Published Date : Dec 21, 2022 / Edited Date : Feb 20, 2024
Landscape of Seoul with Inwangsan Mountain
The picturesque trails through and around Inwangsan can easily wow even the novice hiker. An early morning climb leaves the afternoon open for exploring the city. Follow the itinerary below for a slow experience that sparks artistic inspiration.
Inwangsan: Two-day itinerary
12:00 p.m. start hike with coffee and snacks at The Forest Chosochaekbang 3.2 kilometers (9 minutes by car) 1:30 p.m. be culturally inspired at 0fr. Séoul 2.2 kilometers (10 minutes by car) 3:30 p.m. foot bath and prescription tea at Tea Therapy 2.1 kilometers (10 minutes by car) 6:00 p.m. eat an energizing bowl of piping hot samgyetang (ginger chicken soup) at Tosokchon Samgyetang 394 meters (7 minutes on foot) 8:00 p.m. end the day quietly at Jinseojae
HEALING
Hong Geon - ik ’ s House
The merchant Hong Geon-ik bought this site in the Pirun-dong neighborhood in 1934 and built the structure for two years. The home has quarters for the main gate, servants, men, and women, an annex, and garden. The inner and outer quarters are separated by a gate and another leads to the garden. The elevated garden has an ice shed built into the ground below. Designated Seoul Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 33 in 2013, the residence is also a venue for cultural programs and archive exhibitions as a living and integral part of the neighborhood.
INFO
14-4, Pirundae-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-735-1374
10:00 a.m. – 5:50 p.m. (closed Mondays and public holidays)
Jogyesa Temple
Sitting at the heart of the metropolis, the temple has a spacious yard, traditional architecture, and elements Korean Buddhist culture. The temple grounds offer a unique charm every season, attracting visitors and devotees year-round: lanterns in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and chrysanthemums in fall. Through temple stay, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture. There are programs such as "A Pause," where one can go through inner contemplation, and "Mind Forest," where one can learn spiritual practices and wisdom of the mind. In connection with Gyeongbokgung Bookstore Road, one can enjoy time for reading.
INFO
55, Ujeongjuk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-768-8600
Tea Therapy
This program occupies a remodeled corner of the residence of President Yun Po-sun and offers traditional Korean teas tailored to a visitor’s individual physical constitution and energy. Yulmu (pearl barley) tea is prescribed for a heavy detox and gugija (goji berry) tea to relieve tired eyes and heavy stress. One can enjoy the slowly extracted teas that are both deeply warming and soothing, with their strong yet gentle aromas forming the essence of tea therapy. The mini foot bath outside the café is also great for healing and relaxation.
This bookstore and café opened in 2020 sits midway up Inwangsan Mountain. Formerly a police guard post, the building was remodeled in glass to offer 360-degree views of the natural scenery of Inwangsan. The bookstore on the ground floor offers books on nature, meditation, and life lessons. Pick a book and beverage before heading up to the second floor. Engage in literary contemplation surrounded by Inwangsan on all sides.
INFO
172, Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-735-0206
8:00 a.m.–9:50 p.m.
0fr . Séoul
Starting as a bookstore in the Le Marais quarter of Paris, 0fr has since expanded into a studio and publisher thanks to its popularity among the French capital’s creative people. Its Seoul branch has moved from Seongsu-dong to resettle in Seochon, and this detached house remodeled with liberal artistic sensibilities has merchandise irregularly arranged inside among torn-down walls for visitors to freely wander through. 0fr. Séoul is full of art literature, trendy design posters, and other goods including echo bags sporting the 0fr logo.
INFO
1F, 11-14, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-722-9357
11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (closed Mon.)
Makefolio Seochon
A lifestyle shop featuring sustainable lifestyles, this store showcases handcrafted Korean liquor and spirits from obscure makers, with considerable time and effort devoted to bringing out the flavor of each. Take home a bottle to unwind as the perfect way to spend a post-hike evening. The shop offers a plethora of eco-friendly merchandise with natural and recycled materials, with the space’s keywords being earthenware teapots and cups, vegan soaps, and incense holders chiseled from humble rocks.
