Here, visitors can visually understand how Seoul changed over time—from a Confucian capital of the Joseon Dynasty to a modern city.

Rather than explaining every exhibit, I focus on key themes that will help visitors understand the places we will later visit on foot. This museum sets the foundation for the entire tour.

Next, we walk to Jeong-dong, one of the most historically symbolic areas in modern Seoul. Jeong-dong was a center of diplomacy, religion, and reform. Foreign legations, schools, churches, and newspapers were concentrated here.

One especially meaningful route is King Gojong’s Path. This path represents King Gojong’s attempt to survive in a rapidly changing world, surrounded by foreign powers. We can talk about King Gojong’s struggles as Korea faced growing foreign pressure.

Midway through the walking tour, we take a short break at a cafe in Jeong-dong before moving on to the next destination.

Our main stop is Deoksugung Palace. Unlike other palaces, Deoksugung clearly shows the coexistence of tradition and modernity. Inside the palace grounds, we see traditional Korean buildings next to Western-style architecture.

Rather than listing dates, I encourage visitors to imagine what it meant to rule a country while losing control over its future.

We finish the tour at the Jeong-dong Observatory. From here, visitors can look down at Deoksugung Palace and the surrounding city.

This viewpoint allows us to reflect on how this period shaped modern Seoul and why understanding modern history is essential to understanding Korea today.

The tour naturally comes to an end with a break at the observatory cafe.