Published Date : Jan 01, 2019 / Edited Date : May 28, 2024
See where some of the greatest Figures in Korean history once lived
This walking tour takes visitors on a journey through the historical and cultural records hidden in the back streets of Seongbuk-dong. These streets trace the historical paths of some of the greatest Figures in Korean history including Choi Sunu, Han Yong un and Yi Taejun. The landmarks of Seonjamdanji, Gilsangsa, and Seoul Seonggwak each played important roles in Korean history, religion and architecture.
Walking Tour Details
Route
Shuttle bus Seongbuk 02
Gilsangsa
Site of Seonjamdan
Choi Sunu House
Lee Jongseok’s Villa
Simujang
Lee Taejun’s House
Length of tour
2~3 hours
Meeting Places
In front of Subway Line 4 Hansung Univ. Station, Exit 6
Course Tip
Experience programs offered by museums are not included in the walking tour. Participation in experience programs must be done individually once the tour is over.
Choi Sunu (1916~84), who was the president of the National Museum of Korea and the famous author of “Leaning Against Baeheullim Pillar of Muryangsujeon,” lived in this hanok (Korean traditional house) from 1976 -1984. It was opened to the public in April 2005 and designated as Civilian Cultural Heritage No. 1 by the Korea National Trust. ※ Hours : April - November, every Tues - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ※ Phone : +82-2-3675-3401~2 ※ Website : http://www.choisunu.comm
Seonjamdanji (Site of Seonjamdan Shrine)
Designated as Historic Site No. 83, Seonjamdanji is the site of the Seonjamdan Shrine, where mulberry trees were grown to feed silkworms raised in a silkworm raising room. It was established in 1471, during the 2nd year of King Seongjong's rule (the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty). The Seonjam ceremony started in the beginning of the Goryeo Kingdom period, modeled after the old system of China. One of the official duties of queens in the Joseon Dynasty was holding the Chinjamrye ceremony. Agriculture and sericulture were key industries during the Joseon Dynasty, and thus sacrificial rites for the god of sericulture took place at Seonjamdan.
Gilsangsa (Temple)
Gilsangsa was once one of the most famous restaurants in Korea, Daewongak. The Daewongak restaurant was founded by the late Kim Yeong-han, and was operated by the same family for three generations from the late 1960s to the early 80s. In 1987 Kim donated the property to Buddhist monk Rev. Pubjeong, a noted Zen master, who turned it into a Buddhist temple in 1997. Temple stay is available from 3 p.m. on Saturday to Sunday morning on the fourth week of every month. ※ Phone : +82-2-3672-5945~6 ※ Website : http://www.kilsangsa.or.kr
Villa of Yi Jong-seok
Designated as Seoul Folk Material No. 10, this villa was built in the 1900s at the end of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Jong-seok, a merchant. This house offers a glimpse into the life of merchants at the time. ※ Closed : Mondays & Sundays (advance reservation required) ※ Phone : +82-2-741-5161
Simujang
Designated Seoul Monument No. 7, Simujang is the house where "Manhae" Han Yongun, the illustrious monk-poet and activist of the March 1st Independence Movement, spent the last years of his life, after being released from imprisonment due to his participation in the movement. Unfortunately, he passed away in this house right before the liberation of Korea (in 1945).
House of Yi Taejun (Suyeonsanbang, a traditional tea house)
This hanok was once the home of novelist Yi Tae-jun, one of the fathers of modern Korean literature. He is acclaimed for having pioneered modern writing technique in Korea with his short stories “Gamagwi”, “Dalbam”, and “Bokdeokbang”. It was renovated by his granddaughter and is now being run by her as a traditional tea house named Suyeonsanbang. ※ Hours : 12 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Walking exploration available only in the afternoon) ※ Phone : +82-2-764-1736
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)