Things to do in Seongbuk & Bukhansan

Outdoors· 2

1. Bukhansan Dulle-gil Section 1 (Pine Forest Trail)

   A flat pine forest trail where locals take a slow weekend walk.

   The Bukhansan Dulle-gil is a 71.8 km, 21-section network of low, level paths around the mountain's foothills, and Section 1, the Pine Forest Trail, is about 3.1 km starting near Ui-dong. You walk among pines beside the Ui stream, and the national park service rates it low in difficulty.

   Why go

   It is the Korean weekend walk that skips the peaks and takes the forest path slowly. It is not a tourist route, so it suits visitors who want to blend into an ordinary neighborhood walk.

   Good to know

   It is close to exit 2 of Bukhansan Ui Station on the light-rail line, and some sections can close, so check the national park service notices. At about an hour and a half it fits easily into a half-day.

   Sources: knps.or.kr · en.wikipedia.org

2. Naksan Park & Seoul City Wall (Naksan section)

   A low hill park with city wall views where people walk at sunset.

   A park on Naksan, a low hill of about 125 m above Hyehwa-dong and Dongsung-dong, with a stretch of the Seoul City Wall running through it. The official trail guide gives 3.2 km from Hyehwamun to Gwanghuimun, about an hour and a half on gentle slopes.

   Why go

   Visitors climb from Daehangno or Dongdaemun around sunset and walk the wall for views of the city lights. It is also one stretch of the Seoul City Wall that once enclosed the old capital.

   Good to know

   From Hyehwa Station exit 2 it is about a 20-minute walk to the park entrance, or you can start from Heunginjimun Park near Dongdaemun Station exit 10. Jangsu and Ihwa villages are lived-in neighborhoods, and Seoul asks walkers to keep quiet there.

   Sources: seoulcitywall.seoul.go.kr · en.wikipedia.org

Premium experiences· 1

Fine dining, art, hanok stays, concert halls

1. Jinkwansa Temple

   A temple at the edge of Bukhansan with temple food, tea and stays.

   A temple in Eunpyeong-gu at the edge of Bukhansan National Park, said to have been founded by royal order in the Goryeo era. It is known for temple food made without leeks, garlic, onion or chives, and it offers temple stays, tea and temple cooking classes.

   Why go

   It is a quiet contrast to the city, and Visit Seoul describes a visit that combines a guided tour of the temple, a tea ceremony and a temple meal. It sits near Eunpyeong Hanok Village and the Bukhansan trails, so it suits a slower half day.

   Good to know

   It is well outside central Seoul: Visit Seoul gives a route by subway to Gupabal or Yeonsinnae Station and then a local bus. The temple's own site is in Korean only, so contact it in advance about tea, meals and temple stays.

   Sources: english.visitseoul.net