Culture Station Seoul 284
Build a trip to Seoul
About
This stunning building was the original Seoul Station built in 1925, featuring a blend of Renaissance and Byzantine architectural styles with a signature red-brick exterior and a central dome. After the modern station was built next door, this space was restored and transformed into a multidisciplinary arts and culture complex. The interior preserves the original waiting rooms and a grand ballroom, now hosting avant-garde art installations and design exhibitions. The sensory experience is a clash of 'Gyeongseong' (old Seoul) elegance and modern creativity. Experts recommend taking a free guided tour to hear the stories of the station’s role during the colonial and post-war eras. Pro tip: It’s directly connected to the current Seoul Station (Exit 2), making it an easy first or last stop if you are traveling by KTX.
Highlights
- Historic Old Seoul Station
- Multidisciplinary art space
- Renaissance-style architecture
- Preserved colonial-era interiors
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 is an elevated urban linear park built on a decommissioned 1970s highway overpass. The name '7017' references both the year the overpass was built (1970) and its rebirth as a pedestrian walkway (2017). It features over 24,000 plants representing 228 species, arranged in a living library of Korean flora. Walking along this path 17 meters above the ground provides a unique 'floating' perspective of the bustling Seoul Station area and the historic Namdaemun Gate. The sensory experience is enhanced by the blue LED lights that glow at night. Experts recommend starting from the Hoehyeon station side and walking toward Seoul Station at sunset. Pro tip: There are small 'foot baths' and cafes along the path where you can rest your feet while watching the heavy traffic move below.
Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun)
Sungnyemun, better known as Namdaemun (Southern Gate), is National Treasure No. 1 and was once the main gateway through the walls that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. After a tragic arson attack in 2008, it was meticulously restored using traditional tools and techniques. The massive stone base and the double-roofed wooden structure represent the pinnacle of early Joseon military architecture. At night, the gate is illuminated, standing as a majestic island of history amidst a sea of modern skyscrapers. Experts recommend viewing it from the pedestrian crosswalk for the best symmetrical photo. Pro tip: While you can walk through the gate during the day, it is fenced off at night; visit the adjacent Namdaemun Market afterward to see the gate's namesake in a commercial context.
Namdaemun Market
Established in 1414, Namdaemun is the oldest and largest traditional market in Korea, boasting over 10,000 stalls. This 'never-sleeping' market is a labyrinth of commerce where you can find everything from high-tech electronics to traditional mountain roots. The sensory experience is peak 'old Seoul'—the rhythmic shouting of vendors, the steam from giant mandu (dumpling) pots, and the visual chaos of stacked goods. Experts recommend visiting 'Kalguksu Alley' where you get a free side of cold noodles with your hot noodle soup. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your bags close; most wholesalers operate from 11 PM to 4 AM, but for tourists, 10 AM to 5 PM is the prime time for retail shopping.
Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
As one of Seoul's three most famous Jokbal (pork trotter) establishments, this Michelin Bib Gourmand winner is legendary for its 'five-spice' braising liquid. The meat is remarkably tender, with a skin that is almost jelly-like in texture and a subtle sweetness from the star anise and cinnamon. A unique sensory highlight is the heated brass plates on the tables that keep the pork at the perfect temperature throughout the meal. Experts recommend dipping the meat in their signature garlic-citrus sauce and shredded cabbage to cut through the richness. Practical pro tip: Every order of Jokbal comes with a complimentary pot of 'Mandu-guk' (dumpling soup) with rice cakes; the restaurant is tucked away in a small alley near City Hall, so look for the bright red sign.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.