheonggyecheon.
4. Food in Huam-dong
Huam-dong is full of various delicious restaurants, making it very popular with foreign tourists looking for a variety of tastes. Here you can experience a variety of tastes, from traditional Korean food to modern cuisine. From now on, I will introduce in detail a few restaurants that we recommend visiting in Huam-dong.
First, “Namsan Gopchang” is the most famous tripe specialty restaurant in Huam-dong. We specialize in providing freshly prepared tripe and various offal dishes. In particular, the tripe here is famous for its nutty and spicy taste, and is a great choice for foreigners who want to experience traditional Korean food.
Secondly, “Huam-dong Samgyetang” is one of the standout restaurants in Huam-dong. There are many restaurants in Huam-dong that serve samgyetang, but Huam-dong samgyetang is especially famous for its deep flavor of broth, light chicken, and chewy chicken served with samgyetang. If you want to enjoy healthy and nutritious traditional Korean food, I recommend this place.
Thirdly, “Huam-dong Tteokbokki” is one of various Tteokbokki restaurants that offer spicy and delicious Tteokbokki. The tteokbokki here is popular for its chewy rice cakes and spicy seasoning sauce, and can be enjoyed with a variety of add-ons. In particular, here you can choose from a variety of toppings such as meat and seafood to enjoy a richer taste.
Fourth, “Hanjeongsik Restaurant” is one of the restaurants where you can taste Korean cuisine located in Huam-dong. Here, you can experience authentic Korean food through neatly prepared Korean cuisine. We offer a variety of side dishes and dishes using high-quality ingredients, allowing you to experience traditional Korean food culture.
Huam-dong boasts a quiet and peaceful atmosphere even though it is located in the center of Seoul. The alleys here offer visitors the opportunity to experience Korean history and culture. Visiting Huam-dong and enjoying its unique scenery, various things to do, and delicious food will be a special experience for travelers.
This concludes the section “Finding beautiful alleys in Huam-dong, Seoul”