This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of Jeju City’s older neighborhoods. Tapdong is on the north shore, and while it may be long in the tooth, it is now experiencing a refreshing cultural and financial revival.
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Of all the parts of Jeju City familiar to residents and visitors alike, an older area that dominates the city is located on the north coast east of Jeju International Airport and directly north of City Hall.

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Tapdong-ro, Jeju City

The Tapdong neighborhood of Jeju City has a long history. Jeju Port is a major landmark, serving both Jeju’s substantial ferry and container ship traffic, as well as the thousands of domestic and international cruise ship visitors who arrive daily.

In centuries past, Tapdong was the hub of Jeju City life and business. As the city grew, businesses came and went -- many relocating to other areas -- but in recent years the neighborhood has enjoyed a revival, both financially and culturally.

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Shopping, restaurants, and accommodations

It is the site of a number of large-scale, brand-name hotels. Mom-and-pop stores mix in with major shopping outlets and an extensive underground shopping mall.

Moreover, there are well-established large traditional markets like Dongmun Market where the freshest seafood and produce can be found... and the price haggled over.

A number of new cultural centers, museums and galleries have also reinvigorated this part of the city.

The Jeju Film Culture and Art Center offers up variety of movie-related events, screens feature films, and hosts film festivals annually.

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New facilities promoting culture and history

Tapdong is also a main venue for the celebrated Tamna Cultural Festival, and the newly built Kim Man-deok Memorial Hall and Arario Museum have succeeded in accentuating the history and artistic spirit of the area. The open-air Jeju Seaside Concert Hall is also a center for music and dramatic performances.

And finally, there’s the nearly 2 kilometers of coastal boardwalk and breakwater along which couples and families like to stroll. Basketball courts, seafood restaurants and places to fish are open to all.

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Todd Thacker

With a beautiful view of Jeju’s coast to the north, a panoramic view of Hallasan Mountain to the south, and all the food, culture and shopping in between, Tapdong offers up something for everyone.

Todd Thacker KCTV