Check out my honest tips on the 15 Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong (from a Korean)!
Samcheongdong is a cultural hub in Seoul that is well-known for its amazing art galleries and museums. After gallery hopping, rest your tired feet at the beautiful traditional hanok cafes and bars!
Here are my tips on the 15 Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong.
Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong
Best Art in Samcheongdong
1. Check out hip Kukje Gallery
Kukje is a leading contemporary art gallery that has been showcasing Korean and international art since its opening in 1982. It’s a classic must-stop for art lovers in Samcheongdong!
Kukje Gallery’s exhibitions have included the gamut of modern art, including sculptures, paintings, and large-scale digital installations. You’ll experience the best of both Korean and globally-acclaimed art here!
Kukje Gallery has displayed artwork from major Korean post-war artists, including Ha Chong-Hyun, Park Seo-Bo and Kwon Young-Woo.
Notable globally-acclaimed artists that have exhibited at Kukje Gallery include Anish Kapoor (creator of the Chicago bean!) and Jean-Michel Othoniel (whose beaded flower sculptures you might recognize)!
Like most galleries, its exhibitions are free, making Kukje Gallery an amazing free thing to do in Samcheongdong.
2. Marvel at Modern Korean Art at Kumho Museum
If you’re curious about the breadth and depth of modern Korean art, Kumho Museum of Art is the place to go!
Kumho Museum of Art was founded in 1989 by the foundation of a major Korean tire company of the same name.
Kumho boasts a whopping collection of over 3,000 works of art! Although Kumho Museum has exhibited globally acclaimed artists like Joan Miró, a vast majority of its exhibitions are by Korean artists.
While Kumho has an esteemed collection of Korean artwork, I love that they continue to pave the way for up and coming Korean artists through its Kumho Young Artist program, through which around five winning artists are selected and showcased at the museum every year.
Tickets to the Kumho Museum of Art cost 5,000 won (~3.75 USD) per adult.
3. Gallery Hyundai: First Professional Gallery in Korea
Gallery Hyundai’s roots began in 1970, when it became one of the first art galleries engaged in the professional buying and selling of art in post-war Korea.
The gallery has exhibited works from major Korean modern artists, such as Chang Ucchin, Chun Kyungja and Kim Whanki.
The majority of Gallery Hyundai’s exhibitions are free, although some special exhibitions are at-cost.
4. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul
Get acquainted with modern Korean art at the MMCA Seoul!
Their permanent collection includes over 11,000 pieces, so you’re guaranteed to experience a wide breadth of modern Korean and internationally-acclaimed art.
The MMCA has some really cool exhibitions, like Game Society, which was about the cultural impact of games (Korea is a leader in esports!), and Only the Young, which focused on experimental art from the 1960s to the 1970s (and was co-hosted with the Guggenheim Museum!).
Given the gusto of being a nationally operated museum, the MMCA has hosted exhibitions of works by legendary Korean artists such as Lee Kun-hee and internationally-acclaimed foreign artists such as Ai Weiwei.
The MMCA’s permanent collection is free to view, and their special exhibitions are very affordable, at around 2,000-5,000 won (~1.50-3.75 USD). You can book tickets here.
Best History & Culture in Samcheongdong
5. Stroll around Samcheongdong Culture Street
Stroll around Samcheongdong Culture Street and explore government and historical sites, galleries, little local shops and traditional Korean eateries!
Samcheongdong Culture Street is a 1km (0.62 mile) stretch along Samcheong-ro 11-gil. You can start at the Trail of Korean Independence Activists (near Kukje Gallery) and walk north to Samcheong-dong Government Complex (삼청동청사).
Pro Tip: Here’s the Naver Map location. Google Maps doesn’t work properly in Korea (the walking directions don’t work), so I would highly recommend downloading the Naver Map app (there’s an English version) to navigate around Seoul.
6. Trail of Korean Independence Activists (국립운동가의 길)
Check out the stone wall murals of Korean independence activists who fought for freedom during Japanese colonial occupation from 1910 to 1945.
