Once upon a time, this place was more than just a site. It was a bustling hub of history. We are standing at the Gyedonggung Site.
Gyedonggung Site is located in the Gye-dong neighborhood of Jongno District in Seoul. Gye-dong is a legal dong administered under Gahoe-dong. The name Gye-dong means “capital” in Korean.
But what makes this place so special? Let’s step back in time. Imagine Korea under the Joseon Dynasty. Seoul was then known as Hanyang. The location of the Gyedonggung Site was strategically important. It was not only militarily defensible but also centrally located.
In 1394, General Yi Seong-Gye founded Seoul as the capital. He chose this site. He saw its potential for trade and defense. The Han River provided access to both inland waterways and coastal sea routes. This made it easier to transport grain taxes and goods.
Now, picture the scene. It is not hard to do, as a lot has been preserved. The Gyedonggung Site would have been a hive of activity. People would be going about their daily lives, trading goods, and engaging in political discourse. You may feel the sounds.
Today, Gye-dong offers a unique blend of old and new. You can find Korea’s oldest public bathhouse, Jungangtang, which is on the northern end of the main street. There is also an old hardware store and sesame oil shop from the 1970s.
You can also explore the Bukchon Traditional Culture Center. It offers an immersive experience into the world of hanoks traditional Korean houses.
There are signboards indicating when they first opened. The sesame oil shop Daeguchamgireumjip opened in 1970. It is in an authentic, green-colored Hanok. The Wangjjanggu Restaurant opened in 1986. The hair salon opened in 1988. The rice cake maker is the ninth oldest shop.
Let’s climb to the roof through an exhibition hall. From here you can experience the stunning view overlooking Gye-dong Street.
As we conclude our visit to the Gyedonggung Site, remember its historical significance. This site encapsulates Seoul’s journey through time. It is a place where tradition meets modernity. It is a place of captivating stories.