Samcheongdong and Seochon, Seoul, Korea

Samcheongdong and Seochon are charming neighborhoods in Seoul known for their traditional hanok houses, trendy cafés, and art galleries. 1032

This walk starts from the Anguk Subway Station near Gwanghwamun Gate and goes in the direction of Samcheondong.

Yeollin Songhyeon Square, a public park

On Samcheong Street, walking north, you’ll pass charming hanok cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops, with glimpses of Bukaksan Mountain ahead.

Looking at the backside

A Buddhist Temple

The East Wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace

East gate of the palace

Samcheong Street.  Samcheong Area is located on the east of the palace

On Samcheong Street, walking north, I turned onto a smaller street, discovering hidden hanok houses, quiet cafés, and peaceful galleries tucked away from the bustle.

Information on Bukchon.  It’s famous for its well-preserved traditional hanok houses, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.

I peeked into a traditional hanok house, now transformed into a cozy restaurant.

Jongchinbu (Office of Royal Genealogy) Gyeonggeundang and Okcheopdang Hall.  Jongchinbu (Office of Royal Genealogy) was an important government office during the Joseon Dynasty, responsible for maintaining royal genealogies and managing affairs related to the royal family.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Looking at the backside

The front side of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Came back to the wall of the palace

Walking toward the north

A view of a side street

Samcheong-dong Street

Samcheong-dong Street is a picturesque road in Seoul, known for its blend of tradition and modernity. It’s lined with charming hanok (traditional Korean houses), trendy cafés, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Nestled between Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace, the street offers a serene atmosphere with views of Bukaksan Mountain. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists to stroll, enjoy Korean culture, and discover hidden gems along its winding alleys.

A Korean Traditional Tea Cafe

I turned back at the tea café and made my way toward the palace once again.

Then, just before reaching the palace, I turned right toward Cheong Wa Dae’s Chunchumun.

Cheong Wa Dae’s Chunchumun.  Chunchumun is the main gate of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), the former presidential residence of South Korea. The name Chunchu (春秋) symbolizes spring and autumn, representing balance, wisdom, and harmony.

Once a restricted area, it is now open to the public, offering a closer look at an important part of Korea’s modern history.  I did not purchased the ticket in advance so I was not able to see inside.

The white fence on the right side is the fence of Cheong Wa Dae, the Blue House.

This is the north gate of the the palace

And in front of the north gate is the entrance to the Blue House, formerly the official residence and workplace of the President of South Korea, set against the scenic backdrop of Bukaksan Mountain.

I didn’t have a ticket to see inside, so this was as far as I could go.

At the end of the Blue Houe is this small park

At the park, I turned and walked south. I had started my walk on the east side of the palace, but now I was on the west side, in an area called Seochon, the West Village.

Walking Seochon area

Came out to a large street

I crossed the wide street and turned right onto a narrow street

And turned right again into this street

Looking at the backside

Jahamun-ro 7-gil Street

Reached the end of this street

This street has special name because it is designated an Honorary Road.

After realizing this street was something special, I decided to turn back, walk it again, and take a closer look.

Reached the other end of the special street

And I went back into the street again because I missed one place I wanted to see.

Lee Sang’s House is a small museum in Seochon dedicated to Lee Sang (이상), one of Korea’s most celebrated modernist poets and writers. The house preserves the memory of his life and work, showcasing personal artifacts, photos, and manuscripts.

I crossed the large street and walked closer to the palace wall.

Then I walked in Seochon Village

The west wall of the palace

The west gate of the palace

Turned around

Turned right into another narrow street

Across the street is the entrance to a small street with many eateries

Sejong Village Food Street

Jahamun-ro 1-gil Street, where many eateries are located