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Traditional hanoks, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants
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Sightseeing

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Christina DiFerdinando

Seochon Hanok Village (also called Sejong Village) (서촌마을) sits just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace — which is where the name “West Village” comes from. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, and walking around feels like stepping back into old Seoul with its charming hanok houses tucked into little alleys.

Directions & Location

  • Address: 서울특별시 종로구 자하문로7길 | Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/xBwJpbkz

What to see & do

Jahamun-ro Main Road
Hop out of Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 2) and you’ll land right on Jahamun-ro, a street lined with tall ginkgo trees that look especially magical in autumn.

You’ll spot familiar shops like Olive Young and Paris Baguette, and from here you can easily duck into Sejong Village Food Street, Jahamun-ro 7-gil Café Street, or Tongin Market.

Pro tip: If it’s your first time and you’re not sure where to go, just follow the younger crowd from Jahamun-ro once the sun sets — they’ll lead you straight into the busiest alleys of Seochon.

Ogin-gil
Right across the road from Jahamun-ro 7-gil is Ogin-gil, where you’ll find old Western-style houses mixed with cozy cafes, quirky shops, and little workshops. This street eventually leads you to Suseongdong Valley — a scenic spot that also doubles as the trailhead for hikes up Inwangsan Mountain.

Park No-soo Art Museum 박노수미술관
Tucked along Ogin-gil, this house-turned-museum once belonged to Park No-soo (1927–2013), one of Korea’s most celebrated artists. Inside, you’ll find his donated works, antique furniture, and sculptures. Just note — no photos allowed inside!
⏰ 10am–6pm (closed Mondays & major holidays)
💸 ₩3,000 adults, ₩1,800 youth, ₩1,200 children

Suseongdong Valley 수성동계곡
At the very end of Ogin-gil, you’ll hit the Suseongdong Valley, sitting at the foot of Inwangsan. It’s a peaceful little nature escape right in the middle of Seoul, perfect for resting your legs or kicking off a hike deeper into the mountain trails.

Restaurant & Cafe Recommendations

Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로5길 5 | 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/FW6hFEuf

  • One of the most famous Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurants in Seoul. There is always a long line, but it moves quickly.

Scooper Gelato 스쿠퍼젤라또 경복궁점

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로7길 10 1층 | 1st floor, 10 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/xhzCDTMJ

  • Know for its gelato & affogato (Italian dessert of gelato with espresso).

  • Order and payment is made at the on-site kiosk with its menu.

Seochon Geumsang Croquette 서촌금상고로케

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로9길 24 1층 103호 | 103, 1st floor, 24 Jahamun-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/5k7fk9y5

  • Known for their freshly-made potato croquettes. TKnown for their freshly fried potato croquettes — no flour, just pure potato goodness with fun fillings like shrimp, mozzarella, and even wasabi.
    💡Box packaging is available for 5 or more croquettes purchased

SCOFF (Seochon 2nd Branch) 서촌스코프 2호점

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로7길 54 | 54 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/GTn3ixcY

  • 10:00 - 19:00 (Mon - Fri), 10:00 - 20:00 (Sat - Sun)

  • Bakes amazingly good pound cakes, brownies, and scones.

Daeo Bookstore 대오서점

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로7길 55 | 55 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/Fio7kkSQ

  • 12:00 - 21:00

The oldest bookstore in Seoul, now a café and cultural space. Famous for its blue storefront, TV drama cameos, and even a BTS RM visit. The bookstore was the filming location for several TV shows and also appeared on the album cover for Singer IU’s "A Flower Bookmark". BTS RM visited the store too.
💡You must purchase a drink (per person) if you want to look inside.

Hyoja Bakery 효자베이커리

  • Address: 서울 종로구 필운대로 54 | 54 Pilundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/Gn0ysJpl

  • 8:00 - 20:20. Closed on Mondays.

Since 1985, this old-school bakery has been serving bread to the Blue House (Korea’s presidential residence). Their corn bread, onion cream cheese soboro bread, and fermented fig bread are top sellers.

Jalppajin Buckwheat Noodles Seochon 잘빠진메밀 서촌 본점

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로11길 4 | 4, Jahamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/5chuoVpg

  • 100% buckwheat noodles (also known as Makguksu) are made in-house.

  • Menu includes buckwheat noodles, pancakes, boiled pork, Korean beef tartare, buckwheat crepe, steamed/fried buckwheat dumplings, and buckwheat dumpling stew.

    • Makgeolli fans — don’t miss their sampler with 6 different kinds to try.

    • Tip: Join the waitlist on the Catchtable app before you go. The restaurant is small, so there’s always a wait. (You can also use the kiosk on-site.)

    • Look for the yellow tent out front — it’s set up with seats so you can wait comfortably until your table is ready.

La Farina 라파리나 서촌본점

  • Seoul locals swear by this bagel shop. With 30+ bagel flavors, it’s a great alternative if you don’t want to wait hours at London Bagel Museum in Anguk.

  • Address: 서울 종로구 자하문로 44 | 44 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/xf5AiD0T

  • 10:00 - 21:00 (1F), 10:00 - 20:00 (2F)

  • www.instagram.com/lafarina.bagel

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