Published Date : Dec 19, 2022 / Edited Date : Feb 02, 2024
The entrance to Book1, a bookstore-café
Bukhansan Mountain is north of Seoul, with something to offer both novice and seasoned hikers. There is much to see and do after exploring the neighborhoods around the mountain. Crossing over from city to nature and back again is one of the great charms of Seoul.
1:00 p.m. Lunch at Woorikong Sundubu after hiking 750 meters (3 minutes by car, 8 minutes on foot) 1:45 p.m. Virtual reality experience at UIDONG Mountain Culture H∙U∙B 3.6 kilometers (11 minutes by car) 2:50 p.m. Coffee or tea at 419 Café Street 18 kilometers (45 minutes by car) 4:30 p.m. Soak up culture at Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum 240 meters (1 minute by car, 4 minutes on foot) 6:00 p.m. Wind down at Eungjeongheon
HEALING
Leave everyday problems behind and nurture the mind
Jingwansa Temple
This millennium-old Buddhist temple was founded in 1011 during the reign of King Hyeonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty. Buddhism dictates that the food one eats forms his or her physique and character, and Jingwansa is renowned for its temple food and baru gongyang (communal meal ceremony), all of which visitors can experience. This healthy meal is followed by chats over tea with resident monks. For those unable to visit in person, Jingwansa on Saturday mornings also offers a weekly online meditation program. Reservations can be made on the temple's website.
INFO
73, Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
82-2-388-7999
Hwagyesa Temple
Founded in 1522, this temple sits above a quiet residential neighborhood in the northern Seoul neighborhood of Suyu- dong. The lush forest surrounding the temple belies its proximity to the city below. Temple stays at this temple take guests on a journey to find their true selves in a wonderfully pristine natural setting featuring traditional meditation, ringing of the temple bell, and dialogue over tea with resident monks. Weekend programs are geared toward experiencing Buddhist temple culture while those on weekdays focus more on rest and relaxation.
INFO
177, Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
82-10-4024-4326
Geumseonsa Temple
Along Bibong Trail up Bukhansan Mountain stands a temple in the shadows of the mountains of Bugaksan and Inwangsan. Geumseonsa Temple was founded by the monk Muhak, who taught Yi Seong-gye, who founded the Joseon Dynasty as its first king. A Buddhist temple stay amid clear mountain streams and pristine valleys is a great way to make a hike more special. Leave behind the everyday grind and let go of all stress and suffering while concentrating entirely on the self, breath, and each step. Temple stays vary by season.
INFO
137, Bibong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-395-9955
SEE
Things to do in the foothills of Bukhansan
419 Café Street
A street lined with trendy and quaint cafés, this is a great place to stop by after a hike thanks to its array of coffee shops by major chains and trendy individual cafés. The name of the street is borrowed from the nearby April 19th National Cemetery, which honors the April 19 Revolution of 1960 against the regime of President Syngman Rhee. Those killed by police in this movement are buried in the cemetery.
INFO
535-221, Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
Bukhansan International Climbing Center
This is an outdoor rock-climbing face on the way up Bukhansan Mountain from the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center. A safer way of rock climbing, the center offers both a monthly membership and a one-day pass. Its indoor climbing wall offers all- weather fun. The outdoor wall towers 15 meters high, while the indoor wall stands at an impressive 12 meters, making them perfect for expert climbers. People can shower there after a climb.
INFO
80, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
82-70-4167-7468
9:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Tue.-Fri. / 9:30-7:30 p.m. Sat.- Sun. (closed Mon., Jan. 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok, and Labor Day (May 1))
Sunwoongak
Sunwoongak is a Hanok café in the neighborhood of Ui-dong, harkening back to the Bukhansan Mountain of the past. Originally built in 1967 as an upscale gentlemen’s club, Sunwoongak today is a popular café and a sought-after location for weddings and photo shoots. This is also the largest privately owned Hanok residence in Seoul, with well-managed stone walls and pleasantly manicured lawns. As a popular venue for weddings, photo shoots, and other functions, Sunwoongak is often closed to walk-in customers. Check the building’s Instagram account (@café_ sunwoongak) before visiting.
INFO
223, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
82-0507-1399-1105
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (closed Wed.)
Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum
Located on the foothills of Bukhansan, this museum has exhibits on the history of Seoul’s Eunpyeong-gu district and the Hanok architecture the area is famous for. Expect fabulous views of Eupyeong Hanok Village against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain from the rooftop observation deck. The museum is also great for children with an interactive learning center and mini and toy libraries.
