Cheonggyecheon is a stream flowing from west to east through Seoul and really popular among residents
and tourists. Before it was restored in 2005, it was only a neglected water path covered with concrete for
roads. Now that it has been reconstructed it procures a natural path linking Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza,
the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace.
Therefore it allows tourists to take a nice stroll while visiting the main attractions of the city. Its sidewalks
are beautifully arranged with nice touches of greenery. Under the low bridges you can also find places to
rest in the freshness as well as outside exhibitions.
Jongmyo is a Confucian Shrine dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings
and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). It was classified by the UNESCO as World Cultural
Heritage site in 1995 because it is said to be the oldest royal Confucian shrine to have preserved ancient
customs such as memorial services “Jongmyo Jerye” (performed for 600 years) and traditional music
“Jongmyo Jeryeak”. Jongmyo is made of two main buildings: the main hall “Jeongjeon” and the hall of eternal
peace “Yeongnyeongjeon”; and auxiliary buildings such as “Jeonsacheong”,“Eosuksil”, “Hyangdaecheong”
and “Sindang”. The main Hall is said to be the longest wooden structure in the world mainly because rooms
had to be added to contain more memorial tablets.
In comparison to the royal palaces the architecture is more uncluttered and simple which gives the
whole structure a more solemn look. It is a really peaceful place which blends in its natural surrounding
with harmony.
The Jongmyo Shrine can only be visited at specific time in group for a guided tour which is really nice
because it allows you to get a better understanding of the place and its spiritual meaning.
During the visit you will notice signs telling not to step on the middle path on the three path way “Samdo”.
It is because originally the east path was reserved to the king, the west path was reserved to the crown
prince and the one in the middle was for the spirits of the royal ancestors. Therefore to respect the tradition
and honor the royal ancestors it is still not allowed to walk on the middle part of the path.
NAKWONDONG KOREAN RICE CAKE EXPERIENCE
Nakwondong is the most famous street for Korean rice cake shop in Korea.
Bukchon, also known as the “North Village“ is, as you would guess, located in the North part of Seoul,
on small hill between Jongro street and Cheongyecheon. Surrounded by Gyeongbok Palace on its left
and Changdeok Palace on his right it managed to survive the incredible modernization of the city and
remains one of the most beautiful traditional district of Seoul.
As we arrived from Changdeok Palace, we were impressed right away by the harmonious combination
of traditional and modern architecture. As we ventured further inside the neighborhood we discovered
so many beautiful alleys that we just wished we had hours to wanders through them all. Bukchon seems
to be like a magical maze offering beautiful sceneries at each corner. Walking the streets we encounter
ed between the traditional Korean Hanok houses many pretty little shops selling accessories, flowers
and handcrafted gifts.
Among those shops we could also notice beautifully decorated cafés, small restaurants and guest houses.
After a few minutes walking we could perceive a strong influx of high schoolers in our direction, and finally
we reached Joongang high school. Located upon the Hill, the high school is really famous because it was
one of the filming locations of the drama “Winter Sonata”. Even though it is surrounded by two kpop shops,
I have to confess that the main entrance is just splendid. Mesmerized by the view we decided to quietly go
a bit further inside even though we had already passed the opening hours.
Facing the entrance of the school we decided to continue our stroll on the left and entered the beautiful
maze once again.
At this point we were on the upper part of the hill and between the houses we could appreciate
the breath taking sight of the traditional houses’ roofs. The contrast between modernity and tradition
was really interesting and inspiring.
Around the streets we encountered local residents seeing to their daily routine, tourist, lovers but also
a couple shooting their wedding pictures.
As we lost our tracks we found ourselves in front of the House of Song Hye Jin in “Personal Taste”
and next to it the House that the previous president Lee Myung Bak occupied before being elected.
SAMCHEONG-DONG STREET
When we finally reached the top of the hill we were able to witness the busy life of the city: the small
streets flowing between the traditional houses, shops and coffee shops; the green mountains in the background; the busy seoulites hasting themselves among the tourists trying to find their way while sightseeing. Along the Road, signs were indicating the way to dolgaedan-gil (stone steps) to reach Samcheong-dong below. Going down between the Hanok houses we reached a staircase carved in one
single piece of rock and eventually ended up on Samcheong-dong Main Street.
Tired out by those long hours walking the streets we decided to stop at the Hanok Café at the bottom of
the stairs, The O.Ga.Da café. The O.Ga.Da café offers a large choice of coffee and tea with for example 5
different types of Omija Tea as well as a large selection of pastries.
Moreover, the staff is really nice and will do their best to satisfy their clients. Even though it is located
in a traditional Hanok house all the tables are equipped with tabs allowing people to play games while
enjoying their beverage and pastries whether they are in groups or alone.
We ordered a cup of traditional Omija Tea and Korean shaved ice dessert, Patbingsu. The tea was
served with a traditional flower shaped pastry called yakgwa, in a glass cup highlighting its red color.
The Patbingsu, a dessert made of shaved ice, condensed milk, red bean paste and rice cakes was not
too sweet so we could easily enjoy the taste of each ingredients.
