“Must-Visit Places in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul for Foreign Tourists”
This is the content summarizing the must-visit places in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, as described in a travel blog.
Bukhansan National Park (Seoul)
“Bukhansan was designated as a national park in 1983 and covers a total area of 80.669 square kilometers, including Dobongsan. The summit of Bukhansan is made up of Baegundae (835.6m), Insubong (810.5m), and Mangyeongdae (799.5m), which were collectively known as Samgaksan, or ‘Triangle Mountain,’ during the Joseon Dynasty. This is because the three peaks – the highest peak Baegundae, Insubong to the east, and Mangyeongdae to the south, also known as Gukmangbong – form a triangle shape. Additionally, the mountain has been known by various historical names like Sambongsan (Three Peaks Mountain), Hwasan (Mountain of Flowers), and Buawak (Mountain Carrying a Child on its Back). The name Bukhansan is believed to have originated during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon after the construction of Bukhansanseong. Please note that Baegundae has many rocky sections, so wearing hiking shoes is recommended.”
• Address (location): 262 Bokukmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: Open all year round
※ However, access may be restricted depending on weather conditions.
Seoul’s Donam Arirang Hill in Seongbuk-gu
“Dongnag Arirang Hill in Donam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, refers to the hill that connects Donam-dong to Jungnang-dong. It is a unique road in Seoul, not called a street, road, or alley, but Arirang Hill, known for its long history and friendly atmosphere. Originally named Jungnang Hill as it leads to Jungnang, it was later renamed Arirang Hill in 1926 after Na Un-gyu filmed Korea’s first movie, ‘Arirang,’ on this hill and gained explosive popularity. To honor Na Un-gyu, a pioneer in Korean cinema, the area around Dongnag Arirang Hill is now known as Arirang Film Street. Walking along the street, visitors can explore Na Un-gyu Park and the Arirang Cine Center.”
• Address (location): Jongno-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Bukaksan Sukjeongmun in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
“Sukjeongmun Gate is situated on the eastern edge of Bukhansan Mountain and serves as the northern gate of Seoul’s fortress wall. Its name means ‘strictly managed,’ reflecting its original purpose. Completed in the 5th year of King Taejo’s reign (1396), it was initially located slightly to the west of its current position. However, during the 10th year of King Yeonsan’s reign (1504), it was relocated during fortress wall renovations. Sukjeongmun Gate was not originally built for regular passage, but rather to maintain the formal symmetry of the four main gates of the Seoul fortress wall and for emergency use. As a result, the gate was typically kept closed, with no major roads passing through it. In 1976, as part of the restoration of the fortress wall in the northern Bukhansan area, a pavilion was built and the name ‘Sukjeongmun’ was added.”
• Address (location): “Near Samcheonggak, 1 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul”
• Hours of use: March to April: 07:00-18:00 (Last entry at 16:00) – May to August: 07:00-19:00 (Last entry at 17:00) – September to October: 07:00-18:00 (Last entry at 16:00) – November to February: 07:00-17:00 (Last entry at 15:00)
Manhaehan Yongun Simwoo Jang
“This house is where Han Yongun, one of the 33 national representatives of the March 1st Movement and a poet of silence, lived from 1933 to 1944. Upon entering the main gate facing east, you will find Simujang, a tile-roofed house facing north, the caretaker of the Western-style house Yangok, and a fragrant tree personally planted by Han Yongun. Simujang is a small house with only 5 rooms in total, featuring an ondol room on the left side and a kitchen on the right side, symmetrically centered. Behind the kitchen, there is a dining preparation area called Cheonmarubang. The ondol room, which served as Han Yongun’s study, has a signboard called Simujang, painted by the renowned modern painter Wi Chang Osechang. The name is derived from a Buddhist allegory comparing the quest for enlightenment to searching for a cow. The area of Seongbuk-dong where Simujang is located was developed as a residential area in the 1930s as Seoul expanded, and this house stands out from typical houses of that time with its simple and modest design. Han Yongun was a monk who sought to reform Buddhism in Joseon, a patriot who dedicated himself to the independence movement of his country, and a poet who made significant contributions to modern literature. Simujang, where Han Yongun spent many years, serves as a historical site where one can glimpse into his multifaceted character.”
