Insider's Guide and Tips for Gyeongbokgung and Seochon Village

So annoying about all the crowds in Gyeongbokgung when you're trying to get a good shot with your beautiful Hanbok?

Come visit Seochon Village on the west side of Gyeongbokgung ;) Here, you will make an unforgettable journey among these nostalgic allies where lots of interesting stores and cafes are located.

What to Do At Gyeongbokgung

Address: 서울 종로구 사직로 161
161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Closed every Tuesday

Built in 1394, Gyeongbokgung is the largest of the five largest palaces in Korea. In 1865, Gyeongbokgung Palace was destroyed due to the lost in war and rebuilt until Joseon Gojong.

However, years of war and the unscrupulous demolitions of the Japanese colonial period repeatedly hurt the traditional appearance of Gyeongbokgung. It was finally until the independence of South Korea dismantled the Japanese Governor’s Office and rebuilt the Gwanghwamun Gate, and repaired the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It then returns to the recent appearance.

No matter the season and day and night, it is a great place to visit. Every year, Gyeongbokgung regularly opens nighttime visits to show tourists and the Korean people a different face of Gyeongbokgung.

Seochon Village

Seo means the West in Korean. As its name says, it locates on the west side of the Palace. Besides the old-fashioned lanes, new stores bring new vibrancy to this historical place. Seochon located at Exit 2 and 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station stretches beside the left side of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

There are many local shops, cafes, and foods in the vicinity of Gyeongbokgung in Seochon Village, such as the well-known Doshirak Cafe in Tongin Market.

Shop Recommendations

Little Tempo Design Shop（리틀템포）

Address: 서울 종로구 누하동 19
19 Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울 종로구 누하동 19

Hours: Weekdays 13:00~19:00；Weekends 12:00~19:00；Close on Mon

Looking for some special souvenirs but don't want to be basic? Then don't miss the "Little Tempo" in Gyeongbokgung Seochon Village. They are full of designer items that can't be found in general Korean stationery stores. Get your purse ready;)

Living in Songpa's hwee（송파에사는희）

Address: 서울 종로구 필운대로 49-8
49-8 Pirundae-ro, Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:30~21:00

There are many handicraft shops in the lanes surrounding Seochon Village. Canvas bags, wallets, scarves, accessories, and hair bands that are handmade by the owner of Songpa Hee. If you want to find a souvenir with sincerity and affection, you can't miss it.

Instagrammable Places

Okin Arcade（옥인오락실）

Address: 서울 종로구 옥인길 28
28 Ogin-gil, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

There is a retro arcade "Okin Arcade" hidden in the Seochon Village which completely preserves the popular electronic game venue atmosphere from 20 ~ 30 years ago. It is really like the background of the last generation. It is very suitable to stay here and play for a little while, take an insta-worthy photo.

Tongin Market（통인시장）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로15길 18
18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Tongin-dongJongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: Weekdays 11:00~15:00；Weekends/holidays 11:00~16:00；Close on every Mon and the 3rd Sun of the month

Tong-in Market, like many of its kind in Korea, had continuously been losing business due to the influx of supermarkets. It was recently revived by bringing up the Doshirak Cafe, mix-and-match lunchbox store by store, and pay by redeemed ancient coins, which has shown on TVs as well!

You can get a Dosirak (lunchbox) mix-and-match on your own in this traditional market for 5,000 KRW! It is fun to purchase a string of ancient coins to pay and make a doshirak. You will get one string of 10 coins and an empty lunchbox for 5,000 KRW. You can either pay by cash or card.

Seokpajeong（석파정）

Address: 서울 종로구 창의문로11길 4-1
4-1 Changuimun-ro 11-gil, Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

It is almost the junction of Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, but it is still the scope of Seochon Village. It is perfect for a traveler who is looking for a place with an ancient Joseon atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Cheongun Park（청운공원）

Address: 서울 종로구 창의문로 119
119 Changuimun-ro, Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Basically, only local Koreans will come here so you can get rid of many tourists and crowds and reach a real wonderland here. In the evening, there is a very beautiful light, from Changuimun Gate, the start point of the park, along the entire city.

