From Gyeongbokgung palace to Bukchon Hanok Village on foot is yet another post for you beloved readers to explore Seoul on foot. If you love to do walking tour, this post is for you.
By the way, sorry for the lack of posts in almost one and a half year. Expect a few more posts on this Seoul-on-foot series in the near future. Well, I’m still in Madrid living with my beloved enjoying the sunshine most of the days. DM me if you would like to visit Madrid. My blog of Madrid is here.
Well, let’s get straight to the matter at hand.
Say for example you already finished with your tour in Gyeongbokgung Palace from the main gate until the back gate.
Warning: This direction is not applicable for those who only visit Gyeongbokgung Palace half-way.
We will start at the end of Gyeongbukgung Palace Tour. You will see the back gate of the palace as per the caption in the image above.
There is another shorter cut than this but I love to maximize your experience of visiting both Samcheongdong and Bukchon Hanok Maeul at the same time. That way you can save time to visit other places the next day.
Tip: If you need to go to the restroom, make sure you visit one at the The National Folk Museum of Korea before you exit the palace.
Cross the zebra crossing as the image above and walk up a bit, not much..Don’t worry because your effort will be subsidized by the many beautiful cafes and restaurants lining the street ahead.
Tip: This will not be your last way uphill though. As the case with Seoul, you may have to take it easy and don’t apply that palli palli spirit if you are on holiday. 🙂
Walk until you see this dessert Café called Sojeokdu and if you see the arrow inside the image, you need to turn left at the cross roads ahead.
Sojeokdu means red bean in the old Korean word. You will be tempted to stop by and savour some dessert from their menu and I won’t blame you.Â
Image source:Â Visit Seoul
Tip
Check out Sojeokdu site : http://www.sojukdoo.com/
At this cross roads, on the right hand side up hill is a public library; Jeongdok Public Library.Â
Generally in Seoul and other parts in Korea, the buildings renter will be change quite rapidly.Â
You might see that a cafĂ© was there last year and this year, it has already changed owners.Â
Tip
I used to pray at this library since it is quite hard to find a place to pray in Seoul. If you happen to pass this library, take wudhu at the toilet and pray at the hallway next to the toilet. It is clean and no one minds you.
You will see Kiehl’s cosmetic store on your left and turn left at the junction. Kiehl’s has been at the same spot for so many years. I doubt it will move but we can never be sure..:)
Walk ahead until you see CU convenience store. Buy your drinks and snacks here for cheap if you don’t want to spend too much in any cafĂ©. I recommend Barista espresso coffee and the tteokbokki at the store with red awning on the right side of the image.
Walk up hill and there is a nice cafĂ© on your left, in case you decide to forego Sojeokdu’s red bean shaved ice. At the end is a curve road and just naturally follow the route because you will not find other junction except that one.
Walk uphill and you will see this pretty tiny house on your left and I seriously cannot stop marveling at this house and dreaming of having one whenever I pass by in front of it. If you walk straight ahead, you will be welcomed by the breathless view of Samcheongdong. The view here is especially breathtaking during autumn when the ginko trees are full with yellow leaves or during the winter. White, angelic vista full of snow.Â
Walk until you see Fatum, Coffee and Wine on your left. Then walk some more. Did I not remind you to take it easy and no palli palli? Hehe..But what is waiting for you is the majestic view of Bukhan mountain and the Blue House back gate down below. Don’t miss it!
You may walk more to get a glimpse of the Blue House back gate and make sure to go back to the junction towards the right as in the image above.
Make sure the road has a water hydrant and also the house above on the right has a pretty balcony. Hehe..our unique sign so as not to lose our way. Walk up hill straight. You are so close to Bukchon Hanok Village now.
You will see a parking lot and turn right and walk down the hill. Finally we see the light at the end of the tunnel don’t we? Hehe..We are finally here at the Bukchon Hanok Village! Yeah..Although literally, all the area is Bukchon Hanok Village but this is that particular one strip of road where it is regarded as the favorite spot to visit.
Tada!! We are here now. Enjoy your sightseeing and if you want to check out Bukchon Hanok Village from Insadong, don’t forget to read the post here.Â
Tour duration:
1-hour if you don’t stop at any cafĂ© or enter any of the ubiquitous tempting shops.
2-hour or more if you do the dont’s above. 🙂
Anyong!
Image source:
From Google Map and Naver Map.
