A Course for "Resting the Soul": Exploring Jeong-dong & Myeong-dong

In October, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the "Seoul Beauty Wellness 100," a curated list of attractive tourist spots aimed at discovering the healthy and beautiful daily life of Seoul. It covers the themes of "Rest, Taste, and Style."

Among the "Rest" category, several places stood out not just for relaxing the body, but for allowing the mind to rest deeply. As the first snow of winter began to fall, I visited four of these meaningful locations.

1. Jeong-dong First Methodist Church: A Hill of History

Located at the center of the beautiful Jeong-dong street, famous for its autumn foliage, stands the Jeong-dong First Methodist Church. While I had passed by many times, I had never ventured inside.

However, inspired by the "Beauty Wellness 100" list, I asked a staff member if I could enter. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed: "Of course! You can visit the history museum and enter the chapel anytime during opening hours."

• Bethel Chapel: Designated as a National Cultural Heritage site, this chapel opened 140 years ago (in 1885). Inside, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Uniquely, a pipe organ is installed at the center of the altar.

• • Historical Note: Behind the pipe organ lies the blower room, where it is said Yu Gwan-sun and her friends secretly made Korean flags (Taegeukgi) and mimeographed the Declaration of Independence.

The History Museum on-site also offers touching stories, including that of Henry Appenzeller, the missionary who founded Korea's first Protestant church and Paichai Hakdang.

• Location: 46 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Transport: Subway Lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station (Exit 10), 404m walk

2. Anglican Church of Korea Seoul Cathedral: Romanesque Beauty

Located in the heart of Seoul near Deoksugung Palace and City Hall, the Anglican Church of Korea Seoul Cathedral has long been an open space loved by citizens. Its open doors even made it a focal point during the June Democratic Struggle.

Upon entering, the rare golden mosaic altar painting captures your eye, inspiring a sense of awe. The quiet atmosphere naturally leads visitors into deep silence and reflection. You can also glimpse the church's turbulent history, including the sacrifices made during the Korean War, through photos displayed under the beautiful stained glass.

• Location: 15 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Transport: Subway Lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station (Exit 3), 195m walk

3. Myeongdong Cathedral: A Sanctuary in the City Center

I was at Myeongdong Cathedral when the first snow fell. Despite being in the middle of the bustling Myeongdong district, the snow turned the scene into a joyous festival for everyone present.

As Korea's first Catholic church and the second Gothic-style building after Yakhyeon Catholic Church, it has stood at the center of Korean history. Behind the main cathedral, a spacious area offers comfortable seating where anyone can rest. Looking towards the underground chapel, where the remains of martyrs are kept, brings a sense of solemn peace.

• Location: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
• Transport: Subway Lines 2 & 3, Euljiro 3-ga Station (Exit 12), 560m walk

4. Dilkusha: "Palace of Heart's Delight"

Reflecting on my visits, I realized all three churches held memories and memorials related to "death." This theme was further deepened at Dilkusha.

Although I missed the golden ginkgo leaves, Dilkusha is currently hosting a meaningful exhibition titled "Independence, A Wish Kept in Daily Life" (running until June 28, next year). It tells the story of Albert Taylor (an AP correspondent who reported on the March 1st Movement) and Kim Ju-sa, who helped him.

• A Poignant Connection: Albert hid the Declaration of Independence in his newborn son's bed, while Kim Ju-sa passed away under a ceiling where he had hidden the Korean flag to avoid Japanese surveillance.

• The Resting Place: A small bed installed in the exhibition room connects these stories, prompting visitors to think about "resting places" and the final rest of death.

"Rest" is often about finding time to meet oneself. Even in a busy city, there are spaces that help make that meeting possible. Thanks to the "Seoul Beauty Wellness 100," I enjoyed a true and meaningful rest.

• Location: 17 Sajik-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
• Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays).
• Note: Free admission. Advance reservation is required for the guided tour program via the Seoul Public Service Reservation website.

Source: Seoul Newsletter