The Street of the Great Bell

Jongno literally means "Bell Street," named after the **Bell Pavilion (Bosingak)** that stood here during the Joseon Dynasty.

The great bell rang 33 times at dawn to open the city gates and 28 times at dusk to close them, regulating the daily life of Hanyang (Seoul). It was also known as **Unjongga** ("Cloud street"), as crowds gathered there like clouds to trade at the bustling markets.

To this day, Jongno remains the historic heart of Seoul, where thousands gather every New Year's Eve to hear the ceremonial ringing of the bell.