Whether it is day or night, it is very suitable to stroll along the city, overlooking Seoul. By the way, the Korean drama "My Lovely Sam Soon" has took scenes at Cheongun Park too!

Food in Seochon

Naju Gomtang (ox bone soup)（나주곰탕）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로2길 8
8 Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 13:00~20:00

Naju Gomtang is where you can taste the flavors of traditional old Korea. It's highly accessible as it's situated close to Gyeongbokgung Station.

Gomtang is a traditional Korean food that's been made by simmering meat in water for a long time. Each region has their own way of making gomtang, but Naju has an especially unique version of this dish.

Rather than the usual milky-white broth, Naju gomtang has a clear broth that has a distinct flavor.

The dish is prepared with traditional methods involving repeatedly pouring broth over the meat and rice. Their pan cakes taste also really good!

Can you see how big this abalone is?

Mashan Agujim (steamed monkfish)（마산아구찜）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로 18-1
18-1 Jahamun-ro, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:30~22:00

Have you ever had Agujim (steamed monkfish)? Masan Agujim is located downstairs of Haewadal Hanbok. Although it looks all red but you can order a less spicy taste. The texture of monkfish is very chewy and the portion is big!

Last but not least, don't forget to order a serving of fried rice after you finish the main dish! You will definitely regret if you do!

Sujebi and Bori-bap (hand-pulled dough soup & barley rice)（수제비와보리밥）

Address: 서울 종로구 율곡로3길 82
82 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:30~21:00；Close on Sundays

NAVER

In Korea, noodles, barley rice, and Korean pancakes are quite popular foods. Whenever the weather goes bad, Koreans often eat foods or pancakes with hot soup.

Sujebi that made by the kind old lady is neither too salty nor spicy. The refreshing broth allows everyone to taste the most authentic taste of the ingredients. The amount is just right, not too greasy, suitable for a healthy diet to everyone.

Jayeon Pulip（자연풀잎）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로2길 17-4
17-4 Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:00~00:00

In the alley of Gyeongbokgung, which is generally traditional Korean cuisine, Jayeon Pulip is hidden very deep in an alley. In the alley opposite of a Hanbok store, which is a Korean Bbq restaurant in the Gyeongbokgung area. I bet you can never forget its delicious taste once you give it a try!

Unlike the normal Korean pork, the black pig they use is very clean and healthy, which is eatable even if it is cooked to rare to medium level.

There is a greasy feeling when the pork is eaten more, but the Iberian pork served here has a unique aroma and has no astringency. The smoked three-layered meat is also very memorable.

Hwang Chil Ga（황칠가）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로 10
10 Jahamun-ro, Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:00~22:00

Legend has it that the elixir that Qin Shihuang looked for was Hwang Chil. But in modern times, Hwang Chil is actually a nourishing medicine that promotes blood circulation and balanced nutrition. It is also suitable for people who want to replenish and taste food at the same time.

All meat lovers must come here to try the beef, boiled until soft with a full chewy texture. The broth is rich, made of many herbal medicine and vegetables Its delicious smell is really hard to resist.

Cafes in Seochon

Astarte & Relax（아스타르테 앤 릴렉스）

Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로7길 69-3
69-3 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 12:00~22:00

There are many cafes around Gyeongbokgung Seochon Village, but Astarte & relax is famous for making delicious desserts among Koreans. The interior is also very eye-catching on the streets of Seochon.

A dazzling array of cakes can lead to selective disorder. After walking on the streets of Gyeongbokgung Seochon Village, you may come here to pick a delicious cake and enjoy a beautiful quiet time.

Seoul Coffee Store（서울커피상회）

Address: 서울 종로구 누하동 21-1
21-1 Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours: 12:00~22:00

Among the coffee shops in Seochon, although the appearance is inconspicuous but Seoul Coffee Shop is very famous.

The desolate but ruined style with a beautiful texture, together with the delicate desserts that can't keep your eyes off. t's very different from the cafes that have been mentioned so far.

INSTAGRAM：seoul_coffee_store

We hope that you can enjoy day roaming around Seochon! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!