Seoul City Walk

The other day I went strolling through a few of my favourite parts of Seoul, namely Samcheong-dong, Samcheonggak and Bukchon. They’re all pretty much within relatively close proximity and make for some quality time outdoors. Nearby Gilsangsa Temple and Seoul Fortress Wall are also fantastic.

A really great route to take is to start off from Unhyeon-gung Palace just outside Anguk Station and head north to Bukchon. The main road cuts right through and is flanked by Samcheong-dong on its left and Changdukgung Palace to its right. As you walk up along Sagan-dong (Gallery Street) toward Bugak Mountain, the heart of Bukchon’s 600-year-old history will be on your right, weaving up a road dotted with all sorts of amazing traditional hanok houses.

Samcheonggak is a little further out of the way, but you can easily grab a taxi, as the road heading there is off limits for pedestrians. The encompassing grounds of Samcheonggak are remarkably peaceful and provide plenty of photo ops for those keen on traditional, timeless architecture.

Samcheon-dong is a nice place to cap the night off with a long list of fine venues to choose from. Like a little Europe snugly fit flush on the hillside, the area is a labyrinth of cozy lit sidestreets, flanked with tasteful restaurants, splintering off the main road that meanders all the through past Gyeongbukgung Palace to Insadong.

Getting there: Just take subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and get out Exit 2 (for Bukchon) and exit 4 (for Unhyeonggung Palace).

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