If you venture further north from Seochon(서촌), you will find Buam-dong (부암동/Escape the Crowds: A Peaceful Day Guide to Buam-dong & Jogyesa Temple, Seoul). Even deeper lies Pyeongchang-dong(평창동), nestled at the foot of Bukhansan(북한산/Mountain). This neighborhood has a long-standing reputation as a quiet, affluent area. Although located in Seoul, it feels like a total escape from urban noise.
Buam-dong features the Whanki Museum(환기미술관) and Seoul Museum (Seokparajung/석파정). Similarly, Pyeongchang-dong offers various galleries in every alley, such as the Kim Chong Yung Museum(김종영 미술관) and Gana Art Center(가나아트센터). If you are interested in art, It would be a great idea to combine these into a one-day art tour, starting from Buam-dong, passing through Segeomjeong(세검정/a historic riverside pavilion), and ending in Pyeongchang-dong.
Note that there are no subway stations in Pyeongchang-dong, so you must transfer to a bus from Gyeongbokgung Station or Hongje Station. Personally, if the weather is nice, I recommend getting off at the “Sangmyung University Entrance, Segeomjeong Church” bus stop and walking all the way to Pyeongchang-dong. However, please wear comfortable shoes, as the slopes in Pyeongchang-dong are quite steep!
Located along the main road below this quiet neighborhood, where galleries are tucked away on every hill, is the Seoul Art Archives (SeMA). This is a place I highly recommend to freelancers and digital nomads visiting Seoul or staying in Jongno-gu. If you are looking for a quiet workspace or a day to find peace while reading a book, why not pay a visit?
Seoul Art Archives (SeMA)
- Address: 101 Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 / Closed on Mondays
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seoulmuseumofart
- Official Website: https://sema.seoul.go.kr/semaaa/front/main.do
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map (Recommended for navigation in Korea)
Admission is free. On the first floor of Building A (Mo-eum Dong), there are two exhibition spaces and a Reference Library. Here, you can browse a collected range of books, including domestic and international art books, periodicals, exhibition catalogs, artist books, and independent publications. There are also lounges on the first and second floors where you can bring books from the library to read or work on personal projects.
Personally, I find the second-floor lounge a bit cramped due to the lower ceiling, so I prefer the first floor. The true charm of this space is being able to spend time while enjoying the scenery outside through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The seats are also well-spaced, so it doesn’t feel crowded, which is another reason why I keep coming back.
+ As a side note, power outlets are not available at every table. If you definitely need an outlet, make sure to scout for one under the table before settling in!
+ There is a water purifier on the first floor of Building A if you need water, but if you’re looking for caffeine, you should head to the SeMA Cafe in Building B (Na-num Dong), located directly across the street from Building A.
SeMA Cafe
- Address: 100 Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Building B)
- Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 / Closed on Mondays
- Map: Google Maps | Naver Map
Safe travels, Soy Kim
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Escape the Crowds: A Peaceful Day Guide to Buam-dong & Jogyesa Temple, Seoul
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