Seoul - Samcheongdong: Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Army Stew
Wouldn't it be great if you could travel through time?
You can visit Goblin filming locations, witness the rise and fall of the Joseon Dynasty, drink tea at traditional guesthouses, wander the traditional streets in traditional Korean clothing...
1. Bukchon Hanok Village
Our first destination is Bukchon Hanok Village.Bukchon Hanok Village is the home to hundreds of hanoks (traditional houses) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Many hanoks operate as guesthouses, tea houses and cultural centers. Admission is free. You can easily spend three hours just to walk around the picturesque alleys of Bukchon.
It is full of traditional wooden homes with dark tiled roofs and decorative outer walls.
It is full of traditional wooden homes with dark tiled roofs and decorative outer walls.
It can get quite challenging walking up this area.
If you're traveling with a child or senior, it is very likely that they'll lose their temper climbing up and down!
You can enter some of these traditional houses. For instance, these are onggi, ceramics pots used as tableware or storage containers in Korea.
You can dress up in traditional costume (hanbok) and take photos in this area!
2. National Folk Museum of Korea
The next destination we had in mind is the National Folk Museum of Korea.The National Folk Museum of Korea can easily be found on your way to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
At some point you'll see a strange artistic sculpture similar to a human centipede.
Congratulations, you've reached the entrance of the National Folk Museum of Korea...
The National Folk Museum Building has plenty of cultural artifacts that are worth seeing.
3. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Our third destination is the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395. It was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions in 1592-1598. Later, King Gojong (1852-1919) repaired the palace.
Information for Your Visit:
- Free admission for seniors 65 and over
- 3,000 won for adults 19-64 years old
- 1,500 won for 7-18 years old
- Closed on Tuesdays
Don't miss the changing of the guards!
4. Korean Army Stew (Budaejjigae)!!
For lunch we had the Korean Army Stew (instead of the famous ginseng chicken soup).
Korean army stew (Budaejjigae) is a dish that originated during the Korean War, where food were scarce. Hence Koreans use leftover ingredients by the US Army to cook a stew. They would add Spam, cheese, sausage, baked beans, instant noodles and available ingredients into a pot of traditional spicy soup.
For a more tasty option, order rice at the end.
Rice will be added to what was leftover in the pot. Sweet corn, grilled seaweed, cheese and sesame oil will then be added to create "fried rice"...
Oh no. Blood pressure alert.
However, I have to recommend this shop because it is the best Budaejjigae that we had in Seoul!
Updated Information (March 2017):
Mukshidonna 먹쉬돈나
Korean Address: 서울 종로구 안국동 17-18 (google map)
Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Access: Exit 1, Anguk Station
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