Samcheong Park

Samcheong Park (see map) is another of central Seoul's hidden secrets. Leafy and sheltered it offers a variety of walks, exercise, sport and playground areas for adults and children of all ages. The equipment is a little old and although the ground under the equipment appears to have been covered in a soft child-friendly coating, don't be fooled, it is rock hard underneath. The kids don't seem to mind any of this at all.

If you feel like walking up, there are several ways to reach one of the Mt Bugkak peaks. It is remarkably cool in summer and there is even a little shop selling ice-creams, instant noodles and other snacks and drinks.

I always recommend leaving your car at home when you visit Bukchon, but for families with small children this is not always so easy. There are a few public pay parking spaces available just outside on the street, which is free for diplomatic cars and costs 300 won per 10 minutes (or 100,000 won per month). Pay parking times are 9am-7pm Mon-Fridays and 9am-3pm Saturdays. The parking spaces may be used for free on Sundays.