INFO
8, Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
82-2-351-8556
9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (closed Mondays, Jan. 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), and Chuseok)
UIDONG Mountain Culture H ∙ U ∙ B
This multi-purpose space for alpine culture combines alpine experiences, culture, and communities. One exhibition commemorates Um Hong-gil, world-renowned mountaineer and the first person to conquer all 16 Himalayan peaks, and offers general alpine information and training. Other features include courses in basic mountaineering including those on selection of the proper attire and boots for a hike and a virtual reality trip up Insubong Peak.
INFO
B2, 689-1, Samyang-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
82-2-994-8848
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. / break from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (closed Mondays, Jan. 1st, Seollal [Lunar New Year's Day], and Chuseok)
Hanpyeong Bookstore
Located at Seoul Innovation Park, Hanpyeong is not only a lively bookstore but also a community space hosting programs for socializing and sharing. This charming venue’s extensive book collection flooding the shelves was hand-picked by the owner, and teas and baked goodies are sold in a corner. Flowers are sold seasonally in the vast yard, which also hosts exhibitions and flea markets. Hanpyeong regularly holds book club gatherings, book talks, and workshops.
INFO
101-ho, 25-dong, Seoul Innovation Park, 684 Tongil-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Made slow and healthy with love: eateries near Bukhansan Mountain
Woorikong Sundubu
A proper hike will lead to quite an appetite. Rich in protein and gentle on the stomach, warm tofu is the ideal way of replenishing energy expended on a mountain. Located next to Seoul Hiking Tourism Center(Bukhansan), Woorikong Sundubu serves tofu dishes made with prime Jangdan soybeans cultivated and harvested in Paju, Gyeonggido Province. The most popular dishes are the sundubu (curdled soft tofu) meal, highlighting the neat and gently sweet silkiness of freshly made tofu, bijijjigae (soy pulp stew), and kimchi bijijjigae. Pan-fried tofu (buchim) is a great food pairing with makgeolli (milky rice wine).
INFO
46, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
82-2-995-5918
9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m
Ellim Deulkkae Sujebi Kalguksu
Noodle lovers should not miss this restaurant, which specializes in bowls with a generous portion of kalguksu (knife- cut noodles) in a hearty broth made with perilla seeds freshly toasted each morning. The simple menu of just three items— kalguksu , suyuk (sliced boiled pork), and mandu (dumplings)—belies the depth of flavors on offer. Elim is always packed with locals and hungry hikers; long lines outside before it opens are not uncommon even on weekdays. A portion is generous as an order of kalguksu is accompanied by a bowl of barley rice and a few slices of suyuk .
Located in a secluded alley of the Ssangmun- dong neighborhood, this small bistro features a seasoned chef with 20 years of experience in Western cuisine who makes pastas, steaks, risottos, burgers, and salads using fresh ingredients prepped every morning. The basil and prawn spaghetti, spaghetti aglio, and olio e peperoncino linguine are crowd favorites and the New York strip cooked to a perfect medium is just the right mix of juiciness and bite.
As an ideal setting for outdoor family excursions, this extremely popular area has boarded decks for pitching tents as well as "glamping" (glamorous and camping) facilities equipped with proper beds, refrigerators, firepits, and cooking utensils. A convenience store, showers, and room to dust off and clean camping gear are also available. Reservations can be made through the Interpark ticketing site at 2 p.m. on the 10th of each month. Competition is fierce for reservations as this facility is exceptionally managed.
INFO
28, Samyang-ro 181-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
82-2-944-2941
Check in 2:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m. (closed Tue.)
Eungjeongheon
Located in Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Eungjeongheon is a Hanok accommodation built entirely from natural building materials. This place only receives one team of guests per day and guests who stay here can enjoy a private break. Antique furniture and interior accessories placed throughout the space, such as the rooms, yard, and hall, add to the place's rustic atmosphere. A picnic box provided at check-in, a hearty breakfast, illustrations rendered from photos of visitors, and a follow-up letter sent to each guests on the one-year anniversary of their visit ensure that the stay is both relaxing and special. Jingwansa Temple and a pleasant mountain stream are all within walking distance.
INFO
19, Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
82-0507-1417-3270
Check in 3:00 p.m., check out 11:00 a.m.
Paraspara Seoul
Paraspara Resort Seoul is a healing destination surrounded by lush pine forests on the foothills of Bukhansan National Park. The well-equipped guestrooms are decorated extensively with wood to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, baths, and saunas, and a fully- equipped gym. The panoramic views of the peaks of Insubong and others like it on Bukhansan Mountain from the rooftop garden are not to be missed.
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)