visitseoul.net

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 .

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.

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.