• Address (location): 24 Seongbuk-ro 29-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
• Hours of use: 09:00~18:00
Seoul Seongbuk-gu ‘Seongnakwon (Seoul)’
“Originally a retreat for Sim Sang-eung, a royal secretary during the Joseon Dynasty, Seongnakwon became a private palace for King Eui-chin (1877-1955) for 35 years. This picturesque place can be divided into three areas based on the flowing waters: the front yard, inner yard, and outer yard. The front yard features the merging streams of Soryudongcheon from two valleys and the tranquil Yongdugasan hill that embraces the front of the inner yard. The characters ‘Soryudongcheon’ carved in calligraphy on the cliff within the stream not only symbolize protecting the lineage of Seongnakwon but also add a touch of beauty. Surrounding Soryudongcheon and Yongdugasan are lush forests of ancient trees like oak, pine, maple, persimmon, date, and horse chestnut, creating a natural barrier between the inner yard and the outside of Seongnakwon. The inner yard boasts a rock wall and a waterfall, while the outer yard features pine trees and a pond. In the western lower area, there is a marsh, and to the north, an artificial waterfall was created by digging a waterway. The calligraphy ‘Jangbingga’ on the cliff to the west of the marsh belongs to the renowned calligrapher Kim Jeong-hee. Seamlessly blending nature and artifice, Seongnakwon proudly showcases its beauty as one of the few remaining private gardens outside the old Seoul city walls from the Joseon era.”
• Address (location): 47 Seonjam-ro 2-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City (Seongbuk-dong)
• Hours of use: “9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.”
Donamjang – A Cultural Gem of South Korea’s Capital”
“In 1945, when Syngman Rhee returned to Korea, he initially resided in a palace near Donam-dong in Seoul, which was called ‘Donamjang’ at the time. Originally a medical institution during the Joseon Dynasty, Donghwalinseo, this place was transformed into Donamjang in the style of a royal palace by Baek Hee-han, commissioned by Song Seong-jin during the Japanese colonial period. Built entirely without nails using woven wood, this remarkable residence consisted of 3 buildings and a harmonious garden spanning 700 pyeong. After liberation, it was inhabited by Jang Jin-young, the president of the Joseon Tire Company, who allowed Syngman Rhee, returning from the United States, to stay in 2 of the buildings for 2 years. Thus, it can be considered a historic site in the modern political history of Korea known as Syngman Rhee’s residence. Over time, with changes in ownership and renovations, Donamjang lost its original form. However, recognized for its historical significance as the site of the establishment of the Republic of Korea, the main building of the traditional hanok with a wooden tiled hip roof was designated as a registered cultural road in 2004. Currently privately owned and inhabited, visits are difficult.”
• Address (location): “84 Dongsoomun-ro 3-gil, Dongsoomun-dong 4ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City.”
• Hours of use: “Restricted access: Not open to the public for individual visits”
Seoul Seongbuk-gu ‘Bangwoosan Market’
“Bangwoosanjang is a memorial architectural sculpture dedicated to the poet Cho Ji-hoon. Cho Ji-hoon, who was active in Seongbuk-dong, named this structure after his own house, embodying the philosophy of ‘Bangwoojeukmokwoo,’ which means raising a cow in your heart is no different from actually raising one. This sculpture was created near the poet’s house site as a concept called ‘Poet’s Room,’ where visitors can encounter the poet’s life and traces. Inspired by the traditional hanok’s roof and floor, the walls and floors were made using basalt, emitting a unique atmosphere. The open space is covered with grass and features chairs made of bronze. The chairs are placed freely without a set direction. The door opens towards the poet’s house site, and the poet’s most cherished work, ‘Nakhwa,’ is engraved on the outer wall.”
• Address (location): “142-1 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City”
‘Main Building of Seoul Korea University
“This building is the main building of Boseong Technical School, the predecessor of Korea University. Boseong Technical School can be considered as the first modern higher education institution established by Koreans. Founded in 1905 by Yi Yong-ik, a high-ranking official of the Korean Empire, under the educational reform ideology ‘educate to save the country,’ it was originally located in Suseong-dong, now known as Susong-dong, where a Russian language school was previously situated. The school was established to provide education in law and vocational training. In 1910, it was taken over by Cheondoism and relocated to Anguk-dong, where it operated specialized courses in law and commerce. Facing financial difficulties, Kim Seong-su took over the school in 1932, and in 1933, it moved to its current location in Anam-dong. In August 1946, it was restructured and upgraded to a comprehensive university with three colleges and eight departments, and its name was changed to Korea University. The main building, along with the library, is a prominent structure that was erected when the school moved to Anam-dong. The main building, known for its creative design during the Japanese colonial period, was designed by Park Dong-jin (1899-1982) and constructed by the Japanese architect Fujita Kojiro. Construction began in September 1933, and the three-story building with stone and reinforced concrete structure was completed in September 1934. The layout features a perfect symmetrical ‘H’ shape with short wings on each side, centered around the main entrance. The building was primarily constructed with granite. It was equipped with steam heating and flush toilets, considered state-of-the-art facilities at that time.”
