"Bell Street" Jongno in Korea!

Jongno is located in central Seoul and means 'Bell Street'. It's my favorite playground by having plenty of things to do. I'm going to introduce 5 things to do in Jongno.




1. Reading a book in Kyobo Book Center
Kyobo Book Center is the largest and the most famous book store in Korea. I like to read a book sitting on the floor leaning against a bookshelf. When I get bored, I choose another book. That makes me feel like I'm shopping! That's why I'm always unware of time flying by in Kyobo Book Center.




2. Learning Korean history in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is a royal palace and means 'the palace of shining happiness'. Roughly 60% of the original number of palace buildings were destroyed by the Japanese goverment in the early 20th century, but you can still see the rest of the beautiful buildings. If you're lucky, you could meet Korean actors and actresses being shot in a historical drama.
(There are some different opinions. See this: Korean Palace Visit - Mixed Reactions)




3. Taking a walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a 5.8 km long, modern public recreation space surrounded with high buildings. In fact, it's hard to see such a beautiful modern steam in a big city! What's more, it's really good to go for a walk talking with others. At night, the steam is decorated by colorful lights. Personally, I prefer the night view. I used to drink a can of beer with friends there listening to water flowing.




4. Shopping in Myeongdong Shopping Area
Myeongdong is a representative shopping district. There are all kinds of shops and lots of snack stalls. You can have a variety of good choices and items are normally inexpecsive, so it's jam-packed all the time with shoppers. You may be confused as to whether you're in Korea or Japan, because there are tons of Japaneses who want to shop in Myeongdong!




5. Feeling tradional Korea on Insadong Street
Insadong is well known as a traditional street. You can buy a Korean traditional souvenir there! There are not only traditional shops, but also traditional restaurants, teahouses, and pubs! You can see Starbucks as well, but the signboard is written in Korean only in Insadong. I love this place, because I feel comfortable in the atmosphere.


There are more attractions in Jongno that I'd love to introduce such as Samcheongdong Walkway, Ssamjigil, City hall, Deoksugung Palace, Dongdaemun market and so on. Why don't you visit Jongno in Seoul? You'll enjoy yourself a lot!