Fall in love with Hyehwa-dong, things to do around the area

Hyehwa-dong (혜화동) is a vibrant neighbor located in the heart of Seoul in jongno-gu district.

This neighborhood is one of my favorites if not my favorite one. wandering around even aimlessly was always such a pleasure to me whether its day or nighttime. The place has its own charm with the red brick buildings, the unique streets, artistic sculptures, and trees all around. The area is best known for being the home of theaters in Seoul, or the arts and cultural hub of the city. From the art centers to the dynamic nightlife Hyehwa-dong is just full of adventures and colorful experiences awaiting you. You may be lucky enough to run into celebrities in this neighborhood like me as well. XD

The theaters shows a range of musicals to silent performances, original works, kids shows and much more.

The streets of Hyehwa are full of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, stores, different kinds of street food, and other shopping stalls. (especially on weekends).

Some of my favorite restaurants and coffee shop recommendations around here:

Kumpir steak Hyehwa

Yoogane Daehak-ro branch

1 월 1일 (1st of january cafe)

Witch’s Coffee

Marronnier park (마로니에공원)

One of the best parks in the city to hang out, watch free performances, cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts. And simply it just has this distinctive atmosphere that you can enjoy even without watching anything.  

Museums in Hyehwa

As an art and culture district, it is also full of unique museums and galleries. Such as the Museum of Medicine (의학박물관) on the grounds of Seoul National University Hospital (서울대학교병원). Since Daehak-ro was the first location of the most prestigious university in Korea: Seoul National University before they move it to its current location in Gwanaksan. The museum provides a glimpse of the hospital history and the adoption of Western medical techniques.

Sungkyunkwan university (성균관대학교)

Sungkyunkwan University is one of East Asia’s premier study destinations. The  Humanities and Social Sciences Campus is located in Hyehwa-dong as well. The university is known to be one of the oldest universities in the country as it existed for more than 6 centuries. However, today it has become one of the leading universities in Asia and a pioneer of the business and technology fields. It is a unique representation of the combination of the nation’s ancient history and the futuristic modernity that Distinguish Korea as a whole. The humanities campus still preserves part of the old-traditional buildings of the university so make sure to stop by.

Address: 25-2, Seonggyungwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)

Changgyeong Palace is also located around the area. it was built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong, for his father, Taejong. the palace is kind of simple comparing it to the other palaces in the city and is surrounded by a big forest. Take a stroll around and enjoy the historical buildings.

Iwha mural village (이화동벽화마을) 

The Ihwa Mural Village is another one of those villages in Korea with cute wall paintings all around that was created by different artists as a part of the “Art in City Project” carried out by The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, In hopes of reviving the neighborhood. Which was successful as you can see. You can take a stroll around the village and take loads of pretty pictures with artsy walls. 

Address: 70-11, Ihwajang-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

And lastly,

Naksan Park (낙산 공원 )

Naksan Park is a nice small hiking hill with a fortress trail leading to Dongdaemun. It has a great view of the city, in day time but preferably at night. With an exercise path, and observation decks. Perfect for a walk and some fresh air.

Altogether there’s still much more to talk about in this lovely neighbor but ill stop here for today.