Euljiro, where Signature Camp is located has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping, dining and enjoying nightlife. But sometimes you need to break out of the city's hustle and bustle and have a little zen moment. The following are the places that locals go for a break while working in the heart of Seoul.

Just off Signature Camp, Cheonggyechoen, an 11km-long stream runs through downtown Seoul. Cheonggyecheon is remarkably quiet because the stream is more than 4.6m (15ft) below street level and feels like a dugout. You can take an organized walking tour (register online in advance) or stroll alone. Walk along the serene stream with small waterfalls and nearly two dozen overhead bridges - it will clear your mind. Oh, the Serenity!

A short 10 minute drive from Signature Camp takes you to Bukchon Village, a beautiful traditional Korean village. It's not hard to imagine the days of yore when you stroll through this utterly picturesque neighborhood. Flanked by two palaces — Gyeongbok Palace to the west and Changdeok Palace to the east — this village has the largest cluster of privately owned traditional Korean wooden homes or hanok in Seoul. Keep an eye out for the half-dozen or so alleys that have beautifully restored architectural features like small courtyards, decorative outer walls and dark tiled roofs. The neighborhood is also peppered with quaint cafés, art galleries and restaurants, including the popular Wood & Brick, which serves up divine lobster ravioli down the road from the Art Sonje Center gallery.

Among all the mountains that surround Seoul, one of the best to climb is Bugaksan, the peak behind Blue House or Cheongwadae, the Presidential residence. Several trailheads take hikers through reconstructed 15th-century gates and along Seoul's ancient fortress wall. From the top of the 342m (112ft.) ascent, you'll get a commanding view of the capital. You'll also get to follow in the footsteps of North Korean commandos who climbed the mountain some 40 years ago in an unsuccessful bid to assassinate the president; the Seoul Fortress, which had been closed for security purposes, was re-opened to visitors in 2006 (make a tour reservation in advance).

Seoul's mountain trails can get clogged fairly quickly, so it's best to hit this hill during the week when the city's mountaineering hobbyists are at their offices. Ask a cab driver to take you to the Sukjeongmun gate, where you can access the best of the three trailheads. It's about a 15 minute drive from Signature Towers.

Another serene and beautiful place away from the hustle and bustle from Signature Camp is Gyeongbok Palace. This former seat of power is probably Korea's most famous royal palace. It's tough to miss given its location at the northern end of Seoul's main boulevard, Sejongro, a stone's throw from the Blue House (the President's residence) and the U.S embassy. Gyeongbok Palace (closed Tuesday) was built in the late 1300s, and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. English tours are available about three times daily for visitors to learn more about Korea's architectural traditions and court customs. Give yourself at least an hour to stroll around the pavilions and halls within the palace's spacious walled grounds.