Samcheong-dongGyeongbokgung · Bukchon 3
Photo: KTORunning along the eastern stone wall of Gyeongbokgung, Samcheong-dong is lined with galleries, workshops, cafés and small shops. It is calmer than Bukchon and ideal for a slow walk.
Further along are well-known dessert spots and restaurants in converted hanok. In autumn the trees along the wall change colour, making it a lovely walk for photos.
Key information
| Hours | Varies by shop |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free to stroll |
| Time needed | about 1 hours |
| Nearest station | Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3) |
| Area | Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
It starts right outside Gyeongbokgung's east gate (Geonchunmun). Walk Gyeongbokgung → Samcheong-dong → Bukchon for an efficient route.
Plan a trip with Samcheong-dong
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~82 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~43 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Gyeongbokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~700 mMain palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~400 mA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.5 kmStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.Photo: KTO
Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.0 kmUNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.3 kmTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.Photo: KTO
Ikseon-dong Hanok StreetIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.4 kmRetro alleys packed with renovated hanok cafés and restaurants.Photo: KTO
Jongmyo ShrineIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.6 kmUNESCO-listed royal shrine. Closed Tuesdays; guided tours only on some days.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Samcheong-dong?
Varies by shop. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Samcheong-dong cost?
Free to stroll.
How do I get to Samcheong-dong?
The nearest station is Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3). From Incheon Airport it takes about 82 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.