Seochon

Seochon
Hangul	서촌
Hanja	[[[wikt:|]]] Error: {{Lang}}: Latn text/non-Latn script subtag mismatch (help)
Revised Romanization	Seochon
McCune–Reischauer	Sŏch'on

Seochon (서촌), literally "West village" / "Western village", is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Jongno-gu, Seoul, traditionally associated with Joseon era and Korean literature.

Boundaries

If there is no official delimitation, Seochon is located west of the Gyeongbokgung Palace (thus the name), and at the feet of Mt. Inwangsan, the mountain and the Seoul City Wall, forming a natural border (the Sajik and Jahamun tunnels were added in the late 1960s).

The area is composed of 13 smaller neighborhoods, or "dong" : Chebu-dong, Ogin-dong, Tongin-dong, Tongui-dong, Sajik-dong, Hyoja-dong, Pirun-dong....

A neighborhood rich in culture and traditions

Korean literature is filled with references to Seochon neighborhoods, and the area is dotted with historical signs, even if few original landmarks remain intact: the place where King Sejong was born, the residence of famous authors and artists.

Traditionally, the area is also of great significance at the shamanism / geomancy levels, particularly because of the influence of Inwangsan. It also includes the shrine Seoul Sajikdan, one of the founding elements of the capital, along with Gyeongbok palace and Jongmyo.

Long neglected compared to the wealthier Bukchon (on the other side of the palace), Seochon has reclaimed part of its popularity, particularly following the protection of one of Seoul's largest clusters of hanok (over 600), and the renovation of landmarks to host cultural venues, such as the Yi Sang House and the Yi Sangbeom House. Pak No-soo's house in Ogin-dong was recently restored and opened as the Pak No-soo Art Museum.

Landmarks

Sajik Park

Sajik Park was opened to public in 1922. Sajik Park was first designed by the Choseon Dynasry era. It was built for worshiping the gods of the Earth and harvest. Moreover, for a good harvest were held regularly there. Sajik Park has the most features of historic treasures of any Seoul park.

Tongui-dong

Tongui-dong Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village in Seochon. Once, middle-class professionals such as language interpreters and medical doctors once lived. It was the home of several famous historical figures. Painters Yi Jung-seop and Yi Sang-beom and poets Yun Dongju and Yi Sang in modern times. Most of the remaining hanok are called "Gaeryang hanok", which were largely constructed after the 1910s for a government housing plan.