Walking the Heart of Seoul: A Half-Day Course of History and Urban Rest from City Hall Station
Among the skyscraper forests of Seoul, the place where the past and present intersect most dynamically is City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2).
Beyond being an administrative hub, City Hall Station is a spot where Joseon-era palaces, modern Western-style architecture, and futuristic landmarks coexist. Less crowded than the Anguk area but rich in history and sophisticated urban beauty, here is the "Half-Day Walking Course Starting from City Hall Station."
Hello! Today, I’ve prepared an enriching 4-hour walking tour starting from City Hall Station. From the most beautiful stone-wall path in Seoul to an oasis-like plaza in the city center, this route is a treat for both the eyes and the soul.
1. Course Overview (Timeline)
Total Duration: Approx. 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes
Starting Point: City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2), Exit 1 or 12
Transportation: 100% Walking (There are plenty of rest stops, making it great for families with children or seniors.)
2. Detailed Itinerary (Route)
① 10:30 AM – Deoksugung Palace & Seokjojeon (Right outside Exit 1 or 12)
As soon as you arrive at City Hall Station, you’ll encounter Deoksugung Palace, a unique site where traditional Korean architecture and Western-style stone buildings coexist.
Highlight: Take a photo in front of Seokjojeon, the first Western-style neoclassical building in Korea. It feels as if you’ve been transported to Europe.
Timing: Don't miss the "Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony" held at 11:00 AM (or 2:00 PM).
② 11:30 AM – Deoksugung Stone-Wall Path & Jeongdong-gil (5-min walk)
The Deoksugung Stone-Wall Path running alongside the palace is frequently voted as the "Most Beautiful Road in Korea." Following this path leads you to Jeongdong-gil, home to various modern historical buildings.
Jeongdong Observatory: Head up to the "Darak" cafe on the 13th floor of the Seoul City Hall Seosomun Annex. It’s a fantastic (and free/low-cost) spot to look down at Deoksugung Palace and the Seoul skyline.
③ 12:30 PM – Lunch: Exploring City Hall & Mugyo-dong Eats
The area around City Hall is a mecca for office workers, meaning it's packed with delicious and reasonably priced restaurants.
Recommendation 1: Try Buckwheat Noodles (Memil-guksu) or Udon. There are many long-standing traditional shops (Nopo) here with deep history.
Recommendation 2: Try Mugyo-dong Spicy Stir-fried Octopus (Nakji-bokkeum) if you want to experience the true, fiery heat of Korean cuisine!
④ 01:50 PM – Seoul Plaza & Seoul Metropolitan Library (10-min walk)
After lunch, head to Seoul Plaza, a wide-open green lawn. The Seoul Metropolitan Library located right in front is the preserved original Seoul City Hall building.
Highlight: Visit the "Sky Garden" on the library's rooftop. You can enjoy an unobstructed view of Sejong-daero stretching all the way to Gwanghwamun Plaza.
⑤ 02:30 PM – Wrap up at Cheonggyecheon Stream (5-min walk)
Finish your trip at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream, marked by the iconic "Spring" (shell-shaped) sculpture. Relax by the falling water, cross the stepping stones, or sit by the stream to soothe your feet.
💡 Pro-Tips for Your City Hall Adventure
Free Walking Tours: If you book in advance through the Seoul City "Culture & Tourism Guide" service (available via Naver or the Seoul City website), you can hear fascinating stories about modern history while walking Jeongdong-gil for free.
Deoksugung Night Opening: Deoksugung is open until 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM). Seokjojeon is even more romantic under the night lights, so feel free to flip this to an evening course.
Transfer Tips: City Hall Station connects Lines 1 and 2, making it extremely convenient to head to Myeongdong (Euljiro 1-ga Station) or Gwanghwamun (Line 5) after your tour.
📍 Route Summary (Use Naver/Kakao Maps!)
City Hall Station Exit 12 (Start)
Enter Deoksugung Palace (See Seokjojeon)
Stone-Wall Path & Jeongdong-gil (Visit the Observatory Cafe)
Seoul Metropolitan Library (Rooftop Garden Rest)
Cheonggye Plaza/Stream (Wrap-up)
Offering a different kind of tranquility compared to Anguk, the City Hall course showcases the dynamic charm of Seoul. Why not spend this weekend walking along the elegant stone walls and meeting the Seoul of yesterday and today?
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