Daehangno

Step out of Hyehwa Station in the evening and the first things you see are people handing out show flyers and queues at ticket booths. Daehangno (Daehak-ro, "University Street") is officially the road from Jongno 5-ga to Hyehwa Rotary, but today the name stands for the dense cluster of small theatres around it, Seoul's performing arts district. If you love theatre or musicals, this is the neighbourhood to start with.

History: theatres moved in when the university moved out

The street was named after the colleges of humanities and law of Seoul National University, whose predecessor was the colonial-era Keijo Imperial University. The university began moving to its new campus below Gwanaksan in 1975, and Marronnier Park was laid out on the vacated land. In May 1985 the government designated the area a "Street of Culture and Arts", and theatres and arts groups from around the city gathered here. In 2004 it became Seoul's second official Cultural District after Insadong, a status meant to limit commercial development and protect small theatres.

What to see

• Marronnier Park: the heart of Daehangno. The park opened in 1982, and the horse chestnut (marronnier) trees that gave it its name were planted in 1929, in the Keijo Imperial University era. A marker stone in one corner recalls the old Seoul National University campus. The outdoor stage hosts frequent free performances and events, and many passers-by stop to watch in the evening.
• Theatre lanes: small and mid-sized venues line the alleys behind the park and around Hyehwa Station, enough to choose from several shows on the same evening.
• Former Keijo Imperial University main building: the red-brick building beside the park, later the SNU administration building, is a fine piece of early modern architecture.
• Naksan Park and the city wall: climb to Naksan Park on the hill to the east and you can walk along the Seoul City Wall, with the wall lit up and city views after dark.
• Autumn ginkgos: in autumn the ginkgo trees in the park and along the street turn bright yellow and draw crowds.

Good to know

• The name Daehangno was officially given to the road in 1966.
• Seoul National University Hospital and the university's Yeongeon campus remain across the road, a trace of the old university quarter.

Nearby

• Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo: a short walk west of Daehangno brings you to Changgyeonggung Palace and the royal shrine of Jongmyo. Palaces by day and a show in the evening make a good plan.
• Heunginjimun: follow the Naksan section of the city wall south and you reach Heunginjimun, the great east gate of Seoul.
• Naksan Park: a hilltop park along the city wall with fine views over central Seoul at sunset.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: get off at Hyehwa Station on Line 4 and you are in Daehangno. Marronnier Park is a few minutes' walk away.
• Choosing a show: most performances are in Korean. If you do not speak the language, pick a non-verbal or music-based show.
• Cost and time: the streets and park are free at any time. Allow 1.5 hours for the park and Naksan Park, or half a day with a show.
• Parking: parking is difficult, so use public transport.