The Street in front of Cheongwadae (The Blue House) (청와대 앞길) - Area information - Korea travel information

The Street in front of Cheongwadae (The Blue House) (청와대 앞길)

The Street in front of Cheongwadae (The Blue House) (청와대 앞길)

3.9Km    2025-08-20

Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The street in front of Cheongwadae (the Blue House) is open to the public and includes both Hyoja Samgeori (Hyoja three-way intersection) in Hyoja-dong and Palpan Samgeori (Palpan three-way inetersection) in Palpan-dong. When walking along Hyoja-ro Road from Gyeongbokgung Station, sights include a fountain, Mugunghwa Garden, Yeonmugwan Hall, and Daegogak & Yeongbingwan Hall.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, including Korean Culture Exhibition Hall, Planned Exhibition Hall, a gift shop, and rest area (Korean Food Promotion Hall, Café) on the first floor and Cheongwadae Hall and Haengboknuri Hall on the second floor. Daegogak Hall houses a book donated to former president, Kim Young-sam for expressing the past spirit of Sinmungo (Petitioner's drum from Korean History). Yeonmugwan Hall is a martial art and fitness center for guards. Mugunghwa Dongsan, formed after the ansa (Safe House) was demolished in 1993, includes a well, mock fortress, and rest area. Located behind Mugunghwa Dongsan is Apostolic Nunciature in Korea and Chilgung (Seven Palaces).

At the beginning of the street in front of Cheongwadae, dense trees and beautiful flower gardens decorating both sides of the road make it a nice place for taking a walk. The area from the north gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Chunchumun, to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Geonchunmun, is Samcheongdong-gil Road. This road is home to many art galleries, including Kukje Gallery, Growrich Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Jin Art gallery, in the area of Hyoja-ro.

Bukjeong Village (북정마을)

3.9Km    2024-02-15

132-3 Seongbuk-ro 23-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Bukjeong Village, situated along the slopes of Seongbuk-dong, offers a glimpse into Korea's old alleyways. The village expanded as refugees from the Korean War (1950–1953) and people from various regions settled, building houses under the collapsed walls of Hanyang doseong (Seoul City Wall). Presently, the village is home to young artists, and the broad street in front of the village bus stop hosts various community events.

Of one book and stay (일독일박)

Of one book and stay (일독일박)

3.9Km    2024-12-23

11-1 , Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ildogilbak in Seochon Village, Seoul, is a private hanok stay that has been stylishly renovated with modern facilities. The bedroom, kitchen and dining room are located around the courtyard. Tired travellers can soak their feet in the small courtyard footbath while sitting on the veranda. There’s a queen size bed in the bedroom, and a large table in the dining room where you can read a book and chat. There is also an attic space where you can fall asleep looking at the stars through a small skylight. The kitchen is well equipped, and there’s a tub in the bathroom.

Hanok Guesthouse Dongchonchae (한옥 게스트하우스 동촌재)

Hanok Guesthouse Dongchonchae (한옥 게스트하우스 동촌재)

3.9Km    2024-12-23

21-10 , Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongchonjae is a hanok guesthouse in Seochon, Jongno, Seoul. The the Anchae(women's quarters) consists of four sleeping rooms and a cheongmaru lounge space, plus kitchen and toilet. (There are  also shared toilets in the yard.) Cooking is not allowed, but guests are welcome to bring in prepared food. A free breakfast is provided. Guests can watch movies in the yard or main hall, and can use the refrigerator and washing machine. A guided night tour of Seoul City Wall is offered, as is a tea ceremony, and rice-cake making experience.

Haeunjae (하은재)

Haeunjae (하은재)

3.9Km    2024-12-23

68-10 , Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Ha Eunjae is a private hanok stay in Seochon Village, just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The accommodation comprises a bedroom with queen-size bed, a kitchen, a movie room, and two bathrooms. The movie room is fitted out with a Bose sound system, a beam projector, and a large screen, with a movable footbath as a bonus. The kitchen is equipped for simple cooking. Guests staying 2 nights or more during the week receive a 10% discount, and towel replacement and cleaning services are provided for stays of 3 nights or more. Ha Eunjae is close to major tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Samcheong-dong.

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

Daeo Bookstore (대오서점)

3.9Km    2025-11-05

55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Daeo Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in Seoul that has been maintained in one place since it opened in 1951. Recently, it has been refurbished as a cultural space with a cafe, where one can enjoy coffee, exhibitions, and performances while looking at the yard. Visitors who just want to browse can purchase a souvenir postcard set for admission. Taking a closer look at books that feel the years and objects that have traces of use, they appear to come rather new.

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

3.9Km    2024-06-04

12 Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The area of Seochon features both traditional elements as well modern, showing the changes over time. A stay in one of the hanok houses here is the perfect way to feel this unique ambiance. Hanok Essay Seochon provides this experience, open to visitors of all ages.

Waterworks Museum (수도박물관)

Waterworks Museum (수도박물관)

3.9Km    2025-01-17

27, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

The Ttukseom Water Purification Plant (Waterworks Museum and Slow Sand Filtration Basin) was completed in August 1908 as the first water purification plant ever built in Korea. In 2008, it celebrated 100 years of history with the opening of the Waterworks Museum, which showcases the history and value of Seoul's public waterworks. The museum was recognized for its modern architectural design and designated Tangible Cultural Asset of Seoul No.72.

Hangang River (한강)

4.0Km    2024-10-29

257 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

The Hangang River is a iconic river in Korea that crosses Seoul from north to south. Various parks and cultural facilities are located along the river, attracting numerous people to enjoy leisure and relaxation. Many people enjoy walking, biking, and jogging along the river. Water sports such as fishing, kayaking, and sailing are also popular, and the night view of the river from a cruise ship makes it even more beautiful. Events such as concerts, drone festivals, and fireworks displays are also a must-see. 

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course (성북동고택북촌산책길)

4.0Km    2025-11-06

68, Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Seongbuk-dong–Bukchon Hanok Village Course is a nostalgic path connecting famous old houses in Seongbuk-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village, divided by the old city walls. Along the way, you'll find historic sites like Gilsangsa Temple, Jeongbeopsa Temple, Han Yong-un’s Simujang House, and novelist Lee Tae-jun's House. The trail also features charming cultural spots, such as the traditional tea house Sooyeon Sanbang and the Seongbuk Museum of Art.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Parasite"
The scene in the alley where Ki-woo visited Mr. Park's house in a wealthy neighborhood for expensive tutoring was filmed in a residential area in Seongbuk-dong. Seongbuk-dong, an old wealthy village, has luxury mansions lined up in. There are many pretty cafés and galleries here and there, so it's good to take a leisurely look around. Mr. Park's house was a filming set, which was demolished after filming.