Stop Following the Crowd! 3 Hidden Gems in Jongno-gu, Seoul

1. The "Sky Garden Path" hidden beside Naksan Park

Daehangno (Hyehwa) is one of Seoul's most vibrant areas, where theater, musicals, and comedy performances take place daily. Right next to this youthful energy of Hyehwa-dong, a short stroll along the fortress path leads you to Naksan Park, where you can take in panoramic views of downtown Seoul. In stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Daehak-ro, packed with teens to thirty-somethings, the Sky Garden Path offers charming little gift shops, sentimental cafes, and the serene charm of walking along the walls of the Joseon Dynasty fortress. There's no better place to escape the complex city and enjoy Seoul's quiet nature and local life. Interestingly, while this path is simply a pretty park, the very walls you walk on were built 600 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the city. It's a place where Seoul's ancient history and modern city views coexist perfectly.

The path from Naksan Park to Ihwa Village

2. The Ssanghwa: Traditional Herbal Tea Cafe

Right next to the bustling Dongdaemun Market, as you walk down the fortress path of Naksan Park, you'll suddenly encounter **‘The Ssanghwa’**, feeling like you've stepped into a time machine and traveled back to the past. This unique cafe operates alongside a Korean medicine hospital, functioning as a professional space where actual Korean medicine treatments are available. Its biggest draw is that staff dressed in the traditional attire of ‘Traditional Female Physicians’ (Eui), reminiscent of old Korean dramas, personally serve you. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere. With the famous **‘One Chicken Alley’** nearby, it's the perfect course: enjoy a hearty meal first, then savor a healthy dessert.

[Map Info]

Restaurant Name : The Ssanghwa (더 쌍화)
Address : 252-3 Jongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

3. Changsin-dong Stationery and Toy Market

For children, it's an exciting toy paradise; for adults, a warm space where forgotten childhood memories come flooding back. If you love stationery and toys, Changshindong Stationery and Toy Street is an absolute must-visit holy site.This place boasts an unimaginably vast variety, from cute little writing instruments to professional art supplies and the latest trendy figures. Since each shop has slightly different specialties and prices, the fun lies in exploring every nook and cranny to find treasures that match your style. Parents visiting with children might easily lose track of time and spend the entire day here. If you're seeking the most vibrant and retro ‘trip down memory lane’ right in the heart of Seoul, this is the place.