Seokpajeong

Seokpajeong is a villa once occupied by Heungseon Daewongun, the father and regent of Emperor Gojong. I hadn’t known about this place until quite recently. Seokpajeong was used as an orphanage during the Korean War and then it has been privately owned. The current owner purchased Seokpajeong in 2005 and they restored the villa. After years of restoration, it was opened to the public only in 2012. Therefore, I would say that Seokpajeong is still a pretty much hidden gem in Seoul.

Location

Seokpajeong is indeed quite hidden in the north of Seoul. It is accessible by bus only. Bus No. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, and 7212 stop at the station, Jahamun Tunnel Entrance, Seokpajeong Pavilion. Seokpajeong and Seoul Museum are just in front of the bus station.

History

Seokpajeong was owned by Kim Heung-geun, an aristocrat in the 18th century.  Heungseon Daewongun liked Seokpajeong so much that he asked Kim Heung-geun to sell the house. Kim refused the offer. Heungseon Daewongun had an idea. He requested to rent the place for a night and then he invited his son, King Gojong. The King stayed a night in the villa. The thing was it was customary not living in the place where the king stayed. Kim Heung-geun had to leave his house and Heungseon Daewongun took the place.

Map

Seokpajeong is not a huge hanok. You can walk around it within 30 minutes. For me, it took about 1 hour and 30 minutes to appreciate this serene gem. As you can see on the map there are a few walking paths. My personal favorite one was Walk of Cloud.

Tour

Sarangchae is a study. In the past, women were not allowed to enter the sarangchae. 

The man on the picture is Heungseon Daewongun, the once master of this hanok.   

Engravings of Samgyedong on the rock. 

This pine tree is protected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Seokpajeong is famous for autumn colors.    

Seokpajeong is a pavilion designated as Seoul City Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 26,   

Neoreok Bawi (Broad-flat Rock) is also called Kokkiri Bawi (elephant rock) because of its resemblance. Do you see an elephant?       

I would say this is a perfect picnic place.  

You will hear classical music from speakers along the way.

I played with beautifully colored  foliage.                      

I think these sculptures in the open space belong to Seoul Museum.     

Seokpajeong

Website : www.seoulmuseum.org (Korean only)
Address : 4-1 Changuimun-ro 11-gil, Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours : 12:00~17:00, closed on Mondays
Telephone : 02-395-0100
Admission Fee : 5,000 won
Transportation
Gyeongbokgung Subway Station (Line 3), Exit 3 → Bus No. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, and 7212 → Bus Station, Jahamun Tunnel Entrance, Seokpajeong Pavilion.