Samcheongdong

Samcheongdong is an upscale neighborhood of Seoul that lies in a scenic area east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House). The clean water and beautiful mountains in the area inspired the name of this trendy, youthful neighborhood.

Surrounded by hills, the neighborhood is famous for its traditional hanok homes and modern, chic art galleries.

It also boasts quirky shops and upscale restaurants scattered along the main street, Samcheongdong-gil.

At the very top of the street is Samcheong Park. In 1940, it became one of the first designated parks in Korea.

Many hanok now serve as galleries, shops, and restaurants, making Samcheongdong unique. The mix of tradition and modernity is an integral part of the history and culture of Seoul and Korea.

Samcheongdong is a popular place for both tourists and locals alike to visit. In Seoul, a city surrounded by mega shopping malls and millions of people, it’s rare to find such a laid-back environment.

At the time, the area was not well known even though located between two palaces. The secret is now out. If you visit on a weekend, be prepared to rub shoulders with other camera-toting tourists and locals who want to enjoy the unique area filled with quirky shops and tiny alleyways. Even so, the area is well worth visiting, though you might have difficulty finding peace and quiet.

The neighborhood has a unique and small-town charm, which is rare for such a large city. With so much character and ambiance, the neighborhood of Samcheongdong is a great place to shop, eat, and drink.
It also offers a relaxing escape from the stress of the big city.

Nearby Sights

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic village dating back almost 600 years to the Joseon Dynasty which features hanok or Korean traditional houses. Bukchon means "northern village." The quaint residential village lies in a hilly neighborhood north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and between two royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace.

National Folk Museum of Korea

The National Folk Museum of Korea is a museum on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, not to be confused with the nearby National Palace Museum of Korea which is also found on the palace grounds.

Hwagae-gil Shoes Street

Baek In-je House Museum

Baek In-je House Museum is a museum and cultural heritage site located in the Gahoe-dong neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village. Dating back over 100 years, the house is one of the finest examples of a modern hanok (traditional Korean house) from the period. Though built using traditional styles, the house uses modern techniques of the time including glass windows, doors, and red bricks.

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)

Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House, is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. It was built with traditional Korean architectural styles. The name comes from the translation of Cheong Wa Dae which means "pavilion of blue tiles."

Bukchon Traditional Culture Center

Last Updated on Feb 11, 2025