30 Minutes from Pangyo, Seongnam: Why the Alleys of Sujin-dong and Taepyeong-dong are Becoming New Travel Destinations

If preparing for a trip far away feels burdensome, why not look for an unfamiliar neighborhood just 30 minutes away from home? According to a recently released video from the Culture Portal, traveling just about 30 minutes from Pangyo in Seongnam allows you to encounter Sujin-dong and Taepyeong-dong in the old downtown of Seongnam, which possess a completely different atmosphere.

Taepyeong-dong in Seongnam is a name given with the meaning of "let's create a peaceful area without worries or anxieties." Formed alongside the beginning of Seongnam in the 1970s, this neighborhood still preserves old signs, alleys, and traces of daily life where the residents' everyday routines are clearly visible. The participant in the video reported that the atmosphere of the neighborhood is so unique that it feels as if they have come to a completely different city, even within the same Seongnam.

The charm of Sujin Park and the alleys under the lush tree shade

A representative place you can encounter while walking through Sujin-dong and Taepyeong-dong is Sujin Park. In the video, it was noted as a feature that the large trees in Sujin Park grow so lushly that they completely block the sunlight, allowing for a cool rest even in the summer. Having a different charm from Nangsaeng Park in Pangyo, this place provides a comfortable shelter for residents.

The alleys are also an important sight in this area. The street with unmanned ice cream discount stores and the alleys where old pubs are located simultaneously show the cozy atmosphere unique to residential areas and the sensibility unique to the old downtown of Seongnam. Although it is not a specially decorated tourist attraction, walking wherever your feet lead you allows you to feel the fun of looking at a familiar neighborhood through a new perspective.

Three charms of traveling to the highly accessible Sujin-dong and Taepyeong-dong

The video presented three reasons for recommending Sujin-dong and Taepyeong-dong as travel destinations. First is the convenience of transportation. Accessibility is high as Taepyeong Station, where the Suin–Bundang Line passes, and Moran Station, where Seoul Subway Line 8 passes, are adjacent, and it has high connectivity from Incheon to Seoul via the Suin–Bundang Line.

Second is the natural environment of Sujin Park. The shade created by the lush trees provides a cool sense of openness within the city. Lastly, it is the sensibility of the Taepyeong-dong alleys. The combination of the friendliness and cozy atmosphere unique to residential areas provides an environment where one can fully feel the mood of traveling without necessarily going far away.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of Seongnam more deeply, visiting traditional markets such as Yellow Market or Hanjeok is also an option. This neighborhood, which can be met within 30 minutes of home without a fixed schedule or reservation, shows the potential as a new travel destination that can be lightly visited within daily life.