Seoul Gwanmunsa Temple (관문사(서울)) – Homepage gwanmunsa.templestay.com – Tel +82-2-3460-5300 Located at the foot of Umyeonsan Mountain in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Gwanmunsa Temple had its ground-breaking ceremony in 1993 and construction was completed in October 1998. The temple site has a total area of 22,148.76 ㎡ with seven ground levels and four basement levels. The temple…

Suraksan Mountain (수락산) – Homepage www.nowon.kr – Tel +82-2-2116-3943 Along with the other great mountains near Seoul, Suraksan Mountain has its own unique beauty throughout the year. Its cluster of small peaks is reminiscent of Seoraksan or Wolchulsan Mountains and among its valleys and peaks, a number of treasures unfold. These include Geunnyu, Eunnyu, and…

Gwanaksan Ecological Park (관악산 생태공원) – Tel +82-2-879-6563 Opened in December of 2007, Gwanaksan Ecological Park is located on a 76,521 m² plot of land. The park is divided into two sections: Eco Forest, a forest of broad-leaved trees, and Eco Pond, a habitat of aquatic animals. There is also an arboretum that provides space…

Uireung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 의릉(경종, 선의왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산]) – Homepage royaltombs.cha.go.kr – Tel +82-2-964-0579 Uireung is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui. King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of…

Uidonggyegok Valley (우이동계곡) – Homepage bukhan.knps.or.kr tour.gangbuk.seoul.kr – Tel +82-2-909-0497 Uidonggyegok Valley is located between Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain, and is a popular retreat for locals. Near the entrance to the valley are accommodations, a playground, wedding hall, and other amenities. Clean water runs through the valley, and is lined with restaurants. The hiking…

Godeok-dong Ecological Landscape Conservation Area (고덕동 생태경관 보전지역) – Homepage hangang.seoul.go.kr – Tel +82-3780-0848 Located next to the Godeok Riverside Restoration Area, the Godeok-dong Ecological Landscape Conservation Area is one of the most well-maintained ecological preservation sites in Seoul. The area includes Amsa Sluice Gate, Hoan, and Hangang River Reservoir. The area offers educational facilities…

Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park (여의도샛강생태공원) – Homepage hangang.seoul.go.kr – Tel +82-2-3780-0570 Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in central Seoul was the first ecological park in Korea, opened on September 25, 1997. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including kestrels (Natural Monument No. 323), herons, and minnows. There is a 6 kilometer-long promenade that…

Yongmasan Mountain (용마산) – Homepage www.jungnang.go.kr – Tel +82-2-2094-2344 With an altitude of 348 meters, Yongmasan Mountain is the highest peak of Achasan Mountain. The mountain stretches through the ridges of Manguri Park and Junggok-dong, with trails connecting to Achasan Mountain Fortress and the back gate of Children’s Grand Park. Nearby parks include Yongmapokpo Park…

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정) – Homepage parks.seoul.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish) – Tel +82-2-3783-5900 Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain,…

Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park (강서습지생태공원) – Homepage hangang.seoul.go.kr – Tel +82-2-3780-0621 The Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park is an eco-park located on the Hangang River between the southern side of Banghwadaegyo Bridge and southern side of Haengjudaegyo Bridge. Established in July 2007, the park is partly comprised of low wetlands, freshwater lakes, and various aquatic plants….