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The busy life we lead demands us to work, work, work all the time. While the hustle and bustle of city life can keep us motivated through the day, a peaceful and quiet getaway free from hurry can calm our spirits and clear our minds. If you are looking for some real me-time, you have come to the right place. Buam-dong is a small neighborhood tucked right into the middle of Seoul, and it is the perfect spot for slow exploration. Not only does it come with a serene environment, but it is also home to several sightseeing locations for the travel bug in you.
So if you have not packed your bags yet, get going, because this guide might as well teleport you to your dream world.
Getting to Buam-dong is easier than you might think thanks to Korea's excellent public transportation. From central Seoul, hop on bus 1020, 7022 or 7212 from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3 or Gwanghwamun Square, and get off at the Buam-dong Community Center stop. From mountains and art galleries to handmade dumplings and old-school chicken joints, Buam-dong really has it all. Adorned with cute shops of all kinds, it can be tough to decide where to start. We are here to help with just that. Let us start exploring!
Cafe Stops
If you take an early bus up to Buam-dong, chances are you will be craving some good coffee to wake yourself up. Buam-dong has plenty of cozy little cafes that will make you feel right at home.
Scoff Bakehouse
As you wind your way into the streets of Buam-dong, you are bound to stumble upon this British bakery. Scoff is known for delicious baked goods that come with the perfect drink selection. The story of the place is part of the charm. British expat baker Jonathan Townsend opened Scoff as a way to take a quick respite from Seoul's hectic pace, and that mood lives on inside the shop. If you are looking for a quick break from all your responsibilities, Scoff is there for you with butter scones, lemon drizzle cake and the brownies that put it on the map.
Lumberjack Cafe
Seoul has endless cafes with great aesthetics, but Lumberjack takes the cozy mountain vibe to a whole new level. Wooden furniture, breathtaking views, stacks of old books and the smell of coffee will warp you into a different world. The interiors only scratch the surface of what Lumberjack offers. Reasonably priced drinks are not only delicious but generously sized.
Sanmotoonge Cafe
K-dramas do not just deliver heartfelt romance, they also reveal breathtaking settings. Coffee Prince, a hit drama from 2007, revolutionized storytelling with a fresh take on classic love stories, and it gave us a new favorite cafe. Sanmotoonge Cafe is perched on the slopes of Bukaksan with a panoramic view of the city, hanok rooftops and the Seoul Fortress Wall. Sip a coffee on the second-floor terrace and pretend you are in the show, then poke around the quirky basement filled with antique toys and curios.
Sightseeing
Chopsticks Gallery
Be ready to be in awe of this particular gallery. The Chopsticks Museum sits in a striking building with architecture that resembles a folded paper crane, and it is filled with dozens upon dozens of chopsticks from across Korea and Asia. The layout is thoughtfully designed, giving real meaning to the whole space. You can even pick up a pair of your own chopsticks to take home.
Alice's Teapot
This cafe-meets-gallery is adorned with a wide variety of teacups. The designs are quaint and beautiful, so get ready to take your wallet out. If you only want to browse, no worries, because you can grab a warm cup of tea while you look around at everything the store has to offer.
Seoul Museum
This museum is hands down one of the best in Seoul. Three floors of artworks by Korean and international artists are showcased across rotating themes, so there is always something new to discover. Tickets also grant access to Seokpajeong, the former vacation pavilion of Heungseon Daewongun, tucked behind the main museum building.
Seokpajeong
Ready to go back a few hundred years? Seokpajeong is an interesting little adventure all on its own. Originally a royal villa belonging to the regent Heungseon Daewongun, it has been gently restored as a heritage site. Wander among hundred-year-old pine trees and elegant hanok pavilions, and take in the views of Buam-dong stretching out below.
Eateries
Although Buam-dong is a tiny neighborhood, hours of exploring will leave you hungry. So if you are looking for places to calm your grumbly stomach, look no further. Here are a few eateries that will do more than just fill you up.
Gyeyeolsa Chicken
Fried chicken never goes out of style, and this famous eatery is the proof. Gyeyeolsa Chicken is almost always packed with customers thanks to its addictive recipe. You may have to wait a little before you get to bite into the crunchy goodness, but it is absolutely worth the wait.
Jaha Son Mandoo
A warm bowl of mandu, or Korean dumplings, can never go wrong. Jaha Son Mandoo has been serving its rustic dumpling recipe for over two decades, and it recently earned a Bib Gourmand mention in the Michelin Guide. Housed in a renovated traditional Korean home, the menu shines with handmade dumplings floating in deep beef broth, vegetarian mandu stuffed with mushroom and cucumber, and bubbling hot pot dishes. As you enjoy your meal, take in the fresh air and the hilly atmosphere outside.
Boobing Bingsu Jib
End your meal with good old Korean shaved ice, also known as bingsu. This little spot keeps the classic bingsu recipe close to heart while plating it in the cutest way possible. Flavors rotate with the seasons and lean on fresh local ingredients like golden kiwi, mugwort, black sesame and corn. Let the child in you out and enjoy your dessert.
Plan Your Slow Day in Seoul
Finishing this trip on a happy note, are you ready to start exploring? Buam-dong is the kind of neighborhood that rewards a slower pace, so leave room in your itinerary to wander between cafes, museums and quiet hanok streets. Where would you go first?
If you love discovering Korea this way, the Daebak Box brings a curated taste of Korean culture to your door each month, from snacks and lifestyle goods to K-pop and beauty surprises. It is the easiest way to bring a little piece of Buam-dong home with you.
