Jongno
| Jongno | |
 | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 종로 |
| Hanja | 鐘路 |
| Revised Romanization | Jongno |
| McCune–Reischauer | Chongno |
Jongno ("Bell Street") is one of the oldest major east-west thoroughfares in central Seoul, South Korea, connecting Sejongno to Dongdaemun. It remains one of Seoul's most important financial and cultural areas to this day. Many important landmarks are located along its length, including the Bigak pavilion at Sejongno, the Bosingak belfry (hence the street's name), Tapgol Park (Pagoda Park), the Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine, and the aforementioned Dongdaemun (Great East Gate). Seoul Subway Line 1 passes under Jongno. The western end of Jongno is serviced by Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), and Jongno 3-ga Station is serviced by Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5. Because of a large number of shops, stores and groceries along the area, the word "Jongno" is often used in the Korean language to express "Town Square."
Famous Places in Jongno
- Many of Korea's largest bookshops including the Kyobo Book Centre (near Sejongno), Youngpoong Bookstore, and Bandi & Luni's Bookstore (Jongno 1-ga) are located near Jongno.
- Jongno Tower is a 33-story office building. Its top floor is equipped with a restaurant and bar which is famous for its view of Jongno and other areas of Seoul. The tower is located near Jonggak Station of Seoul Subway Line 1.
- Insadong-gil, a street famous for its traditional attractions, including galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants, is accessible directly from Jongno (Jongno 3-ga).
- Cheonggyecheon flows just a block south of Jongno.
- Sejong Centre, one of the most famous multi-purpose theatres in Korea, lies near the intersection of Jongno and Sejongno.
- The area around Jongno 3-ga Station is the origin of many famous film theatres; Dansungsa (established in 1907, the oldest cinema theatre in Korea), The Piccadilly Cinema (established in 1958), Seoul Cinema (established in 1978).
- Pimatgol is a well-known alley lying just north of Jongno 1, 2, 3-ga.
- Dongdaemun, which is more properly known as Heunginjimun, is one of the four gates of old Seoul. It is located at the east end of Jongno.
- Dongdaemun Market, one of the most well-known wholesale and retail shopping places in Korea, surrounds the area near Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Stadium and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.
See also
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Jongno. |
Coordinates: 37°34′22″N 126°58′46″E / 37.5729°N 126.9794°E