The neighborhood of Jeong-dong in Jung-gu District is located in the middle of downtown Seoul. It was the center of exchanges when Joseon first opened its doors to other countries in the late 1800s. Western religions, such as Protestantism and Catholicism, and diplomatic delegations, including the U.S., British and Russian legations, established themselves in the neighborhood.



These days, there are many historical sites in Jeong-dong from the 19th century, such as Deoksugung Palace, also called Gyeongungung Palace, the Seoul Anglican Cathedral and the U.S. ambassador's residence.



The Jung-gu District Office launched the Jeong-dong Culture Night Festival in order to let people know more about Jeong-dong's historical locations. The festival will run until Oct. 31.








At the Jeong-dong Theater there are special performances. There is an art market selling many kinds of handicrafts and food booths for a late-night snack. People can snap Polaroids, or make their own picture lanterns out of traditional Hanji mulberry paper and browse some of the traditional masks on display there.

Starting on the evening of Oct. 29, even though it was raining, tons of people have visited the festival and have had a good time there. The Jeong-dong Culture Night Festival is a yearly event and we look forward to it coming around again next fall.

By Gu Kyeong-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han
joamanner@korea.kr