The eye of the hurricane is the perfect way I’d describe the tranquil neighborhood of Buam-dong. Located in the northern part of Seoul, this calm little community maintains its sense of peace and isolation primarily because of the lack of serious public transportation. Sure, there are a few bus routes that travel through Buam-dong but the nearest subway station is twenty minutes away by foot. Parking is also a scarcity which all adds up to much sought after solitude that the residents enjoy. 

The serenity primarily comes from the twin towering mountains of Inwangsan and Bugaksan that buttress the neighborhood. They’re like two stern but steadfast uncles keeping watch over you. Under their protection the noisy hustle of Seoul just seems to disappear and fade from your mind. It’s then that the true adventure begins along the crumbling but steadfast fortress wall of Seoul. From there you can journey into the story time streets of Buam-Dong.

Ian and I walked around finding galleries, cafes, and restaurants to explore. A highlight included a walking trail that spotlights famous historical and cultural sites in Buam-Dong. The Trail takes about two to three hours to complete and winds its way through the neighborhood and Park. We also enjoyed the peaceful ambiance and general friendliness of the locals. Shops cater to every whim possible spanning cupcakes to vintage clothing.

Buam-Dong will feel like your own private hidey-hole in Seoul.

Notable spots I found included:

May’s Table

A cooking Studio

Café Remind 20

Modern Japanese café

CupCake, Café Jumbo, &Alice in Wonderland

A trio brightly colored shops all side by side with a cutesy vibe.

Mama’s Kitchen

Bakery and Pasta café

Café Stammtisch

Eclectic café

An Other Man

A café serving pasta, handmade bread and other delights.

Soon Café

Peaceful  hillside café serving coffee, teas, and desserts.

Wax Gallery

Super realistic wax museum of Korean stars.

Yun Dong-ju Hill

A park commemorating the literary achievements of Yun Dong-Ju.

Statue of Choi Gyu-sik (최규식)

The statue commemorates the memory of the police officer. He died in the line of duty, killed by North Korean spies attempting to murder the President in 1968.

Changui Gate

One of the main gates of Seoul this one was closed to the public for fear of assassination threats against the King. Along the wall decorative roosters were installed, Ian explained, because they’re the natural enemy of the centipede that the natural landscape resembles.

Jaha Sonmandu

Ian and I waited over twenty minutes for dumplings, but boys were they worth it. Piping hot, fresh, and delicious.

Club Espresso

The place resembles a wooden cabin. The wood gleams golden in the sunlight. They roast their own beans and the smell alone will bring you back.

Rabia

An Italian restaurant highlighted by the personal artwork of the proprietor. The carefree scribbles and sketches give the place a whimsical charm.

Stuart’s Bar

The huge tree painted on a mauve background announces Stuart’s to passerby. This bar and eatery is run by an expat who’s out and about setting up the grill or attending to customers. They also have live music on occasion.

Cheers

A much loved, by the number of people waiting, chicken spot. The food must be tasty because folks waited patiently for seats in this tiny restaurant.

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