charming samcheongdong neighborhood

Samcheong-dong's neighborhood

samcheongdong's feng-shui

Samcheongdong is a cool and vibrant destination that offers one of the most charming places in Seoul area.

Both locals and foreign visitors are charmed by the mixture of modern arts and traditional culture represented by the structures and fun things you can see and do here.

Believers of the principles of feng-shui say that Samcheongdong is the ideal place in Seoul for everything. It has the “three” best elements.

The term “samcheong” (‘sam’ is three and ‘cheong’ means clean or good’) is given to this area because it is said to have three good things: beautiful mountains, clean water, and good community (residents).

All right! Let’s find out what Samcheongdong has to offer, below…

What To Do & See

Traditional & Modern Galleries
Small Miscellaneous Shops
European & Local Cafés and Tea Shops
Confectioneries, Bakeries
Trendy Clothing Shops
Jewelry & Accessory Shops
Bukchon Hanok Village

I had my refreshing fruit juice here after our hike in Bugak Mountain nearby

Samcheongdong is also known for the Bukchon Hanok Village (traditional Korean houses). Bukchon (literally means: ‘buk’ for North and ‘chon’ for village) is the north area of the old capital city where the Seoul aristocrats used to live during the Joseon Dynasty period.

Up until today, the whole area has somehow maintained its culture and heritage (with support from the government to preserve). Amazingly, it is adapting well to the economic development of the country without totally abandoning the traditions but blends in with modernity.

In other words, the one thing that attracts visitors is that Samcheongdong maintains its traditional feature by keeping things small (such as shops) and not succumbing into constructing huge structures like those dizzying giant department stores or shopping malls.

For me, Samcheong-dong is attractive because of the small but beautiful pieces of things (e.g., shops, galleries) dotting the road and street sides. They look colorful and artistic in a sense.

Cafe (Starbucks)

This is the only big building I saw in the area.

As a neighborhood for relaxation, one can readily find a cozy place like Starbucks here.

Italian Restaurant

If you want to treat a friend or special someone with Italian dish, you can find the best in town here.

Of course, other international restaurants are available as well.

Traditional Korean restaurant

Popular and delicious Korean dishes are famous in Samcheong-dong.

YOU can get the authentic and traditional Korean dishes here.

Chocolates, ice creams, desserts

After your tasty Korean or other sumptuous meal, you can easily find ice creams, chocolates, etc...

OMG... Godiva, the Belgian one... is here as well!

Charming shops

Happy Pills is a pun for this shop selling candies--not doubt about that!

Beside that shop, you can purchase a nice souvenir your child--have one?

Snacks and drinks

Paulin is actually selling not only pancakes but also Pine Tiramisu, Fly Mango, Earl Grey Rool, Berry Nice Day, Banana Works...

And other catchy dessert names!

Lee Young-Ae's beauty shop branch

Lee Young-Ae is one of my favorite actresses. Aside from acting, she is also into other businesses including her own beauty product.

You know that she played the major role in "Daejanggeum" drama, right?

Barakat Museum, Seoul

Barakat Seoul Museum

Barakat Seoul is one of four worldwide located of the Barakat Gallery which has the finest collection of ancient art expanding throughout historical times and regions. The collection encompasses a number of masterpieces from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Chinese and the Islamic world, from Africa and Pre-Columbian America - all from diverse eras and cultures, the high-quality 40,000 antiquity collection is available for permanent and special exhibitions. Barakat Seoul is committed to sharing the aesthetic and moral values of beauty and quality in ancient art and actively contributes to the approaches in archaeology, culture, and art.

(Left Photo) The Hindu goddess 'Kali' - the destroyer of evil forces

Modern style of the traditional Korean 'hanbok' clothing

more nearby attractions

After exploring Samcheong neighborhood, you may proceed to seek out more interesting places nearby. The following places and attractions are just within or less than a kilometer from the area...

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Cheongwadae (The Blue House)
Insadong Cultural Street
National Folk Museum of Korea
Contemporary Arts Museum
Contemporary History Museum
Gwanghwamun Square
Jogyesa Temple
Jongmyo Royal Shrine

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Getting to Samcheongdong

If you are in the Seoul area, you can always walk to Samcheongdong as it is also at the heart of the capital city.

Gwanghwamun (or Gyeongbokgung Palace)
If you are here in this area (presuming that Gyeongbokgung is your first destination), you can walk for about 10 minutes or so to reach Samcheongdong Road (Samcheongdong-gil) or Street.

If you do this, just walk towards the wall (on your right when facing the palace) and keep on until you reach a crossing (if you continue walking up, you will reach the Cheongwadae or The Blue House).

Cross the road (there’s a traffic light) and keep going for a few more meters. Actually, upon crossing that road, you are already in the area.

You will know that it is the area because of some artistic sense that you can feel when you see the shops or small business structures.

Second, you can take Seoul Subway Line 3 and get off at Anguk Station Exit 1. You can find a Bukchon Tourist Information Center, and they will be happy to give you directions and a map. English, Chinese, and Japanese are available services.
Phone: +82-2-731-7312

Third, you can also get off at Gwanghwamun Station and walk towards Gyeongbokgung Palace where you will see (on your right) the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.

You can continue walking towards that direction and keep going for around 500 meters, and you’ll be in Samcheong-dong in a jiffy.

Just ask any Korean you will find along the way if you are not sure.

If you have questions for me, please let me know, and I would be glad to answer.
Thanks and wish you a pleasant journey to the area.