A unique day out..
In this blog discover a gem, 성북동 or Seongbuk-Dong which is known for the wealthy residents, uniqure homes and a great number of treats.
The neighborhood historically had a very mixed history and you can learn more here. But, let’s explore!
Photo by Simon Williams-Im
Boulanger Maison Bukak
Start your morning with a delicious treat at the lovely Boulanger Masion Bukak which opened back in 2018 and offers a lovely range of treats and delicous coffee. Check out Boulanger Maison Bukak on Instagram.
Location: 156 Seongbuk-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 성북구 성북로 156 (성북동 270-1)
Directions: Hansung University Station-한성대입구역 Seoul Subway Line 4 and take exit 5
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Looking for more reasons to head to Maison Bukak – check out this excellent Vlog!
YouTube – VLogOneDayInSeoul
Cherry Blossom
Hopefully, as you are reading this blog it will also be the start of the lovely Cherry Blossom season and it would be suggested to explore the beautiful neighborhood to discover the Cherry Blossom hidden around this magical neighborhood.
Photo by Simon Williams-Im
한용운 – Han Yong-un – Manhae
The home of the famous Buddhist poet is hidden in Seongbuk-Dong and is well worth a visit. The home will certainly give you an impression of traditional Korean housing, the opportunity to explore a beautiful neighborhood that is very different to modern day Seoul and even the main part of the neighborhood. But, note that getting to the house will include a settep climb – so if you aren’t good with a little uphill walking this might not be the best trip!
Photo by Simon Williams-Im
Explore
Manhae was known for his resistance to the Japanese occupation and taking on the robes of the Korean buddhist movement (Jogye Movement)
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Manhae is known well for his expressions around nationalism and sexual love and it is well worth taking the time to read his works.
Alex the coffee 알렉스 더 커피
Another gem in this lovely neighborhood is the stylish 'Alex the coffee'. The coffee shop is designed to attract you to enjoy a good book (maybe some poetry, eh) and to relax after a lovely walk up the mountain. Don’t forget to take a camera!
Check out their Instagram here.
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Location: 260-38 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 성북구 성북로 28길 9
Now, if you don’t fancy taking an afternoon to explore the neighborhood and even head to the peak of the hill to capture the amazing view from 한양도성 순성길(백악산구간) 전망안내도 also know as the observation deck (it is a little walk) and be sure to charge your phone to help you explore the neighborhood well with Kakao Maps or Google Maps!
-> (watch the video for more ideas for the walk!)
YouTube – Parkfilm
Arc N’ Book
Head to the amazing bookstore opposite Seoul’s Jongno Lotte Hotel (a short walk from Myeon Dong) and explore this trendy bookstore and if you are lucky find a few books to browse and rest a little!
In the case of the amazing bookstores across Korea, the biggest difference to stores that you find in Europe and North America is that people can sit, read and relax and read the books – it isn’t unusual to see folks sitting on the floor and reading a whole book!
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
YouTube – Seoul Walk
Korea’s Independence Movement and Canadians (KHR)
Back in 2019, Seoul City Hall hosted a special exhibition titled "Korea’s Independence Movement and Canadians" at the City Gallery of the Citizens which will interest our Canadian readers. the event highligted the important role played by a handful of Canadians.
“The five Canadians include Frank W. Schofield (1889-1970), who had been called the “34th representative of Korean people” alongside:
Frederick A. Mckenzie who organized the Korean Friendship Society in the United Kingdom and sponsored the independence movement;
Robert G. Grierson (1868-1965) who set up hospitals, schools and churches to carry out patriot enlightenment movement;
Stanley H. Martin (1890 ~ 1941) who gave medical treatment to wounded independence activists and held funeral services for victims in China, and also disclosed the damage situation of Korean people to the world during the Gyeongsin (or Gando) Massacre (1920), a mass murder committed by Japanese militaries;
Archibald H. Barker (? ~ 1927) who founded Myeongshin Girls’ School and devoted himself to the education of women, Korean and national history.
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Check out the ongoing events at the Seoul City Hall.
If you fancy taking in more Korean history, we suggest taking a look at one of our blog on the the Korean Indepndence movement.
내사랑 Seoul – dear my love Seoul
There must always be an additional treat and after such a busy day. Seoulthejourney just can’t help but to recommend this amazing souffle pancake and we are sure you will be quickly addicted! (Don’t blame us!)
Photos by Simon Williams-Im
Check out this videa and let us know how it was!
YouTube – FootTrip
Location:
37 Ewhayeodae 2-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 서대문구 이화여대2길 37
Follow exit 3 from Ewha Woman’s university station.
Starbucks – the first store in Korea (스타벅스)
If you happen to be a Starbucks fan, we best suggest a quick visit to their first store in Korea that is based just a short walk from Ewha Woman’s University station.
Starbucks opened their first store in Korea, a 3-story storey with wide, comfy seating areas.
If you are exhausted after a long day, why not stream a movie and grab a coffee. Check our blog on a Korean film ‘Aloners‘.
Location: 03767 34, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Directions: Subway Line 2, Ewha Womans Univ. Station, take exit 3