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Located in the heart of Seoul, Hanok Village in Ikseondong blends the atmosphere of the Joseon era with the rhythms of modern urban life. To learn more about the area, I spoke with my friend Haru, who is from Korea.
Ikseondong is home to a large number of hanok—traditional wooden houses built in the 1920s—and its narrow alleys are lined with renovated shops that once served as ordinary residences. What makes the district distinctive, Haru explained, is that it exists not as a “space to look at,” like a museum or a historical exhibit, but as place for daily life where people actually walk, eat, and talk with one another.
Another important feature of the neighborhood is the deliberate choice of language on store signage. Cafés, restaurants, and even international brands often display their signs in Hangul. “It’s not just a design choice. It reflects a sense of respect and pride in Korean culture,” says Haru.
What struck me most was how effortlessly tradition and modernity coexist here. This harmony is possible, I realized, because the aesthetic sensibilities of the Joseon era—an appreciation for empty space and the use of natural materials—have been thoughtfully carried forward into today’s cultural context.
Ikseondong captivates visitors because it allows them to experience the essence of “then” and “now” along with the spirit that underpins both . Culture, I came to understand, is not meaningful simply by being preserved; it is something that gains significance when it continues to be used and lived in as part of everyday life.
Choi Yunseok
Nickname: Haru
4th-year, College of International Management
(Article Source : Oita Godo Shimbun, February 17, 2026, Morning Edition)
Based on a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Oita Godo Newspaper, since January 2022, Student PR Assistants (SPA) have been contributing their interviews with international students to the life and culture section of the newspaper’s morning edition. SPA will introduce different cultures and the interesting topics they raise from an authentic, student perspective. These student writers take this opportunity to get the newspaper’s readership and students interested in the world. They also aim to improve their skills with the aid of professional editors.
I am Yukina Kiyosue, a 4th year student in the College of International Management (APM) who loves comedy! I commute to APU from the Kunitachi Peninsula, which is rich in nature. I decided to start writing because I was motivated by this university, where there are many people who are willing to try new things and who can seriously devote themselves to something. I will do my best!
Copyright (c) 2016 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
