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Different things may motivate us when it comes to why we travel, but for most of us, traveling is about new experiences. We venture to unfamiliar places, try to stick to a diet of local foods, and seek out unique experiences, so we can have memories and experiences to call our own. If an out-of-the-ordinary voyage away from the typical touristy sights and sounds is what you're after, head out to the local communities for a taste of everyday life in Seoul.

In 2022, the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched "Local in Seoul," an initiative for nurturing local businesses. Carried out under the catchphrase, "The local economy thrives when local businesses thrive," Local in Seoul aims to help make local communities more accessible to the common visitor so people not from the area can experience unique local brands and lifestyles. Selected communities of the initiative will stand out as special destinations, offering differentiated content that reflects the traits of each community based on the local culture, ranging from traditional markets and businesses to parks, trails, and more. In this edition, Visit Seoul offers a sneak peek into a list of selected communities that boast their own "local flavor" that will gift you with a unique travel experience.

Jangchungdan-gil, where History Gives Way to Wonder

Although Seoul always seems to pursue the latest in cultural trends, it actually offers visitors the chance to come face to face with the indigenous sentiment and feel of the city. Known for its Jokbal Alley and famous hotels among tourists, Jangchungdan-gil is home to a series of sights, sounds, and culture rooted in the extensive years the city has been in place.

From N Seoul Tower, Seoul’s towering landmark, to Taegeukdang, a bakery with a history of over 75 years, and eateries for jokbal (pigs' feet) and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) that Jangchungdan is known for, not to mention the long-standing shops filling the alleys and the merchants and residents that have called this place home for years on end, the Jangchungdan-gil is one of the most significant areas that capture the history and traditions of Seoul.

Jangchungdan-gil is home to Jangchung Arena, the first indoor gymnasium in Seoul, as well as Jangchungdan Park, a significant site in Korea’s modern history and the origin of the name “Jangchung-dong.” Jangchungdan Park has a public square, tennis court, playground, and fountain, and also houses the Supyogyo Bridge, the place for gauging the water level of the Cheonggyecheon Stream back during the Joseon Dynasty. With its walk-friendly environment, Jangchungdan Park is a healing spot where Seoulites can enjoy nature in the city center.

At Jangchungdan Park, visitors can also stop by Kyungdong Presbyterian Church, the work of Kim Swoo Geun, a prominent South Korean architect, and the Jong Ie Nara Paper Art Museum. At the end of Jangchungdan-gil awaits Korea’s shopping mecca, Dongdaemun Market, and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza culture complex, or DDP for short. Jangchungdan-gil is the very place where you can enjoy the local taste and style, offering everything from architecture and food to shopping and healing, that has been contributed to the city's sustainability over the last several decades. Jangchungdan-gil is no doubt a great place to begin your local travel experience.

• ○Address: Vicinity of Toegye-ro 56-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seonyuroun, Putting the Ease Back in Your Step

The warm sunshine, the pleasant breeze tickling our cheeks, and the fresh floral aromas filling the air hints at spring's arrival just around the corner. In spring, we all get excited at the thought of heading back outdoors, making any one of Seoul's nearby parks the perfect destination for a daytime excursion.

Seonyudo Park is an eco-friendly park that makes use of the Seonyu Water Purification Plant, which used to be a wastewater treatment plant under Yanghwadaegyo Bridge. With an aquatic botanical garden, eco-forest, and the Garden of Time, Seonyudo Park offers plenty of green, things to see, and a wide, vast area for some proper R&R for a nice day out with friends and family or a romantic day out on the town. Also well-known for its beautiful sunset, the neighborhood surrounding Seonyudo Station trends under the nickname "Seonyuroun," meaning that of a place that's characteristic of Seonyudo's natural environment and spaciousness, or easy vibe.

Actively promoting local brands through the "Seonyuroun Tourist Information Center" pop-up store, the fascinating area has a wide range of experiences available, from its pedestrian-friendly street to the workshop market street and food & culture street. The pop-up store promotes local tourism and brands, and even goes so far as to stay up-to-date with trends, including recommending local spots personalized to your MBTI personality type. Seonyuroun also has neighborhood tours with local tour guides, allowing visitors to better learn what makes Seonyuroun such a special place.

At Seonyuroun, you can also enjoy various experiential activities through artist-run workshop programs and drop by the flea market. Visitors can enjoy the uniqueness of the area, especially the pet-friendly ambiance.

Don't forget to stop by the Hangang River and Seonyudo Park right nearby!

• ○Address: Vicinity of Yangpyeong-ro 19-gil & 22-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Gyeongchun Line Forest "Sait-gil," Getting Your Fill of Enjoyment

Unlike that of airplanes and automobiles, trains are a means of transportation that inspire a sense of romance. Once an active railroad in Seoul's downtown area, the Gyeongchun Line Railroad was restored into a forest park area filled with a cool yet off-beat romantic vibe. The Gyeongchun Line Forest helps preserve the railroad of old, breathing life into the local scene, seemingly offering a look into days passed.

The Gyeongchun Line Forest Sait-gil starts off with the Gongneung-dong Noodle Street, a long-time spot that has been serving the public for decades, and continues on through the Gongneung-dong Dokkaebi Market, the biggest traditional market in the Nowon-gu District tucked away in the backstreets, all the way to the nostalgic Gyeongchun Line Forest Park. The Sait-gil lets you experience the fascinating local business district that is home to a culture and feel all its own. At the Dongnip Mart, dongnip meaning "independence" and mainly consisting of young local merchants, and Gongneung-dong 101, a livelihood platform for Gongneung-dong residents, you can also come upon products from local brands that each have their own story to tell.

At the Hwarangdae Railway Park, located near Hwarangdae Station of subway line 6, visitors are free to ride on different trains, including a narrow-gauge train, a Mika class steam locomotive, a royal tram, and a railbus. A light garden is also open for visitors to enjoy free of charge during the evening and night hours. The railway park has various facilities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. You can also appreciate artwork at the Gyeongchun Line Forest Gallery, stop by the Time Museum, or tour the Nowon Train Village, an exhibition hall made into a miniature version of the Swiss Train Village.

The Gyeongchun Line Forest Sait-gil has it all from the forest trail along the railroad to spend some downtime and the traditional market of old to enjoy a hearty snacks and meals to the experience center and exhibition hall that are sure to be an entertaining time for the whole family. Without a doubt, you're in for yet another authentic local tour in Seoul.

• ○Address: 272-2, Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul

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