2 Best Sights in Jongno-gu, Seoul

With its labyrinthine street and rustic stone-and-clay houses, Bukchon is one of the few places to get a glimpse of old Seoul. This hilly neighborhood is one of the most picturesque and charming places in the city. Historically home to the upper crust of Korean society, in recent years Bukchon has become a cultural center for residents and tourists alike. Mixed in with the traditional hanok houses are numerous galleries, cafés, small museums, and guesthouses. To best experience this area, visitors can stay at a traditional hanok guesthouse, such as Gongsimga. The top of the hill offers beautiful views of the city and palaces below, making it a great place to visit at sunset or sunrise. For rest and refreshment, stop by one of the many cafés along Samcheong-gil, which forms the eastern border of the neighborhood.

The Ihwa Mural Village was created in 2006 when the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited more than 70 artists to paint or create sculptures for their “Art in the City'' initiative to revive the area. Formerly known as a Daldongnae, “Moon Village,” because of the unobstructed views of the moon seen from the hills, the village was home to the lower and working class, and Korean War refugees during the 1950s. 

The vibrant displays of artwork mixed with historic Seoul have revitalized the area, attracting locals and tourists. The most famous pieces are the Koi Fish staircase ( Ihwajang 1na-gil), Mosaic Flower staircase ( Yulgok-ro 19-gil), and Angel Wings ( 9-396 Ihwa-dong) where there is always a line for photos. In fact, the area has become so popular that the district has enforced a “Silent Campaign.” While you’re meandering the alleyways looking for the next masterpiece, remember to keep your voices low, respect the privacy of residents, and hold on to or properly dispose of your trash to ensure the continuity of the village for years to come.