Seoul Itinerary Day 2: Samcheongdong & Bukchon Hanok Village

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KampungboyCitygal’s 7 Days Seoul & Busan Itinerary – click here.

Previous: Seoul Itinerary Day 1: Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) @ Tosokchon, Seoul

Samcheongdong is officially our favourite place in Seoul for its harmonious juxtaposition of old Korea and modern artsy galleries. It is an unique place surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae and Insa-dong. From Samcheongdong, one is just few steps away from Bukchon Hanok Village too.

Samcheong (sam means “three” and cheong “clean or good”) was given its name in reference to the three things it has plenty of: clean water, beautiful neighboring mountains and kind-hearted residents.

As we walked along Samcheongdong; we see cafes, shops and galleries lining both side of the street.

My Korean friends told me that Samcheongdong is Korean beautiful people’s favourite hangout place,  thanks to its many cute coffee houses.

We spent the afternoon taking a walk and appreciating the many beautiful buildings.

Most shops here feature distinctive items designed or made by local designers and artists. We pop in a few shops to do some window shopping, simply because we could not afford to buy anything here ;(

One of the must do thing in Samcheongdong is to people watch while savoring an a cup of coffee along with waffles and pastries.

Somehow, having waffles and a cup of Americano for afternoon tea is a “Korean” thing. We have no idea why but Korea seems packed with places to eat waffles.

I was pleasantly surprised when we walked into this random cafe! It has a nice vibe and good coffee. Just perfect for a chilly spring weather like this!

Served with 2 scoops of ice-cream, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, whipped cream and sliced bananas; our order of waffle was delicious! So light and fluffy!

KampungBoy took a picture with the friendly and affable owner.

Samcheong-dong is famous for its Bukchon Hanok Village. Hanok is Korean traditional houses and Bukchon is where the aristocratic classes lived during the Joseon Dynasty. Certain hanoks are still resident occupied while most of it were converted into chic galleries, restaurants, cafés and accessory shops.

In Hanok Bukchon Village, there are 8 photo spots where you can take the best pictures with the most picturesque background. Just remember to look out for these signs.

Here’s one of the most seen and most famous photo spots.

Bukchon Hanok Village consists of many hilly slops and small alleys. Make sure to pick up a map before you wander around.

It’s still a residential area so remember to keep your volume down!

It has extremely beautiful traditional architecture and is in the middle of the city so you get an amazing contrast between modern and traditional.

In the olden days, servants need to go throught the smaller door while the masters use the main door.

Samcheongdong & Bukchon Hanok Village

Getting Here: 

1. From Exit # 2 of Anguk Station (Subway Line # 3) walk straight for approx. 700 m

2. From Exit #5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line # 3), walk 10-15 min along the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the starting point of Samcheongdong Walkway

Next Up: Seoul Itinerary Day 2: BBQ Dinner @ Wangbijib, Myeongdong