Wandering West of Gyeongbokgung: Seochon’s Quiet Charm 🌿🏯

Seochon means "West Village," and it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul, sitting just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It used to be home to artists and writers during the Joseon era, and even now, it still holds that quiet, creative energy. I didn’t go with a plan. I got off at Gyeongbokgung Station, walked out of Exit 2, and just wandered into the side streets. The buildings are low, the alleys are narrow, and the vibe is calm. You’ll pass hanok rooftops, tiny cafés with handwritten signs, and shops that seem to appear out of nowhere. I stopped by a small café hidden behind a wall of vines. They served hand-drip coffee in mismatched cups, and there was a cat asleep on the windowsill. The kind of place that makes you forget time. A little later, I walked past a local gallery, a place that only sold handmade scissors, and eventually stumbled into Tongin Market. If you have time, you can collect traditional coins and fill your own lunchbox from the stalls there. It’s fun, but still feels local. 📌 Getting there: Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. Exit 2 or 3 both work, just head west into the village streets. The further you walk, the quieter it gets. 🪴 Tip: Don’t plan too much. Seochon is one of those places best explored with no agenda. Let your feet lead, stop when something catches your eye, and don’t rush. It’s not loud, but it stays with you. #travel#thingstodo#myitinerary