Samcheong-dong: Artsy, trendy and a should not miss neighbourhood in Seoul

Come to Samcheong-dong

My favourite places in Seoul are Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong. Both popular and artsy neighbourhoods are located across each other separated by a main road in Seoul’s historical centre, Jongno-gu. Samcheongdong is just beside the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

While Insa-dong is more traditional, cultural and sublime (I had a lovely tea in a traditional Korean tea house here), Samcheong-dong is modern, young and trendy with an uptown-ish jive going. There are many so many trendy cafe terraces here, they are simply everywhere! I wrote a while back about the rooftop cafes in Samcheong-dong where Dutchman and I enjoyed a cup of coffee and a bite of something, which if you were to ask me, is a must do when in the area.

And because I really liked this place, I came here twice. On our last day in Seoul, I managed to shop and scored a few lovely items here. I do not travel to shop but it is impossible not to shop here as the stores have such lovely items on display. Definitely a place for women who likes to swipe the card while doing the cafe thing =)

Let me take you for a walk around Samcheong-dong…

Now look who’s befriended the 2 cute (walking) tourist information girls? They walk around the neighbourhood helping tourists find their way around the area. They speak a bit of English.

There is even a Hello Kitty cafe here! Hello Kitty was BIG when I was growing up in the 70s and 80s.

Side street eateries selling Korean street food

In Samcheong-dong they have really nice-looking food vendors selling street food. Unlike in Insa-dong that you literally see a sea of street vendors on the street, here at Samcheong-dong it is more cosy and orderly. They have their own little streetside stores and canteens.

These could be Hotteok or Hoddeok (syrup doughnut pancake), my favourite. I ate this when I was in Insa-dong. Here is the blog entry: My favourite street food in Seoul: Hoddeok (Hotteok), syrup dought pancakes

Shopping in Samcheong-dong

I came across a little fashion street market: Dalssi Market, with very cool fashion photos from all over the world.

My quick eats!

Got hungry from the shopping and walking around. I love this, its like a fried pancake of vegetables. You have the option to douse it with soy sauce, vinegar and chopped onions, which I did. So yummy!

If you come to Seoul, do not ever miss Samcheong-dong. I am sure you will love this cool place.

Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Samcheong-dong (Jongno-gu – Seoul), South Korea

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