Great place for sightseeing and for a stroll

Samcheongdong-gil road is quite popular among tourists and couples. You can take a walk along the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace and look around and see unique products in small shops. You can also see many famous restaurants here. This might make the road look different from other places in the village, but it also has a long history.

The name “Samcheong-dong” was derived from “Samcheongjeon Hall,” which enshrined Three Purities, meaning the three highest gods in Taoism. Some argue that this area was named Samcheong, literally meaning three pure things: pure water, pure mountain and pure-hearted people. It was once known as a tranquil town with no convenience stores, franchises and neon lights.

How was this possible in downtown Seoul? Samcheong-dong is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Cheongwadae, the presidential office. So, development was limited in this area to protect cultural properties and maintain security. Even now, you can easily see police officers standing guard for the presidential office and the prime minister’s office nearby. Thanks to limited development, this area could maintain its unique view of small buildings and hanoks with no tall buildings.

Samcheongdong-gil is now filled with restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops, after the development restrictions were partly lifted in the 1990s. Galleries and shops in Gangnam and Insa-dong moved here. This has made this area what it is today. How about having fun on Samcheongdong-gil?