If you wanna learn more about the art scenes in Seoul and worldwide, go to the Seoul Museum, located just downstairs from the Seokpajeong outdoor area. When you enter the museum, you’ll be met by the ticket office. Purchase your tickets based on what you want to see; it is 5,500 if you only want to see Seokpajeong and 11,000 if you want to see both Seokpajeong and the museum.
Seokpajeong, previously a vacation home of Heungseon Daewongun (the father of King Gojong), is worth a visit for travellers and residents who want to witness royal hanok architecture surrounded by a magnificent courtyard and environment.
The place is indeed hidden in the north of Seoul. It can only be reached by bus. Buses 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, and 7212 stop at the station, Jahamun Tunnel Entrance, and Seokpajeong Pavilion. Seokpajeong and the Seoul Museum are right in front of the bus station.
History
Kim Heung-geun, an 18th-century aristocrat, owned Seokpajeong. Heungseon Daewongun admired Seokpajeong so much that he urged Kim Heung-geun to sell the house. Kim turned down the offer. Heungseon Daewongun had an idea. He asked to hire the space for a night and invited his son, King Gojong. The King spent one night in the villa. It was traditional not to live at the residence of the King. Kim Heung-Geun had to leave his home, and Heungseon Daewongun took his place.
The Seokpajeong pavilion offers views of Seoul from various elevations and viewpoints. Re-entry is not permitted once you leave Seokpajeong, so plan ahead of time! You can walk around Seokpajeong while admiring the beauty of the place for 30 minutes .
The gorgeous hanok structures mixed with flora and wildlife make this spot ideal for a quick escape from the concrete city atmosphere. Most of the shows are temporary and contain works by local and international artists. It’s a must-see for travellers and visitors interested in local artistic scenes.
MORE INFO ABOUT SEOKPAJEONG SEOUL MUSEUM
If you’re searching for a more tranquil experience near Gyeongbokgung, Seokpajeong Seoul Museum is a nice half-day choice.
Address: 4-1, Changuimun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Option 1: Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3, Exit 3) → Take bus nos. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, or 7212 → Get off at 자하문터널입구 (Jahamun Tunnel Entrance) stop
Option 2: Get off at Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5, Exits 2 & 3) → Take bus nos. 1020, 1711, 7016, or 7018 → Get off at 자하문터널입구 (Jahamun Tunnel Entrance) stop
