Sketches at Yakhyeon Catholic Church, Jungnim-dong, Seoul

the distant view of the Yakhyeon Catholic Church from the main street, Chungpa-ro, 

pen and watercolor, (29.6 x 42cm)

another main gate of the church viewed from the access road, Jungnim-ro, 

pen and watercolor, (29.6 x 42cm)

 a statue of the Mother Maria and Baby Jesus, pen and watercolor, (29.6 x 42cm)

 the whole view of Yakhyeon Catholic Church seen from the courtyard, (24 x 32cm)

the filming crew of the SBS drama "Passionate priest"(열혈 사제) was busy shooting the acting scenes outside the church, pen and watercolor, (29.6 x 42cm)

Namdaemun Gate and surrounding buildings viewed from  Yakhyeon Observatory (약현전망대) located at prayer garden, pen and watercolor, (36 x 51cm) 

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Yakhyeon Catholic Church(약현성당) is Korea's first Gothic style church located at Jungnim-dong (중림동) in downtown Seoul. The cathedral, with a history of more than 120 years and a representative shrine dedicated to martyrs, is situated at the top of a small hill surrounded by bustling streets and high-rise buildings.
This week, last Monday, we Seoul urban sketchers gathered to sketch in this church. The weather was a bit cold and dust, but suitable for sketching outdoors. I've sketched this place many times before, but the more I draw, the fresher I feel in the same place. The cathedral which contains historical meaning and architectural style, provides endless sketching materials in harmony with its surroundings. I enjoyed sketching various scenes that I didn't draw before from place to place around the beautiful cathedral.
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120여년의 역사와 건축사적 가치를 지닌 순교성지 약현성당..
서울 도심의 빌딩숲 사이로 빛나는 언덕위의 아담한 안식처
최초의 고딕 양식.. 붉은벽돌과 인상적인 첨탑의 단아한 모습
순교정신과 세월의 흔적이 담겨있는 낯익은 장소와 건축이지만
그릴 때마다 새롭게 주변환경과 조화를 이루어가는 스케치의 명소입니다.

four sketches on a very cold day

at the Anglican church of Korea

Namdaemun Gate

X trees on the passage between Lotte Outlets and parking building in Seoul Station

entrance doors in Lotte Outlets, Seoul Station

pen, watercolor, 20 x 27 cm

Today I walked from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Station. On the way I sketched one at the church and one more looking up the Namdaemun gate. Due to the low temperature some parts on paper water were frozen. It looked interesting anyway, which could be seen on winter too. Arriving at the station I made two more. Inside the station was always lively with people. Passengers in streets or in station showed interest in sketches encouraging by comments such as "You have a good hobby." or "You look nice!". Walking the streets I could find more spots where I would sketch later on warm days onwards. 

날씨는 매우 추웠지만 광화문을 지나 서울역으로 걸으며 스케치를 했습니다. 걸으면 확실히 많은 것을 찬찬히 볼 수 있었어요. 날 따뜻하면 저걸 그려야지 하면서 미리 찜해놓기도 하고 혼자 즐거워합니다. 성공회에서 더 추웠나 봅니다. 그림 오른쪽 하단에 얼은 흔적이 있는 것을 보면...영하에서 그리는 재미라고 생각됩니다.