Discovering Seoul’s Dongjak-gu Area with Noryangjin Cupbap Street and Other Tourist Attractions Included.
Introduction to Tourist Attractions in Dongjak-gu, Seoul Region Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Dongjak-gu in Seoul, known for its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities. Discover traditional Korean architecture, bustling markets, and serene parks that offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of old and new that defines this dynamic area of the city.
Dalmasa (Seoul) – Discover the Cultural Charm of Dongjak-gu in Seoul
“There is a small temple halfway up Sodalsan, overlooking the Han River and the Namsan across the river. During the day, you can watch the flowing river from afar, and at night, you can admire the serene beauty of Namsan with its small lights. Known for its clear view of Sodalsan merging with Namsan in harmony with nature, this open temple is a traditional sanctuary in the ever-changing city where you can refresh your tired and cloudy mind. Embrace the early morning sound of the temple bell, harmonize with the locals, and spend time like the sun rising each day at this warm temple. It is an open space in the greenery facing the Han River, imbued with the teachings of Buddha and the spirit of true practice, and a space embraced by the local community, though small, expanded with open hearts.”
• Address (location): “50-26 Seodal-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “08:30~17:00”
Seoul Dongjak-gu “National Martyrs’ Shrine”
“As you walk into the National Cemetery, you will be touched by the sight of many people bowing their heads in front of the graves, creating a solemn atmosphere. Along the circular path, you can see people in workout clothes or those coming to pay their respects, creating a lively scene. Wandering through the artificially landscaped forest of graves and the natural forest alternately, you will eventually reach the Patriots’ Shrine. This place is known for a story where President Lee Seungman once visited and said, ‘If there was no temple here, this would be the land where I would like to be buried.’ The Patriots’ Shrine was originally founded by the monk Doson during the late Unified Silla period as Galgungsa Temple. Later, it was designated as Empress Changbin’s private temple and renamed Hwajangsa Temple. In 1983, it was renamed Patriots’ Shrine with the wish for the spirits of the patriots buried in the national cemetery to be reborn in the Pure Land through the power of Jijang Bodhisattva. The shrine, fittingly named, enshrines around 2500 statues of Jijang Bodhisattva, with a central statue at the heart of the temple. Moreover, it is also a place where famous scholars of the late Joseon Dynasty, such as Yi Hangbok and Yi Deokhyeong, studied during their youth. Their stories are widely known and have become part of the fabric of storytelling in history books.”
• Address (location): “210 Hyunchung-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City (Dongjak-dong), Inside the National Cemetery.”
• Hours of use: “09:00~18:00”
Seoul Dongjak-gu ‘Nodulnaroo Park’
Located in Noryangjin, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Nodulnaroo Park is a neighborhood park that was previously known as Noryangjin Sewage Treatment Park. It features a floor fountain, an outdoor stage, various exercise facilities, and a rose flower square surrounded by lush green grass. The park also offers several walking trails for visitors to enjoy. You can pay tribute to the heroes who defended the Han River for six days during the early days of the Korean War when Seoul was under siege by the North Korean army. Adjacent to the park, there are futsal and foot volleyball courts available for reservation through the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Public Service Reservation system at yeyak.seoul.go.kr. During the Yeouido Fireworks Festival, it’s a great spot to watch the fireworks display. The park is connected to Nodul Station’s Exit 2 on Line 9 of the subway.
• Address (location): “247 Noryangjin-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City (Bong-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Bingsu Valley Park – A Cultural Gem in Seoul
“Bingsugol Village Park opened as a downtown park on May 22, 2009, after renovating and revitalizing the aging buildings in the Sangdo 3-dong area. The name ‘Bingsugol’ originates from the area behind the Sangdo 3-dong Seongdae Traditional Market, where there was always a cold water well. The park features children’s play facilities, a gazebo for residents to relax, a wall waterfall called ‘Cheon,’ 16 species of old pine trees, 9 species of shrubs including azaleas, and more. An outdoor shelter from the heat was set up to provide a resting place for more residents. Various events and cultural programs from Sangdo 3-dong in Dongjak-gu take place at Bingsugol Village Park. In the summer, a free children’s water play area is operated. This area corresponds to the sixth section of the Dongjak Maru-gil, following the Sin Daebang Samgeori Station.”
• Address (location): “296-6 Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Open year-round”
Yongyangbongjeong Park in Dongjak-gu, Seoul
“This place is a park created around the Yongyangbongjeong area where King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, rested during his visit to Suwon Hwaseong. It offers stunning views of the Han River and downtown Seoul day and night. Key facilities include a sky observation deck, natural playground, pond, walking deck, and a photo zone with panoramic views. The natural playground for children is also suitable for family use. Along the path to the observation deck, there is a Han River view cafe for visitors’ convenience, making it a great spot for a date. Additionally, the surrounding area offers attractions such as Yongyangbongjeong, Hyosajeong, Nodul Island, and Nodulnaroo Park, which are designated cultural heritage sites of Seoul, providing plenty to see and explore.”
• Address (location): “16 Hyunchung-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City (Bon-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Dongjak-gu ‘Dongjak Youth Cultural Center’
Located in Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, this is a space designed for teenagers to engage in stage performances, band practices, dance rehearsals, and other music activities. Opened in 2005, it offers guitar and drum lessons, as well as programs for creative expression through speech and art. Visitors are welcome to freely rent and utilize the space for their activities, including study groups and gatherings. Recognized as a model youth training facility, it has received positive evaluations for its youth activity programs. In November 2020, a new youth art space, Sangdo-dong Youth Art Atelier, was established and is currently in operation.
• Address (location): “5 Sado-ro 15ba-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea”
• Hours of use: Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM – Sunday / Public Holidays: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Boramae Safety Experience Center
“The Boramae Safety Experience Center located within Boramae Park covers an area of 8,020㎡ with 3 above-ground floors and 1 underground floor. It aims to realize safety in Seoul by establishing a comprehensive disaster experience infrastructure, offering various specialized experience programs to enhance disaster response capabilities and emphasize the importance of safety. Here, visitors can explore 4 different disaster experience zones including earthquakes, typhoons, fires, and traffic accidents, as well as a specialized experience area where they can learn basic emergency procedures such as CPR and the operation principles of various firefighting facilities. Through realistic virtual experiences, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for safety and raise awareness, making it a meaningful place to reflect on safety. The center is conveniently located just 388m from Exit 1 of Boramae Park Station on the Seoul Metro Sinrim Line.”
• Address (location): “16, Yeouidaebang-ro 20na-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City (Shindaebang-dong)”
• Hours of use: “10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.”
Seoul Dongjak-gu ‘Noryangjin Cup Rice Street’
“Noryangjin Cup Rice Street is a famous street in Noryangjin known for its cup rice food trucks lined up along the road. Cup rice is a street food developed at the food trucks in the Noryangjin education district of Dongjak-gu, made with consideration for students preparing for exams with limited time and budget. Originally known as ‘pocha rice’ due to being sold at food trucks, the term ‘cup rice’ started being used around 2011. It consists of kimchi fried rice in a disposable cup topped with egg, sausage, ham, tuna, and various toppings, priced between 4,000 to 5,000 won, allowing you to choose your desired toppings. In 2018, Dongjak-gu Office added signboards for tourists and residents visiting Cup Rice Street for convenience and created rest areas between the stores for a comfortable cup rice experience. Aside from cup rice, there are various food trucks offering snacks, rice noodles, hot dogs, waffles, and more for you to enjoy a variety of street foods while strolling around.”
• Address (location): “178 Noryangjin-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (may vary by store)