You’ll spot famous Korean activists like Yu Gwan-sun (spelled “Gwan-Soon Yu” on the mural), who was imprisoned for her contributions as an organizer for the mass March 1st protests in 1919. That didn’t stop her: Yu even organized an inmate protest to mark the 1st anniversary of the March 1 mass protest. She ultimately died after being severely tortured by prison workers.
The location of the stone murals can be found here on Google Maps (you’ll need to copy and paste the Korean words to find it).
7. Take in the Cherry Blossoms at Jeongdok Public Library
Love cherry blossoms? Although Jeongdok is a public library, Korean locals flock to its courtyard in the spring to soak in the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
The best time to view cherry blossoms is from the end of March to mid April (the first week of April will be your best bet!).
After checking out Jeongdok, I would recommend taking the quick 10 minute walk to Bukchon Hanok Village!
Looking for more local hidden gems? Check out the 10 Best Non-Touristy Things To do in Seoul!
Best Samcheongdong Food
8. Snack on Rice Cake Skewers at PungNyeon Ssal Nongsan (풍년쌀농산)
Wanna get a taste of the nostalgic snacks that Koreans grew up eating as a kid? Try the legendary spicy rice cake skewers at PungNyeon Ssal Nongsan!
The husband-and-wife owners of PungNyeon Ssal Nongsan operated a rice specialty store for 20 years (with the same namesake and store location), before opening this Korean casual snack shop in 2012!
PungNyeon is most famous for its spicy rice cake skewers. Their rice cake has a next-level chewiness to it, and they’re deep fried before a homemade sweet and sour gochujang sauce is glazed all over it.
These affordable rice cake skewers are only 1,000 won each (~0.75 USD).
While you’re there, try their refreshing shik-heh, which is a traditional sweet Korean drink made from fermented rice and malt that is especially popular for its cooling properties during hot, humid Korean summers.
The fresh ginger in PungNyeon’s shik-heh adds another defining layer of nuance to its flavor! The shik-heh is pretty affordable at 3,000 won (~2.25 USD).
Fun Fact: The name and store signboard of the restaurant is the exact same one from the rice shop days decades ago, and means “rice production from a bountiful harvesting year,”
9. Try the red bean dessert at Seoulseo Duljjaero Jalhaneun Jip (서울서둘째로잘하는집)
If you’re looking for a sweet dessert or pick-me-up, try the famous red bean porridge at Seoulseo Duljjaero Jalhaneun Jip!
Dan-pat-juk is a dessert porridge that’s made from red bean, which is a common ingredient in many Korean desserts. This location’s danpatjuk has just the right amount of sweetness and a decadent flavor that will fill your tummy up. There’s a generous amount of extra-chewy glutinous rice cake and sweet chestnut that make their danpatjuk even heartier!
Danpatjuk is traditionally eaten during the cold winter months, so stop by if you’re visiting during the winter!
Wondering why the name of this store is so long? “Seoulseo Duljjaero Jalhaneun Jip” is a fun shop name that refers to itself as being the second best in Seoul.
It’s a Korean phrase that’s claimed by several Korean restaurants, I think, to alleviate some of the anti-climatic let-downs you can experience when you go somewhere that’s supposed to be really good but ends up falling short of your expectations (remember, they’re the “second” best!).
Do expect a line, but know that they go by quickly.
10. Samcheongdong Sujebi (삼청동수제비)
Samcheongdong Sujebi is a six-time Michelin Guide restaurant that’s made a name for itself since opening in 1982. Especially on a colder day, come inhale their namesake traditional Korean sujebi!
Samcheongdong’s sujebi is famous for its thin and flappy pieces of hand-pulled noodle bits that have been well-infused in the aroma of the perfectly savory anchovy soup that they’re dunked in.
The sujebi costs 9,000 won (~6.75 won) and I guarantee it will keep your stomach full and satiated until your next meal!
Expect long lines at Samcheongdong Sujebi, but know that they go by pretty quickly. Because Samcheongdong Sujebi has a pretty limited menu, they’re able to prepare for peak meal times and churn out food soon after you’ve ordered.
Best Cafes in Samcheongdong
11. Samcheongdong Cafe Street
There’s tons of cute cafes and shops along Samcheongdong Cafe Street, which is a roughly 1km (~0.6 mi) stretch along Samcheong-ro 11-gil. Boost your energy while gallery hopping and grab yourself a coffee on Samcheongdong Cafe Street!
