Noryangjin Travel Course Overview: Where History and Local Culture Meet
With the recent box office success of Korean historical films, interest in the Joseon Dynasty era has been growing. Taking advantage of the clear weather, I took a half-day trip to Noryangjin, easily accessible from downtown Seoul. While famous for its exam village and cram school district, it also offers an excellent Noryangjin travel course to experience deep history and local cuisine. After enjoying a hearty bowl of beef soup (yukjeong gukbap) for lunch at a nearby restaurant, I began my full exploration.
1. Noryangjin Travel Course – Sayuksin Park: History and Scenic Beauty in Downtown Seoul
Located about a 10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Noryangjin Station, Sayuksin Park is a place where you can find tranquility amidst the bustling city center. Climb the hill at the entrance to see an information board explaining the park’s historical background.
The Historical Background of the Sayuksin
The Sayuksin symbolize Confucian ‘loyalty’ during the Joseon Dynasty, representing six scholars who remained steadfast in their integrity even in the face of death.
The Sayuksin refer to the six loyal officials who lost their lives while plotting to restore King Danjong to the throne. They consist of five civil officials and one military official.
[Five Civil Officials]
- Seong Sam-mun: A former scholar of the Jiphyeonjeon, he was the key figure who planned and led the conspiracy to restore King Danjong from the front lines.
- Park Paeng-nyeon: Served as a scholar at the Jiphyeonjeon and later as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, demonstrating unwavering loyalty until the end.
- Ha Ui-ji: Served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites and was renowned as an outstanding literary figure of his time.
- Lee Gae: A scholar from the Jiphyeonjeon, he is best known as the author of the sijo poem ‘The Candle Burning in the Room,’ which expresses heartrending sorrow for King Danjong.
- Yoo Seong-won: Served as a scholar at the Jiphyeonjeon and as a scholar at the Sungkyunkwan, possessing profound scholarly expertise.
[One Military Officer]
- Yoo Eung-bu: A military officer who served as Vice President of the Central Council. Skilled in martial arts, he was a key figure responsible for the actual military execution in the plot to restore King Danjong.
After paying respects at the shrine where the memorial tablets are enshrined, follow the path on the right to explore the actual burial grounds. Through the guestbooks filled with messages from visitors of all ages, you can truly feel the historical significance of this place.
An observatory embracing the Han River and 63 Building
Heading toward the Sayuksin History Museum, you’ll find an open-air observatory. From here, you can take in panoramic views of Seoul’s major landmarks, including the 63 Building, the Han River, and Namsan Tower.
Operating Hours
(The Sayuksin History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free.)
As you take in the scenery and listen to the distant sound of trains, you can deeply feel the Korean lyricism.
2. Noryangjin Cup Rice Street: Seoul’s Unique Street Food Culture
After touring the Sayuksin Park, we visited Noryangjin Cup Rice Street on our way to the fish market. It has transformed from its past form of food stalls into a neatly organized street.
The Origin and Present of Cup Rice Street
This street originated from ‘pocha rice’ (street stall rice), developed with consideration for students preparing for exams who were short on cash. It settled under the name ‘cup rice’ around 2011. Through an environmental improvement project by the local district office in 2018, it has now established itself as a popular attraction enjoyed by both citizens and tourists.
Beyond its diverse cup rice menu, visitors can enjoy various snacks like waffles and hot dogs at affordable prices, making it an essential culinary stop on any Noryangjin itinerary.
3. Noryangjin Fish Market: Seoul’s Largest Seafood Market
Noryangjin Fish Market is one of Noryangjin’s most iconic landmarks. Located right in the heart of Seoul, this massive fish market is a vibrant space where you can see and purchase fresh seafood directly.
Tips for Using the Fish Market and Its Layout
The scale of the fish market is overwhelming. The basic floor layout for visitors is as follows:
- Floors 1–2: Retail shops densely packed with fresh seafood.
- 2nd Floor Dining Area: Restaurants where you can pay a set fee to have seafood purchased on floors 1 or 2 cooked and served.
- Floors 3–4: Visitor-only parking lot.
About ‘Seafood Day’
Every Wednesday at 9 a.m., we also hold a ‘Seafood Day’ event offering 20-30% discounts on specific event items, so we recommend visiting according to your schedule.
Pre-Visit Notes
A sign for the ‘Chunghyo-gil’ trail is located in front of Noryangjin Station. This loop trail consists of seven courses. If you prefer walking tours, utilizing this trail is a great way to explore the wider Dongjak-gu area.
The Noryangjin travel course, where you can experience history, cuisine, and the vibrant daily life of locals, is a perfect choice to fully appreciate Seoul’s diverse charm.
