What if a grand fantasy epic was hidden behind the subway stations we pass every day and the addresses we casually write down? When you translate the Chinese characters of Seoul's 25 districts literally, the city transforms from a modern metropolis into a map of legendary dungeons. For our first expedition, Seoulicious explores the historic heart and the northeastern territories of Seoul.
The Road of the Eternal Bell and the Dragon’s Silhouette
The heart of Seoul is where your quest begins. Jongno(鐘路), literally translated as Bell Road, was once a place of magic. During the Joseon Dynasty, this road dictated the rhythm of the city. The massive Bosingak bell would ring to open and close the city gates—the literal portals of the capital. If you were caught on the streets after the bell tolled, you would face a curfew "debuff" and risk being locked within the city walls or facing trial.
Just below lies Yongsan(龍山), or Dragon Mountain. The name itself is commanding. The topography of this area is said to resemble a dragon twisting its body as it lunges toward the Han River. The idea of a Great Dragon guarding the Central District of Seoul adds a sense of mythic grandeur to the city’s landscape.
Hemp Port: The Harbor Shrouded in Fabric of Fog
Turning west, we encounter Mapo(麻浦), or Hemp Port. This name holds a beautifully poetic lore. In the past, this riverside area was famous for its exceptionally thick fog. It was said that the white mist rising from the river looked as if layers of fine white hemp fabric were being spread across the water. Imagine a mystical harbor dungeon where the very air is woven from spectral silk.
The Sentinels of the East and North
Clustered around the ancient Hanyangdoseong city walls are Seongdong (城東/East of the Fortress) and Seongbuk (城北/North of the Fortress). These names reflect the city’s identity as a fortified stronghold. They acted as the outer defensive lines protecting the King. Further north is Dobong(道峰), or Way Peak. With its jagged granite peaks, it feels like a high-level dungeon where ancient masters might have secluded themselves to achieve enlightenment.
The Reed Plain and the Middle Waves
To the northeast lies Nowon(蘆原), the Reed Plain. Long before the forest of apartment buildings stood here, it was a vast wilderness where reeds grew as tall as humans. The lore suggests that the reeds were so thick it was easy to lose one's way, making it a lawless zone for travelers—a classic starting zone for any brave adventurer.