Here is the Naver Map location to Samcheongdong Cafe Street! It honestly overlaps with a bulk of Samcheongdong Culture Street.
12. Deus Cafe Seoul Samcheong (데우스 카페 삼청점)
Toward the middle-end of Samcheongdong Cafe Street is Deus Cafe, which is a traditional Korean hanok cafe that’s decorated with futuristic metallic decor to create unique vibes you definitely can’t find elsewhere. Plus, they have delicious baked goods and drinks!
Deus Cafe has all the beautiful charm of a hanok house, with wooden pillars forming the base structure and beautiful curved clay tiles that make up its pitched roofs. There’s a courtyard in the center with a tree that makes for wonderful outdoor seating.
What makes Deus Cafe unique compared to other hanok cafes, though, is that right next to the wooden pillars are modern metallic textures, like the exposed aluminum padding and steel frames holding up the side walls. The bathroom is notably steel all around, and made me feel like I was in a spaceship!
This cafe is actually a concept by the Australian brand Deus Ex Machina, which makes hip biking-inspired clothing.
Here is Deus Cafe on Google Maps and on Naver Map.
Looking for more cool cafes? Check out the 20 Best Coffee Shops in Seoul!
Best Shopping in Samcheongdong
13. Sweet and Cutesy Gifts at Paper Doll Mate Atelier
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, check out this trendy gift shop! Paper Doll Mate Atelier is an adorable gift shop with an assortment of collectible dolls and cutesy stationary.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk past Paper Doll Mate Atelier is its stunning, baby pink signage and decor. The items inside the store are just as sweet, like the baby figurines, retro gift cards, old-fashioned sticker designs.
14. Sip a Coffee & Shop at Rustic Marché Mua
Marché Mua is a French-themed cafe with a gift shop that gives little-town vibes. If you’re into vintage and antique decor, Marché Mua is your spot: think white exposed brick, old-fashioned portraits and vintage knick-knacks.
Even the wooden chairs and tables are all slightly mismatched, but each have their own character and designs.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, definitely try their Strawberry Latte (7,000 won, ~5.30 USD). The fresh strawberry pieces pair so well with the milky goodness of the latte!
Once you’ve recharged, head downstairs to the gift shop, which has porcelain home goods, simple plaid bags, scents and soaps and more.
Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong at Night
15. Savor Korean-inspired cocktails and bites at Waoak hanok bar
Waoak is a beautiful hanok bar with Korean-inspired cocktails and snacks that’s great for both dates and for solo-travelers.
This traditional hanok-style bar has a classically beautiful clay-tiled roof and a cozy wooden interior with exposed beams. You’ll enter Waoak (pronounced “Wa-Oak”) by walking through the cute little courtyard atop their stone steps!
In theme with its hanok architecture, Waoak has a traditional-Korean inspired cocktail menu, with drinks like the Jeju Mandarin Orange (17,000 won, or ~13 USD) and Rice Punch, which incorporates the fermented rice drink, shikhae (also 17,000 won).
If cocktails aren’t your thing, Waoak also has a great selection of whiskeys (and other liquors on the rock) as well as 25+ selection of wines (with handy diagrams of their flavor profiles!).
I would recommend the Waoak platter, which comes with a traditional Korean fruit soju served in an adorable porcelain jar, paired with the traditional dessert yakgwa (deep fried wheat biscuit glazed in honey) and dried persimmon rolls.
Waoak has major cozy vibes with warm, soft ambient lighting at night, making it perfect for an intimate setting for dates. It’s also a wonderful bar to come solo, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong (Conclusion)
In this guide, we discussed the 15 Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong.
I shared all my honest tips on what to do in Samcheongdong, namely the:
- Best Art in Samcheongdong
- Best History & Culture in Samcheongdong
- Best Samcheongdong Food
- Best Cafes in Samcheongdong
- Best Shopping in Samcheongdong
- Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong at Night
Thanks for checking out my guide to the 15 Best Things To Do in Samcheongdong!
Looking for more cool neighborhoods to visit? Check out the 5 Best Neighborhoods in Seoul!
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