Exploring Samcheong Ro and The Bukchon Hanok Village

Over Chuseok, Johnny and I really wanted to go visit an art gallery and/or a museum. We’re huge art lovers, and realized only recently that we hadn’t been to a museum or gallery here in Korea. One Google search later, we found out a huge concentration of the best art galleries in Seoul is along Samcehong Ro, near Gyeongbok Palace.

We found tons of art to lust over, and lots of really awesome art spaces. I even got a free Wanderlust poster from one of the galleries. WIN! I obviously didn’t take pictures inside the galleries, but if you’re an art lover, just go. You’ll be pleasantly pleased!

Along Samcheong Ro, you’ll find hip restaurants and cafes, clothing stores and adorable souvenir shops. I wanted to buy everything.

After we had enough art, we decided to explore the Bukchon Hanok Village, since we were so close. The Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and the Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The Bukchon Hanok village was home to the members of the royal family, as well as the high ranking government officials, during the Joseon Dynasty. Some of the traditional homes have been transformed into cafes or restaurants, and many of them are actually inhabited. I don’t even want to think about how much rent would cost to live in one of the homes.

The views from the Bukchon village are AMAZING! If you’re looking for a little history mixed with awesome architecture, cafes, and art, look no further.