Donhwamun-ro is the only ancient road - among the main streets built during the Joseon period - to retain its original width and structure. It was the main pathway used by the king during visits to the Jongmyo Shrine or a secondary palace, and was also path by which foreign envoys were received, so many stores flourished around the area. In addition, the Yiwangjik Aakbu (Royal Academy of Music, currently, the National Gaguk Center) and the Academy of Joseon Vocal Music were situated in the area. Despite going through the Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and industrialization, the area still maintains its tradition of gugak (Korean classical music), which is why there are numerous Korean traditional music instrument shops and gugak institutes in Donhwamun-ro.
Along with Bukchon, the area is also a well-known district due to its concentration of hanok. In the 1920s urban style hanok began to emerge, and many were built around Gahoe-dong and Ikseon-dong, the main areas through which Donhwamun-ro passes. Some of those original hanok buildings have survived despite the massive redevelopment projects of the 1970s and 1980s, when many old structures were replaced with modern buildings in Seoul. However, while Bukchon, centered around Gahoe-dong, has received much attention since the renovation of its hanok and streets in 2002, the area of Ikseon-dong has retained its ancient appearance due to the absence of development in the area.
Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its ‘plan for the preservation and cultivation of tradition and culture in the Donhwamun area’ in 2008, and executed the budget in 2012. Accordingly, the gas station located on the opposite side of Changdeokgung Palace was purchased and demolished, and the Gugak Art Academy is currently being built on the site. In addition, Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to attract antique painting shops, Korean traditional musical instruments stores, and traditional craftwork shops to Donhwamun-ro.
Donhwamun-ro, which faces the wall of Jongmyo Shrine in the east, was patrolled by police officers on the lookout for robberies and fire during the Joseon period. Inspired by this tradition, Jongno-gu has maintained the two streets of Jongmyo Shrine – Seosulla-gil on its left-hand side and Dongsulla-gil on its right – since 1995. Seosulla-gil belongs to Donhwamun-ro and is a designated as a historic & cultural trail.