Samcheong-dong (삼청동)

Learn Korean!

삼 (sam) means Three
청 (cheong) means Fresh or Pure
동 (dong) means Neighborhood

Fun Facts

The name “Samcheong” originates from the area’s abundant mountains, water, and the generosity of its people which reflects its natural beauty and hospitable atmosphere.
Samcheong-dong’s stylish and beautiful streets have frequently served as backdrops for Korean dramas and movies, adding to its charm and popularity among visitors.
The area is dotted with cultural landmarks including galleries, museums, and antique shops, enriching the streets with a sense of heritage and artistic expression.

After walking through Gwanghwamun and then the immense traditional grounds at Gyeongbokgung we like to end our day by exiting the palace at the North East corner by the museum and walking over to Samcheong-dong. Samcheong-ro borders Bukchon Hanok Village and is a great example of how this vibrant city is a mix of tradition and trendiness. There are many funky cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutique style shops. This area is particularly known for its innovative approaches to the cafe experience. The café culture here is elevated by outdoor elements such as balconies and rooftops, where the stylish and picturesque scenery is wonderful to enjoy after a long day of walking. The street is a popular dating route for both locals and tourists and hosts some wonderful Michelin star dinner restaurants.

Travel Tips

Samcheong-dong Sujebi, has been an integral part of Samcheong-dong’s history since 1982. The signature dish here is sujebi (수제비)— rustic hand-pulled dough soup served in a savory broth. The restaurant is also known for its potato pancakes, made with grated potatoes that are pan-fried until crispy on the outside and pleasantly chewy on the inside. Avoid the lunch rush if you don’t want to stand in line, but be warned — the restaurant is always busy.
Download the Michelin Guide and Mango Plate apps before you arrive in Seoul. Search “Michelin star restaurants near me” and you will find many.
The shops on Samcheong-ro tend to open later in the mornings. Afternoons and early evenings are the best times to visit this area if shopping is a priority. Otherwise, the restaurants are open until late in the evening and there are many choices, and the cafés are everywhere.

Address

English: 107, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hangeul: 서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 107

Samcheong-dong is beautiful during the fall season, when the gingko trees turn yellow and the leaves blow up and down the street. I was able to buy some great gifts for my friends here in the trendy shops that line the entire street. And there were so many cafes, teahouses, and restaurants–you could spend a lifetime on this street trying every one of them! I want to make it my personal mission to try them all!

Café hopping in Seoul is on a completely different level from here in the U.S. On Samcheong Street there are so many wonderful places to choose from. We enjoy the Café JinSun (located directly across from the National Folk Museum on the corner of Cheongwadae and Samcheong-ro). In the summer when all the flowers are blooming you can sit on the outside patio and enjoy delicious strawberry or mango smoothies. And, when the weather is cooler and the leaves are changing color, you can enjoy the outside heaters and fire pits which makes it a great stop for one of their specialty coffee drinks. The café is always lively and is a lovely place to rest and re-group before exploring further down the street and into the Bukchon area. JinSun is definitely one of my favorite Café’s in Seoul. When I sit there, I think “wow, I am on the whole other side of the world and in such a beautiful place”.