A Stroll Through Gyeongnidan-gil: A Look Back and Forward

#cityplaybook Gyeongnidan-gil, located at 210-65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, is a street with a captivating history and a shifting present. Once a quiet residential area where a significant number of foreigners resided in the early 2000s, its character began to transform with the relocation of the US military base to Pyeongtaek. This shift saw an influx of restaurants, pubs, and other establishments, making Gyeongnidan-gil a truly "hot" spot for a period. The name "Gyeongnidan" itself is derived from the old name of the military finance management unit of the Yongsan base. The street is generally understood to encompass the path from the main gate of this unit towards the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the surrounding alleys. My recent visit to Gyeongnidan-gil, on a weekend during a holiday, offered a unique perspective. In the daytime, the street was surprisingly quiet, with fewer people than expected. However, as late afternoon approached, the crowds gradually swelled, bringing a renewed energy to the area. While it's a Korean street, some scenes evoke a distinct Japanese sensibility, with a noticeable presence of streetlights and electric wires that are less common in modern urban landscapes due to underground wiring. This gives the area a unique, almost nostalgic "sensibility." Further along, the path leads to Haebangchon's Shinheung Market. My initial impression of this alley in Haebangchon was that it was incredibly "hip." It feels like a small pocket of European charm within Seoul, yet it's a very short street, lacking expansive, open spaces. One can't help but wonder how much more "sensibility-filled" it would feel if it stretched out longer and wider. It was only later that I learned through a photo essay book that this area, including the Noksapyeong Overpass, is a well-known photo spot. It seems that "sensibility restaurants," "photo spots," and "photo-worthy places" are easily recognized by those in the know. Given that the drama "Itaewon Class" has gained global popularity, this area has also become a major tourist attraction for foreigners. For those planning a visit, I highly recommend stopping by the Noksapyeong Overpass in the evening for some photo opportunities, especially after exploring Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon during the day. While Gyeongnidan-gil certainly experienced a period of immense popularity, it's acknowledged that after 2020, it has lost some of its previous vibrancy. Nevertheless, it remains a place rich in history and unique character, offering a glimpse into Seoul's evolving urban landscape. #relaxing #strolling