Opening remarks

Chapter 1.
Yongsan
Chapter 2.
To Seoul
Chapter 3.
Gyeonggang
Chapter 4.
Daehakro
Chapter 5.
Shin Yong-san

Closing remarks

Connecting the past and present, history and people
Seoul Sketch Trip

Seoul is a city with a long history.
This is because it is a city that has been firmly established as the capital of our country for over 600 years, from the Joseon Dynasty to the present, at least half a millennium.
But it's not easy to find a place that resembles a long-standing center of power, history, and culture in downtown Seoul.
Due to the developmentalism, the link with the past has gradually weakened, and the skyline of Seoul has continued to rise to the point where the term "historic city" has become meaningless.
However, as it is a city where many people have lived for a long time, there are many rich stories piled up in various places.
While the first book focused on the historical stories within the Sadamun Gate, this book pays closer attention to the voices of the people who lived in this city, not just the history.


We visit places designated as Seoul's future heritage sites, such as Geumseong Real Estate, a living witness to the history of apartment development that has been in operation for over 50 years within the Yeouido pilot apartment complex, and Seongwoo Lee Yong-won, a third-generation business near Manri-dong Pass, to vividly tell old stories.
The author also tells the stories of people who were pushed out by development through stories related to places like Bamseom Island, which was so beautiful that it was monopolized by the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty, Bamseom Island, which had a population of 450 in the 1960s but was blown up for development purposes, and Hyochangwon, which was the tomb of Crown Prince Munhyo, the eldest son of King Jeongjo, but was damaged when a golf course was built during the Japanese colonial period and a sports field was built during the Syngman Rhee era.
However, I am not unconditionally opposed to development and reminiscing about the past.
It addresses spaces that strike a balance between tradition and development, such as Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, the first ecological park in Korea; Seoullo 7017, which was a former car-only overpass turned into a pedestrian-only promenade; Yongsan Railroad Hospital, which was reborn as the Yongsan History Museum; and cafes renovated from former Japanese colonial houses in Yongsan and Namyeong-dong. It also presents a philosophy and vision for the city's future.


Sitting on the steps of a house not swept away by the apartment complex, I recall the well site that Lee Bong-chang used as a child.
On one side of a narrow alley where cars could not enter, a well covered with a round plastic cover sat abandoned.
Looking into the well, which did not match the surrounding scenery at all, I saw that there was water, but the reality of Seoul is that you cannot wash your hands even after drawing a ladleful of water from the well.
Imagine the childhood of a young man who was willing to give up his life for his country.
The child stands at the well, draws water, quenches his thirst, and washes his hands.
The place where the child stands is the last handful of land in Joseon, like a dying light.
How must the chilling shadow of Japan's ambition have felt to a young mind? The child sits by the well, gazing up at the sky.
His sky will be no different from the one I look up at now.
Now I can only share the same sky under Yongsan with him.
How long will our precious links be buried in cold piles of reinforced concrete?
I think back to the meaning of that sip of water that the child must have drunk in his childhood.
I wonder how much depth Seoul would have as a city if it shared that story.
Pages 45-46

From the elders who have protected Seoul
Even the newly emerged rising star

When it comes to Seoul, many people first think of the Han River, which flows leisurely through the heart of the city, rather than any other landmark.
The Han River, which has flowed since time immemorial, has been a life-giving stream that supplies water to many people living in Seoul, and has also been an essential passageway for trade with foreign countries, connecting the capital and the provinces.
However, until the first bridge was built in 1900, there was no other means of transportation than boats.
In just over 100 years, 31 bridges (21 in Seoul) have been built across the Han River, and a 'Han River view' is considered a symbol of wealth.
The city's landscape does not remain stagnant, but changes with each season and each year.
In 『Drawing Seoul's Time: The Second Story』, we also touch on places that will rewrite Seoul's history.


From Sungkyunkwan, which many people visit in the fall to see the giant ginkgo tree that turns yellow, to Yakhyeon Cathedral, the first Western-style brick building built in Korea, the Seosomun Shrine History Museum built on the largest Catholic holy site in Korea, the Arko Arts Theater designed by Kim Swoo-geun, Gate Tower, the Namyeong-dong Anti-Communist Office, the Hyundai Department Store in Yeouido, which is the largest single-building department store in Seoul, and the Amorepacific headquarters building in Yongsan that is said to have been inspired by the white porcelain moon jar, etc.
From famous landmarks of the Joseon Dynasty to newly emerging hot spots, it conveys the diverse charms of Seoul.
Not only the buildings, but also the natural objects that fill the city are not left out.
The trees of Seoul change their appearance throughout the city, turning into light green buds in spring, deep green in summer, colorful leaves in fall, and white snow in winter.
The book also contains stories about the protected trees, natural monuments, and commemorative trees that silently guard the alleyways of Seoul, allowing readers to enjoy a moment of romantic leisure.
As you explore Seoul with "Drawing Seoul's Time," you will come to feel closer to Seoul, a city with a different meaning than before.


Spring is getting better.
I used to like fall more than I do now, but as I get older, I find that it can't compare to spring.
When I see the light green buds sprouting from the branches of trees that had been curled up as if dead after surviving the winter, I am moved by the wonder of the new year that has just begun.
Anything is right in spring.
Spring day, spring rain, spring breeze, spring sunshine, spring flowers.
There is nothing that is not pretty when you add the word 'spring' to it.
Is there anything better than a spring walk among them?
On these short spring days, you have to go out and walk somewhere.
A walk in spring is a time to feel liberated from the prison of winter.
There are many walkable streets in Seoul, but on the other hand, there aren't many.
It's because of the highway.
If only I could shake off the busy streets that interrupt my steps and stroll among the towering buildings, I would naturally imagine Seoul's bright future.
I believe that people living in cities can be happy only when they have the convenience of being able to walk freely without being disturbed by cars.
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