(Above) Sinbanpo Station - stop at Seorae
From Samsong station, we took the subway to Sinbanpo Station to reach our next destination - the town of Seorae where the French community gathers in Seoul.
Seorae Village is Seoul’s French district where there lives a community of French nationals who work and commute within Seoul. There are also Koreans who are admirers of French culture who live there too. This is the place to get a slice of French stuff within Seoul.About 800 French people, which are about a half of French population in Korea, live in Seorae. Therefore, it is called as a "little France" - or more perhaps more appropriately "petite France." French people began living around here because the French Embassy School in Korea moved there in 1985. As the French corporations such as Carrefour, TGV, CLSA, and Bank Renault began to enter the Korean market after 1990, Seorae grew as the staff of these companies populated Seorae. Thus, the village became what it is known as the French district of Seoul.
(Above)Exiting from the train, we reach the platform at Sinbanpo station.
(Above) A reminder of the threat posed by North Korea - Chemical gas masks stored readily for use at the subway stations in the event of an attack.
(Above) Spied a new coke flavor - cherry coke - taste more like Fanta / F & N Grape
(Above) Kia display inside the station - showcasing the new Kia Sportage SUV and Kia Magetis Saloon.
(Above) Coming out from Singbanpo Station, we came across this authentic French bakery called Alaska and asked the friendly staff there for directions. We also bought some aromatic French croissants too. From the bakery, walk to the junction just ahead and turn left up the road. Head all the way to the next junction.
(Above)Clay tennis courts are subtle signs that tell you are in an affluent part of Seoul.
(Above)Passing by new condominiums and apartments along the way to Seorae. Truly affluence strikes you at every corner with new glitzy buildings and apartments.
(Above)Reaching the junction, turn left in direction of Seorae
(Above) Look for a overhead bridge and Seorae is just right down the road.
(Above) After the overhead bridge, you should be able to see this orange painted cafe. Continue down the main road and you will come across Seorae street which is designated by a street sign.
(Above) Seorae street - rows of French inspired shops
(Above) French sounding pet clinic
The first thing that tells you that you are in a French town are the three coloured pedestrian sidewalk that stretches 300m from the entry of Seorae road until the Banggae Middle School. This sidewalk is painted in red, white and blue which are the colors of the French flag.
Road signs are written in both French and Korean which shows the harmony of the French and Korean communities living in Seorae Village together. Examples of such signs are "Attention ecole (Attention School District)" and "Hospital Ste-Marie" .Many roads here are also named after places in Paris such as Montmartre.
(Above) French Korean national flags hang together as a symbol of close friendship between Seorae and France
(Above) The French International School at Seorae
(Above)Apartments at Seorae inspired by the chateau design
(Above) Walk down this main street to head back to the Sinbanpo subway station
(Above) Finally reaching Sinbanpo station on to Sinsa station to reach our next destination - Garosugil Street.
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