rediscover Seoul: 5 perfect Jongno walks from Cheongnyun to Buam-dong

1. mutong: Sweeten the start of your walk (Cheonggok)

before you start walking, fuel up at Mutong, a small cafe at the beginning of Cheongnyun Pass, which is both a social media hotspot and a cozy neighborhood hangout. with natural light streaming in through the windows, hearty desserts and cups of rich, thick milk tea instantly turn an unfamiliar neighborhood into a cozy haven. the French toast with ice cream, which changes seasonally, is a signature dish.

address: 1F, 21, Jahamun-ro 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

2. cheongwoon Literature Library: Curl up with a book while listening to the sound of a waterfall (Cheongungeun)

once you’ve filled your stomach, it’s time to build your mind. the Cheongwoon Literature Library, Jongno-gu’s first hanok public library, is no ordinary library[108]. it features a unique structure that blends modern stacks of books in the basement with a serene hanok reading room above ground. the highlight is the artificial waterfall behind the hanok. the experience of sitting in the gazebo and reading a book with the cool sound of the water in the background is a unique luxury that can only be enjoyed here. Be sure to check the waterfall’s operating hours (10:00-18:00) before visiting.

address: 40, Jahamun-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

3. seokpajeong Seoul Museum of Art: The perfect blend of nature and art (Buam-dong)

head past Cheongnyun-dong to Buam-dong, where you’ll find Seokpajeong, a former private residence of Heungseon Daewon-gun, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. as you stroll through the beautiful gardens of Seokpajeong, designated as a tangible cultural heritage of Seoul, and the sculptures on display, you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of the city center. the museum is currently hosting Japanese photographer Kotori Kawashima’s first solo exhibition in Korea, Saran Ran, so we recommend checking it out.

address: 4-1 Changamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

4. soso Soso Scenery: Fusion Korean Food (Buam-dong)

time to fill up after a long walk. mandukguk, a staple in Buam-dong, is great, but how about Sosoopyeong, a fusion Korean restaurant with seven blue ribbons? here, you can enjoy a well-crafted course meal or a la carte menu in the cozy atmosphere of a country house. the combination of the “Gundubusam,” a thin dried tofu wrapped with vegetables and meat miso, and the crispy “Kimchi Jeonbyeon” is both light and deeply flavorful.
address: 75, Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

5. konté: A Little Italy in Buam-dong (Buam-dong)

end your walk with a romantic Italian home-cooked meal. the owner is from Tuscany, Italy, and has brought the flavors and atmosphere of the region to the restaurant. The lasagna, with its gooey cheese and rich ragu sauce, is a perennial favorite. pair it with seasonal pasta and a glass of wine, and you’re sure to have a great night in the quiet neighborhood of Buam-dong.

address: 1F, 6-1, Changamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. is it possible to walk from Cheongnyun to Buam-dong?

A. Yes, it is quite possible. you can take a bus to Cheongwoon Literature Library, which is uphill, and then walk downhill to Buam-dong, which is a good place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Overall, we recommend a mix of walking and taking the bus.

Q. how long will it take me to explore all the recommended routes?

A. It depends on how long you spend in each place, but you can expect to spend more than half a day, about 4-6 hours, if you take time to relax in cafes and peruse art exhibits. we recommend allowing plenty of time to explore at your leisure.

Q. is it convenient to visit by public transportation?

A. Yes, you can easily get off at Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 and transfer to a bus to reach Mutong (Gyeongbuk High School Bus Stop), the starting point of the recommended course. most of the transportation within the course is also available by bus.