Weekend Stroll Along the Quiet Stone-wall Path... A Half-day Jeongdong Promenade Where Modern History and Contemporary Art Breathe

On a weekend when the flow of seasons takes a pause, there is a place where one can experience the fragrance of art and the quiet breath of history all at once, away from the dense forest of buildings. It is the Jeongdong area in Jung-gu, Seoul, where red bricks, rustling leaves, and stone walls of ancient palaces stretch on.

This path, where the misfortune of the Joseon dynasty, the enlightenment of modern culture, and contemporary art are interwoven, offers busy citizens a respite like a punctuation mark and deep artistic inspiration. This weekend, we introduce a 'half-day Jeongdong cultural promenade course' worth leisurely strolling with lovers and family.

■ Course 1: Modern Art Within an Ancient Palace... National Museum of Korea Contemporary Art Deoksu Palace

The journey begins at Deoksu Palace. Passing through the main gate of Deoksu Palace, where the history of the Korean Empire lives and breathes, head toward the National Museum of Korea Contemporary Art Deoksu Palace, located beside the Stone Mansion. This building, which opened in 1938, is a masterpiece of Korean modern Western-style architecture and exudes a rich historical aura through its architecture alone.

• Harmony of architectural beauty and ancient palace: The starting point of the stroll is capturing at a glance the contrast between the modern stone building with its striking Ionic columns and marble exterior walls and the traditional palace pavilions right next door.

• The essence of Korean modern and contemporary art: Planning exhibitions of masters of Korean modern and contemporary art, such as Lee Joong-seop, Park Soo-keun, and Kim Whanki, are never-ending. You can enjoy the unique pleasure of appreciating artworks with the seasonal scenery of the ancient palace coming through the windows as a backdrop.

• Central courtyard and outdoor Stone Mansion walks: After viewing, taking a leisurely stroll through the central fountain and gardens located between the art museum and the Stone Mansion is an excellent way to savor the distinctive quiet serenity unique to ancient palaces.

■ Course 2: A Street Where History and Romance Flow... Jeongdong-gil Stroll

Leaving Deoksu Palace and walking along the stone-wall path, it connects to Jeongdong-gil, which is counted among the most beautiful streets in the country. Jeongdong-gil, lined with dense trees, creates an atmosphere that is uniquely exotic yet antique, blending old red-brick colonial buildings with charming cafes and modest galleries.

• A museum without a roof of modernity: Jeongdong Church (Korea's first Protestant place of worship), Jungmyungjeon (a site bearing the pain of the Eulsa Unwilling Treaty), Ewha Museum (Simpson Hall), and more—you can freely explore the traces of modern cultural heritage unfolding with each step.

• Panoramic view of ancient palaces: Stopping by the Jeongdong observation deck cafe located on the 13th floor of the Seosomun Government Complex at the entrance of Jeongdong-gil allows you to experience a refreshing panoramic view overlooking the entire Deoksu Palace and Jeongdong-gil at a glance.

• The romance of a quiet street corner: The shade created by the tree-lined avenue and the distinctive charm of the stone-wall path is equally suitable as an exotic dating course for couples and as a venue for vivid modern history education for children.

■ Course 3: An Open Cultural Space... Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Headquarters

Midway along Jeongdong-gil, the Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Headquarters, with its striking red-brick facade, welcomes visitors. This is a space where modern exhibition areas have been newly constructed and integrated while preserving the facade of the old Supreme Court building built in 1928, demonstrating a flexible coexistence of tradition and modernity.

• 'Chun Kyung-ja Collection' permanent exhibition: The donated works exhibition of Chun Kyung-ja, an unparalleled master of the Korean art world, is an essential viewing course here. You can encounter the artist's distinctive intense colors and lyrical world of work imbued with han (deep-rooted emotional pain).

• Experimental contemporary art of our time: Cutting-edge domestic and international media art, pluralistic art, and various planned exhibitions are presented for free or at affordable prices, greatly lowering the threshold to contemporary art.

• Outdoor sculpture park and forest path: Take a look at outdoor sculpture works arranged on the walking path at the museum entrance, and it is perfect to lightly conclude your journey while gazing at the grass plaza outside the window from the first-floor cafeteria.

[Outing Tips]

• Recommended time: Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (recommended to visit during the non-crowded morning and have lunch on Jeongdong-gil)

• Transportation: Take Exit 1 or 12 of City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2 (easy to walk)

• Viewing tips: If you have an ancient palace admission ticket, it is recommended to check in advance for related discount benefits or a planned itinerary of major cultural properties linked with visits within Jeongdong-gil