A Stroll Through Seoul: Gwanghwamun, Samcheong-dong, and Beyond

Our original plan was to explore Seoul Plaza, Cheonggyecheon, and Gwanghwamun Square, but due to a large rally that day, the area became too noisy and chaotic. Instead, we decided to escape to a café in Samcheong-dong for a quieter, more relaxing afternoon.

From Gwanghwamun Square, we headed toward Gyeongbokgung Palace, walking along its long stone walls.

The autumn leaves were just beginning to fall, adding a seasonal charm to the scenery. Samcheong-dong Road and Jeongdong-gil are some of the best places in Seoul for a leisurely autumn stroll.

As we wandered through the narrow streets, passing boutique clothing stores and hidden alleys behind coffee shops, we eventually arrived at an area overlooking what I believe to be the Blue House (Cheongwadae).

In Samcheong-dong, many traditional residential houses have been converted into cafés, blending modern aesthetics with historic hanok charm.

After a one-hour coffee break, we continued our journey toward Bukchon Hanok Village and the Songhyeon-dong sunflower fields.

Many visitors, including foreign tourists dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean attire), were strolling through the area, adding to the cultural ambiance.

Nearby, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was showcasing an exhibition featuring Lee Joong-seop, a renowned Korean painter.

 

Songhyeon-dong (Songhyeon park)

Songhyeon-dong literally means "Pine Hill."
There have been ongoing discussions about the lack of green space in central Seoul. Unlike most parks, this one had no fences or gates, making it feel more open and welcoming.

 

Buskers

Autumn in Seoul is festival season, and we were lucky to catch a live busking performance while passing through Songhyeon-dong.

From Songhyeon-dong, we headed up toward Gamgodang-gil, where a craft fair was taking place that day.

If you continue uphill from Gamgodang-gil, you’ll eventually arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

 

Bukchon Hanok Village

Since Bukchon is a residential area, it’s important to walk quietly and respect the local residents.

Unlike purely historical sites, Bukchon has a mix of traditional hanok homes and modern buildings, creating an interesting blend of old and new.

Many foreign tourists in hanbok were seen wandering the alleys, taking photos at famous spots they had previously seen on TV.

As it got darker, Bukchon’s lights slowly turned on, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.

At 6:00 pm, we expected Namsan Tower’s lights to turn on, but they took much longer than anticipated.

Even within downtown Seoul, there are plenty of scenic walking routes. If you don’t have time to travel to the suburbs, I highly recommend exploring Samcheong-dong Road, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Songhyeon-dong for a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture.

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/saipanazime/222910102947

Writer : saipanazime

Special thanks to saipanazime

 

seoul citycenter samcheong-dong bukchon hanok village