What image comes to your mind when you think of Hong-ik University Station? You might think of “Hong-dae Street” which is formed largely in front of Hong-ik University. Many young people are enjoying their youth there. But, getting off at Hong-ik University Station on Line 2, have you ever gone out through another subway exit not the one near Hong-ik University? When you go out Exit 3 of Hong-ik University Station, you can find unique places compared to the splendid atmosphere near the university. It is Yeon-nam dong, Mapo-gu. From the Gyeongui Line Forest Park to Dong-jin Market, here you can feel the sensibility of Seoul, which is different from other places. Let’s find out about the attractions of Yeon-nam dong.
Directions: Sang-do Station (Line 7) – Dae-rim Station (Line 2) – Hong-ik Univ. Station (Line 2)
Corse: The Gyeongui Line Forest Park- Soi Yeon-nam – Dong-jin Market – Neon Moon & Hello Indy Books – Vanilla Kitchen
 
1.The Gyeongui Line Forest Park
           The Gyeong-ui Line was the railroad which linked Seoul to Sinuiju of North Korea. Having become less used by people, the Seoul city government conducted an urban reconstructionproject. The Gyeongui Line Forest Park was created over two years in 2015. You can find this place as soon as you go out Exit 3. The wide lawns and the road of trees gives a calm feeling to visitors. People sometimes call this place “Yeon-tral Park”, because the atmosphere of the forest park is similar to that of Central Park in New York. Seeing people who spread mats between trees and enjoying the sun, you will feel as though you were not in downtown Seoul. Also, a five-minutes-walk in the opposite direction of Exit 3, you can meet “The Gyeongui Line Book Street”, part of the forest park. About ten container spaces were built there in modern design, and there, people can read what they want. “The Gyeongui Line Forest Park” is becoming a healing place, not only of Mapo-gu but also for the whole of Seoul city.
Location: 35gil 50-4, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: unlimited (with the exception of the book street: 11:00 ~ 22:00, closed on Mondays)
Contact info: 02-324-6200
Admission Fees: N/A
 
2.Dong-jin Market
           First, before entering this place, you might think “Is this place a real market?” “Dong-jin Market” is the space redecorated by citizens and cooperative unions for making a market in which producers and consumers can communicate with each other. If you want to look around and buy lots of products, then it is advisable to visit the “Flea Market of Dong-jin Market” on weekends. The biggest feature of the Dong-jin Market is that producers participate voluntarily in the flea market to sell what they made themselves: leather crafts, earrings, foodstuffs, and so on. Also, consumers can enjoy looking around and buying diffusers, perfume, illustration cards, and flower brooches. Besides, unique signboards design and interior decorations that combine past and contemporary styles catch the eyes of the citizens.
Location: 198, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: Thursday & Friday 15:00~21:00 / Weekends 12:30~19:00
Contact info: 02-325-9559
Admission Fees: N/A
 
3.Neon Moon & Hello Indy books
           A few steps out of the Dong-jin Market, you will arrive at two shops that demonstrate the sensibility of Yeon-nam Dong. The two shops are located very close to one another. First, “Neon Moon” is a shop that sells funny and vivid colored character products. If you visit here, you will be able to feel as though you have become a child. In “Hello Indy Books”, there are independent publications that can’t be found in normal bookstores, in addition to postcards and cute notebooks, and so on. This place gives you the feeling that you are in a small bookshop, and you can find out about the characteristics of the authors publishing these printed materials.
*Neon Moon
Location: 194-11, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 15:00~21:00 (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact info: 02-326-3002
*Hello Indy Books
Location: 44gil 33, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 15:00~21:00 (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact info: 010-4563-7830
 
4. Soi Yeon-nam
           Soi Yeon-nam is famous for their Thai style rice noodles. “Beef Rice Noodle” is the representative menu of this restaurant. First, you can choose the thickness of the noodles when you order. (There are regular and thin) The beef in the rice noodle dish is very tender, and the soup has a deep and refreshing tasted to it. At each table, there are four spice jars: chili vinegar, fish source, sugar, and Thai style red pepper powder. You can use them to suit your taste. “Soi Popia is also a famous menu item at Soi Yeon-nam. There are vegetables and shrimps in crispy grilled wheat, harmonious blended with soy sauce. How about feeling “Little Thailand” in Soi Yeon-nam?
Location: 267, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 11:30~14:00 17:00~21:00 (Break Time: 15:00~17:00)
Contact info: 02-323-5130
Price: Beef Rice Noodle (8,500won) / Soi Popia (12,000won) / Somtam (12,000won)
 
5.Vanilla Kitchen
           Vanilla Kitchen is located at the entrance to an alley opposite to Soi Yeon-nam. When you get inside, the first thing that comes into sight is its interior that consists of a living flosser and uniquely designed recipe books. This café is famous for making handmade cake in Yeon-nam Dong. They sell much bigger cakes than other cafés to customers, and many like the texture of its moist cakes. Besides cakes, you can enjoy delicious tea and beverages as well. 
Location: 266-7, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 12:30~22:00 (Closed on Monday)
Contact info: 02-337-5692
Price: Red Velvet Cake (7,000won) / Chocolate Cappuccino Cake (7,500won) / Orange Blackberry Aid (6,000won)

 

           Now, as it is already October, the heat of the sun gradually sinks down and the weather is becoming cooler. “The season for a walk” now comes to us. Why don’t you step outside and visit a new place? How about Yeon-nam Dong? Through visiting The Gyeongui Line Forest Park which becomes the color of autumn, Dong-jin Market and many shops, I hope you find a new atmosphere that you have never felt in downtown Seoul before.
 

 

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