🇰🇷 Korean Lesson #21: Hyewha: Korea's Broadway

[VISIT] Hyehwa: Korea's Broadway

안녕하세요 여러분 👋

Have you ever visited Hyehwa (혜화), one of the most charming districts in Seoul? Located in the Jongno District (종로구), Hyehwa is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Today, we're going to explore the rich history of Hyehwa and one of its must-visit spots.

서울에서 가장 매력적인 동네 중 하나인 혜화에 가본 적 있으신가요?
혜화는 종로구에 위치해 있으며, 예술과 문화로 유명한 곳입니다.
오늘은 혜화의 풍부한 역사와 꼭 가봐야 할 명소를 함께 알아보려고 해요~ 😎

Hyehwa, also known as Hyehwa-dong (혜화동), has a fascinating history. During the Joseon Dynasty (조선시대), it was a residential area for the upper class. This area has indeed transformed into a lively hub of arts and culture over the years.

One of the most famous landmarks in Hyehwa is Marronnier Park (마로니에 공원). The park gets its name from the chestnut trees planted there, with "Marronnier" being French for "chestnut tree." This park is a cultural oasis, hosting a variety of street performances (거리 공연), art exhibitions (미술 전시회), and festivals throughout the year.

Another highlight of Hyehwa is Daehakro (대학로), which literally means "College Street." It's home to numerous theaters (극장) and artistic venues, earning it the nickname "Korea's Broadway." When you visit Daehakro, you can read some Korean words like "연극" (theater), "공연" (performance), and "배우" (actor/actress).

Words to Remember:

• Hyehwa-dong (혜화동): Hyehwa neighborhood

• Joseon Dynasty (조선시대): The Joseon Dynasty

• Art (예술): Art

• Performance (공연): Performance

• Theater (극장): Theater

• Culture (문화): Culture

Another must-visit spot in Hyehwa is Hakrim Dabang (학림 다방), Korea's oldest café, which opened its doors in 1956. The term "dabang (다방)" refers to traditional Korean coffeehouses that were popular gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and students during the mid-20th century.

Walking into Hakrim Dabang is like stepping back in time. The café retains much of its vintage charm, with wooden furniture (가구), old-fashioned decor (장식), and a nostalgic atmosphere (분위기) that offers a unique glimpse into the past. Over the years, it has been a haven for poets, writers, and activists, symbolizing the cultural and intellectual movements that shaped modern Korea.

Even today, Hakrim Dabang continues to be a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. It's a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee (커피) and escape the bustling city while soaking in the rich history of the area.

Words to Remember:

• Dabang (다방): Traditional Korean café

• Coffee (커피): Coffee

• Furniture (가구): Furniture

• Atmosphere (분위기): Atmosphere

• Intellectual (지식인): Intellectual

• History (역사): History

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