Daehangno, also known as College or University Street, is a popular youth culture area that is lined with small theaters. Seoul National University was once located here. This lively and youthful area is a great place to catch a show, have a nice dinner, or just wander around.
Prior to 1985, this area was known as Sunggyobang, meaning “high respect for teaching.” This name dates back to the Joseon Dynasty when King Taejo relocated Sungkyunkwan here, which was one of the best education institutions of the time.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Keijo Imperial University was founded here. It was later merged with Seoul National University.
When Seoul National University moved south in 1970, theaters moved in. Since then, the area has become a cultural and entertainment center and is known all over as the theater district of Seoul, with over 40 theaters, concert halls, and movie theaters. Some have only a few seats while others can fit hundreds.
The heart of Daehangno is Marronnier Park. It is here where many people gather to watch and enjoy free musical and dance performances which are usually performed by students or young people on weekends. After the show, many choose to keep the night going by visiting one of the many unique restaurants and cafes in the area.
The best time to visit is at night when the area is fully alive with crowds of young and trendy people looking to have a great time and look good under the bright lights.
Daehangno (College Street) Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
FreeHow to Get Here
Take Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station (Exit 2)
Map
Additional Resources
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Nearby Sights
Marronnier Park
Marronnier Park is a park located in the Daehangno district of Seoul named after the large marronnier (chestnut tree) growing in the center of the park. The Marronnier tree originates from Italy and France in the Mediterranean where in the spring, red and white flowers can be seen blooming.
Lock Museum
The Lock Museum displays antique locks, keys, and furniture from Korea and all over the world and conserves this disappearing art for future generations. The museum is located in the district of Daehangno (College Street) just northeast of Hyehwa Staiton. The Korean name of the museum is "seotdae" which means "a key."
Daehangno Philippine Market
Daehangno Philippine Market is a unique Sunday street market in Hyehwa-dong that sells groceries, food, snacks, and other products from the Philippines. If you are looking for hard to find products of the Philippines, then this is your one stop spot in all of Seoul. There is nothing else like it in the city.
Naksan Park
Stunning views of Seoul can be seen from Naksan Park, set high above Daehangno on Mt. Naksan. A portion of the old fortress wall runs through the park. Naksan Park is sometimes called Nakta Park. The name of the park is a reference to its hump like appearance as "nakta" is the Korean word for camel. "San" means mountain.
Daehan Hospital
This red brick building was once the main building of Daehan Hospital, the leading medical and hygiene institution during the Great Han Empire (1897-1910). The building is now located on the grounds of the Seoul National University Hospital. In August 1906, construction on Daehan Hospital began on the site of Hamchunwon, the former outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace.
Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023