Seoul Streets: Samcheong-dong

I spent my final few days in Seoul exploring a few areas I hadn’t been to before. First up was Samcheong-dong (삼청동) which lies north of Insadong and east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The hilly neighborhood is characterized by numerous small art galleries, coffee shops, and many beautiful old residential houses.

Samcheong-dong Rooftoops

You can reach Samcheong-dong by going out Anguk Station exit 5 and then walking up the stonewall flanked walkway on the opposite side of the road. After perusing the main street I decided to walk up the hill into the residential area – looking back down it was interesting to see the configuration of the traditional houses with their small square central courtyards.

Samcheong-dong Hanoks

The streets up here were almost empty so it was nice to explore in the relative peace a quiet. Apparently, during the Joseon Dynasty, the area was famous as the dwelling site of the royal family and aristocrats. By the look of the houses, you’d probably still have to be very wealthy to afford to live here.

Door Plate

I liked this metal door knocker motif which appears to depict one of Seoul’s ancient gateways. I wish I could have seen what was behind it…

Old Watches New

Being high up on the hill there was an interesting contrast between old and new. In the distance, you can see Namsan mountain and the N Seoul Tower.

Silent Rooftops

The chaotic maze of upturned roof tiles exudes a certain calm over the domestic lives being played out below. I bet this place has some interesting history considering it managed to survive the Korean war.

Chicken Salad

The next morning I went out with a friend to Garosu-gil (가로수길) where we had a sumptuous brunch at a cosy French restaurant (allegedly the chef there was trained by Gordon Ramsay). The street is renowned for its faux-European cuisine and you’re more than spoilt for choice.

Ladies Who Brunch

If you’re a young woman who enjoys shopping and hanging out in fashionable surroundings then this is the place to come. If you’re a man you’ve probably been brought here against your will but will quietly put up with it. If you’re an oxymoronic stereotype then you’re probably confused about the whole situation.

Open Chicken Sandwich

Garosu-gil, literally meaning “tree-lined street”, can be reached from exit 8 of Sinsa Station after which you walk until you reach a corner with the area’s tallest building then turn left just before it.

David avatar

5 responses

  1. wow . .korea such a beautiful country where the tradition and modernity mix and fill each other. .
    when i see the traditional roof,wall and house i feel calm and relax. .i wish i can go there sometimes and live there 😀

  2. wow, your pictures are so nice and the place looks beautiful. Hope I can find the time to explore this place next week when I’m in Seoul. 😉

  3. Chloe See avatar
    Chloe See

    Hi,

    Do you recall what is the name of the cosy French restaurant (allegedly the chef there was trained by Gordon Ramsay) ?

  4. I love your pictures and the note that you slip underneath a picture. Would you mind me taking some of your picture and include it in my story? (A story i wrote for fun ><)

    1. Hi Cathie – you’re welcome to use my photos, please just mention that they come from randomwire.com

      Thanks!

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