Yesterday, I decided to head north of the river and explore Seoul’s Samcheong-dong (삼청동) neighbourhood.
Located just north of Anguk Station and the traditional area of Insadong, Samcheong-dong boasts a number of artsy cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.
Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, I decided to head out for a quick jaunt – and by “quick jaunt”, I mean that I walked across the city from Gwangjang Market! It was worth it though, since it was the first time Seoul’s been sunny for a while, in this summer that many are dubbing “the longest monsoon season ever”.
Anyways, here are some photos I snapped up during my stroll:
(PS: check out my review of Café W.E., a fantastic Korean-Western fusion dessert café located in Samcheong-dong)
Walking past Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁) on my way from Gwangjang Market
A bicycle outside a cafe
Wall painting near the southern entrance to Samcheong-dong
Typical Samcheong-dong café fare: ice cream waffles and other sweet treats!
Graffitied doors on a traditional Korean house (hanok) restaurant
Cute clothes
Jewelry on sale
The tree-lined street of Samcheong-dong
Jewelry boutique having a sale
Bus #11, which takes you to downtown Seoul, Gyeonbokgung Palace, Seoul Station, and Namdaemun Market.
Interesting sculpture near the entrance to Samcheong-dong
Random storefront
Animal knick-knacks
Animal knick-knacks
Art gallery
Funky Starbucks-inspired set – they were cheap! Too bad the gallery was closed.
At the gallery
Alleyway in Samcheong-dong
Art on an alley wall
Stairs leading to a restaurant
French restaurant
Giant ring outside of a shop
Locals browsing in a boutique
Cute clothes
“Vintage” clothes
Incredibly over-priced “vintage” shop
Hello Kitty Café
Chocolate shop
Clothes for display outside
A little shrine to the Virgin Mary outside?
Cute buidling
Designer space
Retro Pie shop
Café W.E. – Korean and Western fusion, featuring things like sweet red bean fondue and hotteok pancakes!
Artsy storefront
Artsy storefront
Samcheong-dong is located downtown, right next to Seoul’s famous Gyeongbokgong Palace.
Most stores open around 10:30am-11:00am and close around 7:00pm-10:00pm.
Directions:
• Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1) – 10 minutes on foot
• Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) – 20 minutes on foot
Map of Samcheong-dong (Photo: Visit Korea)
From KD to Kimchi 