mangrove dongdaemun
Mangrove Dongdaemun sits at a bustling transit hub, once the heart of old Hanyang. Before monsoon season hits, take a light stroll through where Seoul’s past and present meet.
📍334 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04560, South Korea
🥣 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆
A cozy café nestled in the Welcome Lounge on the first floor of Mangrove Dongdaemun. Fuel up here before your walk—don’t miss the seasonal fruit yogurt bowl, a must-try!
334, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🏰 𝗚𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝘂𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗻
Named for “light spreading in all directions,” this Joseon-era gate once saw funeral processions pass through. Now, it’s a beloved photo spot for locals and visitors alike. You’ll find it along the Dasan City Wall Trail, a part of the Seoul City Wall Trail.
Gwanghui-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🛤️ 𝗦𝗲𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 & 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹
The City Wall Trail loops around the old city center of Seoul, tracing its historic boundary. One of its highlights is the Dasan Trail, which runs from Dongdaemun to Gwanghuimun and Jangchung Gymnasium. Walk this path and you’ll come across weathered brick buildings and sweeping views of the city from the hilltops.
☕️ 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗝𝗛
After a bit of walking, you’ll probably start dreaming of an iced Americano—this terrace café, where a sleepy cat naps in the sun, offers the perfect break spot. Sip your coffee while gazing at the trees lining the city wall.
121, Dongho-ro 17-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🎭 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮
The towering concrete columns holding up the theater echo the boldness of brutalist architecture. Even without a ticket, the space invites exploration. And beyond the theater, the iconic view of Namsan Tower reminds you you’re right in the heart of Seoul.
59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Written by | Juneha Park
Video by | Seokhyeon Lee
