"A unique atmosphere where the past and present blend together" Falling for the charm of Jongno 3-ga, where day and night are completely different

At 8:00 p.m. on a recent weekday, finding an empty seat was nearly impossible along Donhwamun-ro 11-gil in Jongno 3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The street vendor stalls lining the alleyways were packed with people enjoying drinks with light snacks like savory pancakes and dried fish. Outdoor tables set in a neat single row outside the shops were also completely full, with three to four groups of customers waiting in line at each store for a table to open.

As you step into Galmaegi Alley, the presence of foreign tourists becomes noticeably prominent. They seek out restaurants retaining an old-school tavern vibe and renovated traditional hanok houses to enjoy Korean-style barbecue while chatting away.

The night scenery of Jongno 3-ga is drawing global attention. British travel media outlet "Time Out" recently selected Jongno 3-ga as the world's number one "coolest neighborhood" this year. The vibrant night atmosphere of Ikseon-dong's preserved hanok shops, Seosunra-gil, and the Donhwamun-ro 11-gil pocha (street tent) district were cited as the reasons for the selection. Additionally, independent craft workshops, jewelry studios, and bars lining Seosunra-gil add even more to Jongno 3-ga's allure.

Foreign visitors to Jongno 3-ga viewed the outdoor dining culture with fascinated eyes. They continuously captured the alleyways where tradition and modernity coexist on camera, showing keen interest in the food and drinks people were having as they walked past the narrow street stalls.

"Even though it's evening, the atmosphere is very lively, and shops and people are everywhere," said Amory (32) from France. "There are many cafes with terraces in France, but they close by the afternoon, so it's nothing like this."

In November 2024, Jongno-gu established a win-win agreement with Donhwamun-ro 11-gil and Galmaegi Alley to foster an orderly outdoor dining culture. From 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. the next day, enforcement officers, safety guards, and the merchant association's safety management team are deployed to manage vehicle and pedestrian safety. Seo Han-chul, president of the Galmaegi Alley Merchants Association, said, "Since signing the win-win agreement with Jongno-gu and managing the area, outdoor dining operations have visibly improved."

Seosunra-gil offered a calmer atmosphere than Donhwamun-ro 11-gil. Sitting side-by-side in front of shops, people chatted while sipping beer or coffee with a view of the Jongmyo Shrine stone wall. Foreign tourists took pictures against the backdrop of the stone wall.

"Seosunra-gil has a unique atmosphere where the old and the present mingle," said Han (44) from Australia. "The lively atmosphere [on the Donhwamun-ro 11-gil side] is great too, but if you want to feel the traditional charm of the city, this place is better." Dipti (40), who traveled with him, added, "Myeong-dong has too many people and neon lights, but here it's quiet and relaxing."

The daytime in Jongno 3-ga remains a street for office workers and seniors. During lunchtime, elderly residents gather heavily around Tapgol Park. Seo (73), who operates a street stall near Tapgol Park, noted, "In the day, elderly people come, and in the evening, young people visit, completely changing the demographic of our customers."

On the morning of the 22nd, before the street stalls opened, Donhwamun-ro 11-gil saw a steady flow of seniors, office workers, and foreign tourists heading toward Ikseon-dong.

"We had seafood and beer on this street last night," said Flynn (33) from Canada. "It was an exciting time to feel the lively atmosphere of the people up close because the restaurants are right on the street." Dian (42), who traveled with her, remarked, "The place that was vibrant with young people at night turned into a place with no shops and many seniors by day—it feels like traveling to a different city within the very same space."