Night view of Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway, the most romantic path in Seoul

Why shouldn’t you walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Street with your lover?

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Seoul is home to many alleyways where you can soak up the city’s old-world charm. Among them, alleyways with their own stories are a rare find. Deoksugung Stone Wall Street is not only a great spot for a date but also a place with hidden stories. Since it’s a route I sometimes pass through on my way to catch the bus, and because it’s such a peaceful and quiet street, I think it would make for a great itinerary for tourists visiting Seoul.

The Story of the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street

There is a legend that has been passed down about this street for a long time. It is the superstition that if lovers walk this path together, they will break up. Therefore, any Korean has likely heard the advice not to walk this path together with their partner, even if they are on a date.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Street view

Why did this story originate? In the past, the Seoul Family Court was located at the far end of this Deoksugung Stone Wall Street. Consequently, many couples or lovers who frequently walked this path were contemplating or preparing to break up. Seeing their distress, such a story naturally arose.

Although the Family Court has since moved away, the superstition remains. But don’t worry. Walking this path won’t actually make you feel that way, so if you are traveling with your partner, feel free to stroll along it with peace of mind. If you are curious about more detailed information regarding Deoksugung Palace, please refer to “Seoul night route (Jongno ~ City hall) that tourists should walk.”

Places to See on the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street

Street near the British Embassy

For a long time, the British Embassy was located next to Deoksugung Palace, and the general public was unable to enter this area. However, the process of fully opening the walking path section was recently completed, and the public can now walk along the path surrounding Deoksugung Palace.

Here is a tip

At the start of the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street, next to the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, there is a delicious waffle shop. Its name is Liège Waffle, and people line up to eat there. It is that good of a place. If you buy a Maple Waffle (5,500 KRW) and a cup of coffee here and enjoy them while walking along the this street with a friend or your partner, your trip will be even more delightful.

Deoksugung Stone Wall Street and moon

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)

This is a place I also occasionally visit with friends to see art exhibitions. If you walk a short distance up along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street, you will reach an intersection, which is the entrance to the Seoul Museum of Art. Many free exhibitions are held here, and the surroundings are great for taking photos, so I visit frequently. I think it is a good place for tourists to visit as well. There is also a cafe on the first floor, so it is a good spot to stop and rest for a while.

Seoul Museum of Art

Restaurants & Cafes to Visit Near the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street

Coffee & Cigarettes

This is a cafe I visit occasionally, and it is also incredibly famous among the MZ generation. Located on a high floor, the view looking down is fantastic. It is a great place to visit, especially for capturing photos of the modern cityscape harmonizing with Deoksugung Palace. To get there, walk a short distance from the main gate of Deoksugung Palace toward Seodaemun Station, and you will see a large building (Yuwon Building) on ​​the left. It is located on the 17th floor of this building.

Coffee & Cigarettes cafe view.

Here is a tip

  • This place gets extremely crowded on weekends. I recommend visiting during the day on a weekday.

  • The window seats are always occupied. If you plan to take photos or videos to post on Instagram or TikTok, I recommend playing the game of wits to secure a window seat.

Finding Coffee & Cigarettes on Google Maps

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal

One of Seoul’s famous foods is Jokbal (pig’s trotters). If you head to the alley near the Coffee & Cigarette shop I just mentioned, you will see people standing in a long line. That place is Manjok Ohyang Jokbal. You can enjoy tender, flavorful Jokbal with absolutely no unpleasant pork smell. I will attach a map, so don’t worry and give it a try. If you are unable to eat Jokbal, please read Local lunch in Seoul at Gwanghwamun and Jonggak (paid for myself) and visit the restaurants I recommend nearby.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal near Deoksugung

Find Manjok Ohyang Jokbal on Google Maps

This time, I introduced the stories behind the Deoksugung Stone Wall Street, as well as some great restaurants and places worth visiting. There are many palaces in Seoul, and it seems there are always plenty of things to eat and see around them. I still have many places to introduce, so please look forward to my future posts.

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