Hello again, explorers! It’s Kiki 🐾, your guide to the secret side of Seoul.
Ready for the 2026 edition of Seoul's most atmospheric walk? Follow my pawprints!
🗺️ Cheonggyecheon Hidden Gems: Part 2 Route
1. Samilgyo Bridge: The Wall of Hope (삼일교)
Our second journey starts at Samilgyo. This bridge commemorates the March 1st Movement (Samil-jeol), but the real gem is below. You will find the "Wall of Hope," featuring 20,000 tiles hand-painted by locals and North Korean refugees. It’s a powerful, colorful mosaic representing the dreams of a unified Korea. In 2026, new interactive kiosks nearby provide English translations for some of the most moving messages on the tiles.
2. Supyogyo Bridge: A Story of Water (수표교)
While the original 15th-century stone bridge is now in a different park, this replica at Cheonggyecheon tells a vital story. This was where the water levels were measured during the Joseon Dynasty to prevent floods. It’s a beautiful spot for photos, especially with the way the sunlight hits the stone pillars in the afternoon.
3. Sewoon Plaza & Makercity Sewoon (세운교) 🌟 Kiki’s Pick!
.webp "Cheonggyecheon Seun Bridge")
Kiki’s 2026 Insider Tip: Don’t just walk past! Take the glass elevator to the 9th-floor rooftop (Seoul Rooftop). By 2026, this space has been transformed into a lush sky garden. It offers an incredible panoramic view where you can see the traditional rooftops of Jongmyo Shrine on one side and the modern N Seoul Tower on the other. It’s a quiet, free, and stunning photo spot most tourists miss.
🍜 Local Eats: The Secret Spots of Euljiro
Forget the famous chains. These are the places where 2026's trendy Seoulites hide to find authentic flavors.
🌿 Secret Cafe: "Eulji-jeongmil" (을지정밀)
[32 Changgyeonggung-ro 5-gil, Jung District, Seoul]
Located in an alley right next to Sewoon Shopping Center, this is a highly recommended cafe boasting an insane atmosphere. A hip vibe combined with the sweetness of jazz welcomes you, and they offer a diverse menu including not only tea and coffee but also wine, whiskey, highball, beer, and cocktails. It is a recommended cafe that couples and friends will absolutely love.
- Why it’s special: This place offers not only coffee but also a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. The cafe's greatest strength lies in the ambiance of its 4th floor and rooftop, and you can fully enjoy the best atmosphere if you visit in the evening. If you are planning a memorable trip, I highly recommend this place.
🥘 Authentic Taste: "Eunjujeong" (은주정)
[32 Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Jung District, Seoul]
One of the foods most loved by Koreans is Kimchi Jjigae. With its spicy broth and the savory, amazing taste of the pork inside, it is the best dish you must try at least once if you visit Korea.
- Why it’s special: This is a restaurant famous even among Koreans. It is the best restaurant where you can enjoy a unique combination of pork in kimchi stew eaten with lettuce wraps for lunch, and grill Korean BBQ pork belly for dinner, with plenty of pork in the kimchi stew.
🐾 Kiki’s Travel Tips for Part 2
- Exploring Alleys: Do not be afraid to use the stairs near Seun Bridge to go up to the street. The narrow alleys of Euljiro are filled with small art galleries and independent bookstores, but if you are not afraid, you can easily find your way.
- Photography: This area is the "Retro Capital" of Seoul. Use a film-style filter on your phone to capture the unique, nostalgic mood of the old hardware stores.
- Connectivity: 2026 Seoul offers high-speed public Wi-Fi along the entire stream path, so you can easily use your map to find the secret cafe entrances!
If you happen to have trouble finding the location or need directions, please feel free to contact us via email anytime, and we will provide you with detailed information!
Part 2 ends here at Majeongyo! Get ready for Part 3, where we dive into the fashion kingdom of Dongdaemun (DDP).
🐾 Continue Your Journey with Kiki!
Curious about the next episode?
[Part 1: The Modern Heart of Seoul] (From Gwanghwamun to Samilgyo)