There has been quite a bit written about the demolition of several blocks of Cheongjin-dong near Gwanghwamun, including Pimatgol, the alleyway where commoners once walked to keep out of sight of Yangban on horses whom they had to bow before on Jongno.
The best of the articles is Scott Burgeson’s “Annyong, P’imat-gol.” Go read it now. Scott has also posted photos of the neighborhood in happier days (and in not so happy days back in 2005). This photo is of the Seoul Hotel, the interior of which (along with the surrounding area) was photographed by Jon Dunbar.
The most picturesque part of Pimatgol was the section right next to the Kyobo building.
Seen in the photo above is Mrs. Seok, the owner of the restaurant Daerim. A few months ago Scott and I stopped in for dinner. I had just arrived from sneaking into an empty construction site which left my backpack covered in fibres from the ‘blanket fence’ around the site.
As we went up to pay, Mrs. Seok noted my backpack and asked what was all over it, and Scott joked that I was homeless. When we got the change back, Scott noticed that there was too much and asked why. Mrs. Seok’s response was, “It’s a homeless discount.”
Somehow I doubt those working in the shops in the office tower that replaces the neighborhood will be quite so friendly.
I’ve posted a much longer pictoral look at this disappearing neighborhood here.
23/06/2009 at 1:41 pm Permalink
I like that Scott Burgeson bloke a lot.