Flowing along Cheonggyecheon

Cheongyecheon is a long stream flowing through downtown Seoul with parks on both sides of the stream.  You can reach Cheonggyecheon by taking the subway to Jongno 3-ga Station taking either exit 13 or 14. At the starting point of the stream will be a waterfall-like fountain and you can follow some of the recommended walking course.

Course 1 (Distance: 2.9㎞/Duration: 3 hours)
Cheonggyecheon Stream Plaza - Gwangtonggyo Bridge - Samilgyo Bridge (Jongno, Insadong) - Ogansugyo Bridge (Dongdaemun fashion town) - Saebyeokdari (Bridge of Dawn; Gwangjang Market, Bangsan Market) - Supyogyo Bridge

Course 2 (Distance: 2.6㎞/Duration: 2.5 hours)
Cheonggyecheon Stream Culture Center - Gosanjagyo Bridge - Dumuldari Bridge - Malgeunnaedari Bridge - Ogansugyo Bridge (Dongdaemun fashion town)

Waterfall fountain at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon

When we were there, there was some kind of exhibition going on so we can see many beautiful paper lanterns lining up the Cheongyecheon. These lanterns were in the form of animals and prominent landmarks around the world like the Statue of Liberty, Leaning Tower of Pisa, etc.

So off we go strolling along admiring the massive urban reconstruction project which transformed what used to be shabby living areas back in the past.

Paper lanterns lining up the Cheonggyecheon

Adjacent to the Cheonggyecheon is Seoul's most fashionable districts like the Dongdaemum market so you may want to drop by to pick out a few pieces of dresses. It is also not far off from Insa-dong where we are heading to. =)

Japanese lanterns at Cheonggyecheon

Japanese lanterns at Cheonggyecheon

Lanterns under the bridge of Cheonggyecheon

Famous landmarks at Cheonggyecheon

Traditional Korean costume at Cheonggyecheon

And then, we made our way to Insa-dong street. You can find a wide variety of goods here in Insa-dong, from the touristy souvenirs to clothing, accessories to the traditional Hanbok and Hanji.

While you are here, do not miss the popular coffee chain Starbucks written in the Korean characters - cool!! =)

   

Starbucks at Insadong

Next, we came to a very unique shopping mall with a equally unique name, Ssamziegil (at least to us =p). We cannot even pronounce this. Ssamziegil has many little shops selling arty stuff and young designer's clothing. We walked up the winding slopes and staircase until we came to the top, browsing the interesting shops on the way. And you will be rewarded with a view of the shopping mall from the top.

Ssamziegil at Insa-dong

Shopping always make us famished and we stopped by a small restaurant to try their Samgyetang, or Ginseng chicken soup. This dish is made from Korean ginseng along with a whole young chicken boiled in soup. It is said to prevent sickness but for us, it really nice to have some warm and soupy stuff in this cold weather. 맛있어요!!!

Samgyetang at Insadong