How about a journey back in time? To the Ssangmun 1-dong of the late 1980s. Ssangmun 1-dong is more than just a neighborhood in Seoul. It is a portal to a bygone era.
Ssangmun-dong’s name means “two doors”. It comes from two yeolnyeomun. These special doors were awarded to virtuous women.
Once, alleys defined Ssangmun 1-dong’s character. Parents called to their children. “Gildong, it’s time to eat!” echoes through the narrow lanes. This wasn’t a cell phone call. A mother stood at her front gate. She hoped her child would return for dinner. This scene comes from “Reply 1988”. This TV show captured real life in that era.
Homemakers gathered on low wooden platforms. They shared stories and neighborhood gossip. Alleys delivered news. They sustained a strong community spirit. The internet and smartphones were not common then.
Ssangmun 1-dong’s alleys were a place where parents watched their children grow. Kids made happy childhood memories there. Neighbors built a sense of community. The show’s name, “Reply,” shows a yearning for this past. Alleys have gradually faded from our lives. But they are fondly remembered today.
In the early 1990s, people began to leave Ssangmun-dong’s alleys. They moved to large apartment complexes. The old ramshackle houses were left behind. Vacant houses increased. The alleys lost their energy.
Ssangmun-dong is known for its older buildings and alleyways. It is often seen as a place where less wealthy people reside. Writers find it easy to create “rags to riches” stories here. Ssangmun-dong evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Ssangmun-dong gained international fame through “Reply 1988”. It was also featured in the Netflix series “Squid Game”. Seong Gi-hun and Cho Sang-woo, lived here.
Today, Ssangmun 1-dong stands as a reminder of simpler times. It is a place where community thrived. The alleys may have changed but the memories linger.