In contrary to the fast paced culture of Seoul, today, I wanted to share a few places I felt were great to slow down and enjoy the moment (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ₊˚⊹⋆

  1. A short walkway between the US embassy and Deoksungung Stone Palace (정동길 / Jeongdong-gil)

A short and sweet walk filled with trees, stone walls and Deoksungung Palace. It’s a nice pathway leading up to Ehwa’s Girl High School, Western Embassies (US, Canada), a performing arts theatre and a handful of bakeries, cafes and Korean restaurants. I particularly like this area because it’s so charming and it is an area that holds a lot of significant history. The stone palace itself is a one of course, plus the first western churches, schools and embassies that were built in this area. iGoBart on Youtube, who has an impressive “Dong” project to document all 467 neighbourhoods in Seoul, has a great video of this area. I highly suggest checking it out! As Korea continues to build itself on a global stage, I find myself appreciating this area more being a Canadian and working here.

2. Cheonggyecheon Stream

This famous stream area that was once a highway and a problematic sewage waste problem area is one of the famous gathering spots in the heart of Seoul. I am so fond of this space – it is much loved by the people here therefore held its ground for public community use. It is very lively throughout the day and night, a wonderful gathering spot. I often find myself catching a breath here after a day of work.

3. Seokcheon Lake 석촌호수

Near Jamsil Station and Lotte World, this lovely lake is one of my favourite so far as it reminds me of home in BC because of all the greenery. There is a lot to explore with an east and west side lake and a bridge in the middle – I have yet to explore all of it yet myself! I went in late July when the weather was still quite hot, trees were vibrant green, and cicadas still loud and about.

4. Slow Pharmacy

Yes, this place is quite self explanatory in it’s name. Located in the back alleyway of an industrial zone in Seongsu, is this slow pharmacy where you prescribe yourself with a plant! The variety and selections were abundant. I took home a moss terrarium because that’s the best I can trust myself to take care of at the moment. (ˆ𐃷ˆ)

How do you like to slow down? Is there another place you would recommmend? I’d love to know your favourite spots to wind down in Seoul!