Sajik-dong, Naeja-dong, and Naesu-dong occupy a compact area west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, yet they contain several different systems that sustained the Joseon capital. Sajikdan hosted state rites to the gods of land and grain. Naejasi supplied provisions, textiles, and support for palace banquets, while Naesusa managed property and income held directly by the royal house. Modern women's education and large urban roads later added further layers. A 160-minute walk of approximately 2.9 kilometers reveals the less visible relationship among an altar, administrative offices, schools, homes, and the palace they served.
0–45 minutes: Read the direction and layered boundaries of Sajikdan from its main gate
Enter through the main gate and follow the route currently open to visitors. Before going directly to the two altars, notice the outer wall, ritual gates, and preparation areas and ask how they organized movement. Restoration work and access restrictions change, so never cross a barrier or enter a closed section.
45–80 minutes: Hold damage and restoration together in Sajik Park and along Sajik-ro
Neither the present green space nor the broad road reproduces the Joseon-period landscape intact. State rites were discontinued under Japanese colonial rule, while park facilities, roads, and other structures reduced and divided the precinct. Current restoration seeks to recover parts of that system. Use the interpretation on site to identify which historical layout and buildings are being represented.
80–120 minutes: Connect twentieth-century housing and education at the Hong Geon-ik House and Paiwha School
The Hong Geon-ik House on Pirundae-ro 1-gil arranges several buildings, courtyards, and a well on a compact sloping plot. Continue along the Paiwha campus boundary to consider Christian missionary education for women and surviving modern school architecture. This remains an active educational institution: stay outside unless an event explicitly permits entry.
120–160 minutes: Recover two different royal offices through the names Naeja-dong and Naesu-dong
Descend toward Gyeongbokgung Station, identify the former Naejasi site in Naeja-dong, and then walk south to the marker for Naesusa in Naesu-dong. Naejasi was an office under the state finance ministry that supplied palace provisions and textiles; Naesusa administered private royal assets and revenue. Walking between the adjoining neighborhoods makes the distinction between public provision and the royal house's private wealth tangible.