Daehangno and Sinchon: streets of youth and passion

THE ORIGINAL ESSAY

Seoul is a city of universities. Home to nearly 50 four-year universities (an indication of the Korean zeal for education), Seoul and its educational enthusiasm is often talked about in the international arena. Daehangno and Sincheon, as representative university streets in Seoul, provide a unique look into Korea’s future.

Daehangno refers to a street that extends 1.5km from Hyehwa Station on Subway Line 4 in the direction of Jongno 5-ga. It was given this name (Daehang means ‘university’ and no means ‘street’) because Seoul National University, the most prestigious school in Korea, was once located here. Though the university moved to a spacious campus at the foot of Mt. Gwanak, the passion of young intellectuals who love culture and art remains here. The area still swarms with culture and art organizations as well as theaters staging plays and musicals.

In Daehangno, hit plays and musicals are put on stage while amateur bands and comedians hold street performances. Mariner Park along the street often overflows with curious onlookers hoping for a little entertainment and artists aspiring to prove their talent. Some sing, others paint or perform, and there is always art on display to stimulate the creative juices.

Shinchon is home to famous private universities such as Yonsei, Sogang and Ehwa Women’s Universities. While Daehangno is a street of culture and art, Shinchon is an area for shopping and entertainment. Affordable restaurants and cafes cater to the limited budget of students, as do the bars that are packed with revelers spilling out onto the streets late into the night with their belly’s full and heads spinning as much from the pressure of studies as the alcohol. The neighborhood of Ehwa Women’s University is known for its unique cafes and shops that deal in trendy clothes or pretty accessories to suit women’s tastes.

To feel the passion of young Korean univer- sity students, head for Daehangno and Sinchon and bring your own passion for fun.

From Peter’s supplied Seoul guidebook introduction, chapter 12. Original observations and historical framing are retained. PDF line-break and spacing repairs are recorded separately from factual updates. Guidebook photography and venue directories are not republished.