Samcheong-dong Walk

It has been a hot summer! We've been pretty lazy, mostly just hanging out at the house to avoid the heat. However at some point you just have to suck it up and get out. It was my bi-weekly 'mental health day', so I chose another walking tour. This one was around Samcheong-dong. I was also able to have a friend along, and we had a great time exploring, even in the heat! 

After emerging from the subway (Anguk station, exit 1), we got our bearings and started off. The first recommended stop was Seoul Selections, which is a very small English bookstore where they have a coffee/tea bar. After spending much time and money at What the Book and another used English bookstore in Itaewon, I'm not sure how Selections can compete. We went in a few small art galleries and viewed the selections. There are numerous small galleries, little restaurants, and quaint shops in this neighborhood. The farther you get from the subway, the less city-like it feels, which was a wonderful escape!

temple area

Random scene from the neighborhood.

Another recommended spot on the tour was the Owl Museum, which consists of an old woman's collection of over 2500 owl items. There was some really interesting items in there. No pictures are allowed, but admission (5000 won) does come with a drink!

owl museum

We continued the walk, trying to find the chicken art museum. We were unsuccessful, but did discover an embroidery museum and traditional painting musuem, where you can make your own items under their tutelage (reservations required). According to my book and a map I picked up on our walk, there a numerous other places like that in this area, but by this time we were hot and tired.

Nice view!

One of the numerous alleyways in the area.

This is a fantastic area of Seoul. It is across the street from Insadong, near the large and popular Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Presidential Home, and it contains the Bukchon Hanok village, an area of traditional style Korean homes. I will most definitely be going back...when the weather cools down!