Published Date : May 28, 2020 / Edited Date : Jun 16, 2023
Out & About! Summer Time in Seoul!
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year with as much as 14 hours, 35 minutes of sunlight in a single day, while marking the 10th solar term of the 24 terms throughout the year according to the traditional East Asian lunisolar (indicating moon phases and times of the solar year) calendar. It’s the same 24-hour day as per usual, yet you can’t help but get that sense that you’re granted more time during the day. In celebration of the long summer days ahead, here are some ways to make every minute of those days count!
09:00 AM
Rise and shine in the mornin’ at nine!
Let’s get our things packed and ready to break away from the concrete jungle and head out into nature for some good ol’ R&R!
Baeksasil Valley, The Secret Habitat of the Fire-bellied Toad
There’s nothing like the exhilaration of enjoying a valley streamlet away from the city during the summer heat! A simple 15-minute walk from downtown Seoul brings you to a stunning yet humble streamlet, home to the fire-bellied toad, tucked away at the foot of Bukaksan Mountain. The sound of the cool, blowing breeze sweeping across the soft, flowing water is sure to calm the mind and soul. Crisp mornings after a days-worth of rainy weather are an especially beautiful site here in the valley, so be sure to start off your summer here at Bukaksan Mountain!
Explore the breathtaking, subtle beauty of the path of metasequoias surrounded by a pond area and a park that seemingly kisses the sky! All this and more is available for your viewing pleasure at World Cup Park! The park offers four different theme-based sub-parks that can literally take all day just to wander around. The crowds typically start to flow in by the afternoon, so it’s good to get out there from the morning hours and take in all of the natural scenery of the eco-park, especially the metasequoia walkway, which feels like a page ripped out from a fairy tale. Once used as a landfill, this area has now been witfully christened as “a trail of hope.” For those that have already frequented Haneul (Sky) Park, we highly recommend going to get a taste of nature at its finest at the metasequoia walkway!
Morning’s gone too soon, the clock has struck noon!
Nothing like an impassioned photo outing at the turn of the day!
Yongma Land, Instagram Hotspot for Adults
Earning some spotlight as a popular filming location for not only movies, dramas, and variety programming, but also music videos, as well, Yongma Land, a deserted theme park, is known among the public as the “Yongma filming site.” The ambiance, filled with abandoned items and rides, is somewhat spine-tingling, yet unique, in and of itself. Even Kpop group, Crayon Pop, filmed their music video for “Bar Bar Bar” here at the park’s carousel, which shortly after became a photo hotspot among Kpop fans. Anywhere you take a snapshot, you’re sure to get that vintage look you’re looking for! Calling all social media fanatics out there! Get your camera and meet you at Yongma Land!
Despite being lesser known, Buramsan Healing Town is the perfect spot away from the crowds. Originally renowned for the Royal Azaleas Park, the sea of azaleas stretching across the undulations of the land are nothing but awe-inspiring scenery at its best! The walkway takes on a patio décor that makes it comfortable for trekking, while offering a slew of wonderful photo opportunities. The park is filled with insect-like sculptures among the abundance of fluttering butterflies and azaleas as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect spot to bring your children, especially if they are bug enthusiasts! In their eyes, it’s sure to become their own version of a bug-themed Jurassic Park!
For those seeking out butterflies, be sure to make it out during the height of their activity
from the morning hours until three in the afternoon!
Address 51-27, Hangeulbiseok-ro 12-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul
Hours Ecology Learning Center 08:00 - 17:00 KST (Closed on Mondays) / Butterfly Garden 10:00 - 17:00 KST (Closed on Mondays) / Forest Healing Center 10:00 - 12:00 KST, 14:00 - 16:00 KST (Closed on Mondays)
Tel +82-2-2116-3964
03:00 PM
So much left to see, it’s already three!
There’s no time to lose! Let’s make the most of the day and head out to get a little taste of history!
Dongmyo Flea Market, One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure
Known as the “endpoint” of any and every secondhand item out there, the Dongmyo Flea Market, also familiarized as the “Hongdae for older folks,” has evolved into a hotspot among millennials looking to get a taste of rising trends based on vintage and retro looks. It quickly turns into a treasure hunt as market-goers sift through the piles of clothing for the style they’re looking for. Not only that, it becomes all too easy to slip through the passages of time, taking in all the antiques available. The cheap snacks and eats for everyone to enjoy are yet another alluring aspect of the market! You’ll run out of change in no time so bring plenty! Dongmyo Flea Market will satisfy the desire to get a little bang for your buck, while also providing the chance to get in some quality shopping. Try bargaining with merchants for a better buy and watch yourself become an ace of the Dongmyo Flea Market in no time!
#Secondhand #Market #Hotspot #Rarities #Retro
Information
Address 102-8, Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Dongmyo Station, Exit 3)
Changgyeonggung Palace Green Greenhouse, A Centennial’s Worth of History
Bridged together with the Changdeokgung Palace, while also serving as a palace, in and of itself, the Changgyeonggung Palace is home to a must-see hotspot housed within – the Grand Greenhouse. The structure emanates a very exotic feel within the palace that already uniquely captures the characteristic nature of Korea. Built in 1909, this structure is the first of its kind having borrowed from Western greenhouse architecture. And we must not forget the beautiful juniper sapling (natural monument No. 194) greeting visitors upon entry. You’re guaranteed a great shot no matter where the camera shutter clicks, and an even better shot in the afternoon when the sun shines at its brightest! Come out and find some respite away from it all, even on those gloomy rainy days that surprisingly offer up a striking, yet quaint view.
Hours Open daily 09:00 - 20:45 KST (Closed on Mondays)
Tel +82-2-762-9515
06:00 PM
Get your fix, off at six!
After work, it’s that part of the day to get in some “me” time. Hesitating on how to make the best of it? Why not venture out to the Hangang River!
Kayaking at Sunset, Making the Best of a Brilliant Sunset
Kayaking is not just for the open sea! In fact, you can kayak out on the Hangang River, while taking in the setting of the sun! The city at this time of day upon a kayak riding along the river is sure to hit anyone out there on the water in all the right ways. Kayaking partners taking to the water amid the sunset backdrop is even more so guaranteed to bring on a strong case of the “feels.” Kayaking is available all day long for the public to freely enjoy the extra sunlight hours, so stop on by and add a little spice to your day with a little kayaking to close out your day.
#Hangang #Sunset #SeoulDate #Leisure
Information
Address 94, Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Tubester, Hangang River’s Very Own Brand of Fried Chicken
As a boat-ride picnic combining Seoul’s nightscape with some tasty fried chicken, Tubester is the perfect boat-based concept for a birthday bash, or even a colorful bridal shower! For those true trendsetters out there, you don’t want to miss out on giving this experience a try. And one of the best things about Tubester is that it’s available on the spot without the need for a reservation! Just keep in mind that it ceases operation during rainy or inclement weather! It’s time to break out those summer party invitations for some fun festivities at Tubester!
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)