INFO
1F, 17, Jahamun-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-70-5158-9013
12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (Wed.-Thu.) / 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (Fri.-Sun.). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Daechung Park
This building seemingly without purpose has a simple facade void of color or scent, ironically making the structure one of the most interesting in the Seochon neighborhood. Daechung Park melts naturally into the hood with a fluid arrangement of interior spaces. Glimpses of the neighborhood while ascending the labyrinth- like steps to the fourth-floor café are intriguing. Daechung Park does away with the giant espresso machines of most cafés and serves hand-dripped cups made from specialty beans, with two types of beans served each week. Take a seat on the veranda facing Inwangsan to take in the view while sipping.
The museum sits at the residential quarters among alleyways where many painters and poets from yesteryear lived. The former home of artist Park No-soo was built in 1937, and he lived and worked there from 1973 to 2011. He donated his house to the city of Seoul, which reopened it as a museum in 2013. Exhibitions from the artist’s private collection are held here for artists and casual visitors alike.
INFO
34, Ogin 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-2148-4171
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (closed Mon., Jan. 1, Seollal [Lunar New Year’s Day], and Chuseok)
EAT
Rich flavors matured and perfected over time
Seochon Blues
For visitors wanting a sip of an early-afternoon drink accompanied by good music, Seochon Blues is perfect. Climb the steep stairs up to the second floor to find an old-school area packed with vinyl records and CDs. Request a song by writing the name on a piece of paper, hand it over to the DJ, and grab a seat and wait. Seochon Blues is all about nostalgia for the analog and often hosts exciting folk and jazz music.
INFO
2F, 17-1, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-70-8878-1412
3:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. (closed Sun.)
Tongin Market
A small pavilion at the western entrance to Tongin Market is where villagers used to gather to chat and mingle. The market only measures 200 meters from end to end, with 80 tiny stores crammed tight but has must- try foods like trademark light-fried tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), grilled buckwheat crepes, and giant chicken skewers. Dosirak Café Tong, located midway through the market, has seats and tables to eat the street foods in comfort. Pick up a tray here and fill it with grub while roaming the market.
INFO
18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-722-0911
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Varies by store). Closed on the third Sunday of each month
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) is a great way to recover energy after a long day’s hike. Opened in 1983, Tosokchon Samgyetang has served profound flavors of this dish for 40 years near Gyeongbokgung Station. The samgyetang here is especially sought after during the peak of summer, as a Korean secret to surviving the heat is to “fight fire with fire.” Succulent, fall-off- the bone chicken in a thick and hearty broth is this area’s hallmark. The chicken is stuffed with sticky rice, flavorful ginseng, pumpkin seeds, chestnuts, jujubes, and ginkgo.
INFO
5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-737-7444
10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
STAY
Tranquility and rest at a traditional Hanok
Of.onebookstay
As its name suggests, Of Onebookstay is designed around “stay” and “book” at a private Hanok (traditional Korean home) for quiet reading and contemplation. A footbath, scented candles, and playing of slow tunes are great for visitors while they gaze into the sky above through the old birch tree in the courtyard.
INFO
11-1, Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-0504-0904-2313
Check in 6:00 p.m., check out 2:00 p.m.
Jinseojae
A night at Jinseojae, a traditional Hanok whose original woodwork has been meticulously preserved, is truly special with its name literally meaning “Where the light creeps in.” The blue sky is visible between the eaves of the opposing quarters and through the skylights in the master bedroom’s ceiling. Completing the space is a modern dining space and bathroom. Jinseojae is conveniently located near Tongin Market and a stone’s throw from major attractions.
INFO
17-17, Pirundae-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-1544-5931
Check in 3:00 p.m., check out 11:00 a.m.
Hanok Essay Seochon
This humble residence occupies a corner of a tiny alley deep inside the Nuha-dong neighborhood, with a quality that makes the mundane precious. The garden greets visitors followed by a patterned wall with steppingstones. The lounge offers healing and music amid the warmth of a wood-fire stove. Relax the mind and body in the modern sunken bathtub while focusing on the self. The garden is especially beautiful when the crepe myrtle tree is in full pink bloom.
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)