• Address (location): “145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Korea University Central Library
“This building is the Central Library built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Boseong Specialized School, the predecessor of Korea University. Designed by Korean architect Park Dong-jin (1899~1982), it is said that the architectural style and structure were inspired by the Duke University Library in the United States, where the then professor Oh Cheon-seok graduated from. The Central Library was completed without delay with a construction cost of 220,000 won at that time, receiving great attention and support domestically and internationally. The construction of the main building followed the next year, starting in June 1935 and completing in September 1937 on the left hillside of the main building, in a 5-story Gothic-style building made of granite. The layout is in an L-shape, with the central tower on the corner serving as the focus, with the main building on either side. One side faces the south front in line with the tower, while the other bends northward from the tower to face the east. The main building has 3 floors, and the tower on the southwest corner is a 5-story Gothic-style tower made of reinforced concrete with attached stones. When the library was completed, the 1st floor housed 32 professors’ research rooms, the 2nd floor had a 250-seat main reading room equipped with desks, stands, and leather chairs. The 3rd floor stored 200,000 volumes of books, and the upper floors were arranged for folk materials and art displays. However, with the completion of the new Central Library building for the 70th anniversary, most of the functions have been transferred to the new building, which now serves as reading rooms for graduate students and research rooms for professors. It is located 300m from exit 1 of Korea University Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 for easy access.”
• Address (location): “145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul”
Seoul Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (King Seongjong, Queen Seonui) [UNESCO World Heritage Site]
![서울 의릉(경종,선의왕후) [유네스코 세계유산]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/85/2690685_image2_1.jpg)
“This is the tomb of King Gyeongjong of Joseon in his 20s (reigned 1720-1724) and his consort Queen Seonui. Gyeongjong, born into the Hui Bin Jang clan, passed away just four years into his reign due to poor health since childhood. Unlike typical paired royal tombs, this tomb is unique as it is constructed front and back, known as Sanghabongreung. This front-back design was influenced by geomancy beliefs and was first seen at Yeongneung, the tomb of King Hyojong and Queen Inseon. Surrounding the tomb, instead of stone fences, are 12 rectangular stone pillars with Chinese characters carved on them. Outside the pillars, there are stone lanterns, incense burners, and sculptures of horses, sheep, and tigers. The layout and design of the tomb follow a simple and modest style similar to Myeongreung. While the arrangement of stone sculptures in the queen’s tomb mirrors that of the king’s, there is no stone wall built behind the tomb.”
• Address (location): “146-20, Hwarang-ro 32-gil, Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: [February to May] 09:00~18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) – [June to August] 09:00~18:30 (Last entry at 17:30) – [September to October] 09:00~18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) – [November to January] 09:00~17:30 (Last entry at 16:30)
Seoul Jeongneung (Queen Sindeok) [UNESCO World Heritage Site]
![서울 정릉(신덕왕후) [유네스코 세계유산]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/91/2622291_image2_1.jpg)
“Jongmyo is the tomb of Queen Sindeok, the wife of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Taejo had wives in both his hometown and Seoul according to the customs of Goryeo. Queen Kang, who was his wife in Seoul, bore two sons, Bangbeon and Bangseok. Unfortunately, his first wife, Lady Han, passed away before Taejo ascended the throne. Queen Kang took her place as the queen consort. Tragically, Taejo lost his will to rule after his sons from Queen Kang were killed in a prince’s rebellion. He spent much time at Jongmyo, offering his sincere devotion. The tomb is designed in the style of a single royal tomb, with various stone structures like Moonseokin, Seokma, Jangmyeongdeung, Honyuseok, Mangjuseok, Seokyang, and Seokho placed around the burial mound. The Jangmyeongdeung, a stone lantern, is particularly noteworthy for its historical significance and artistic value, following the style of the Goryeo Dynasty. Below the burial mound, there are Hongsalmoon, Jeongjagak, Subokbang, Suragan, and Bigak structures. Unlike typical royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Jongmyo is arranged along a diagonal axis to harmonize with the natural landscape. The entrance area showcases the sculptural technique of traditional Korean stone bridges, with guardian pine trees standing on either side. It is located just 600m from Exit 2 of Ui Sinseol Jongno Station on the Seoul subway line, making it easily accessible for visitors.” I hope this translation helps foreign tourists better understand the cultural significance of Jongmyo in Korea.
• Address (location): “116 Arirang-ro 19-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: [February to May] 06:00~18:00 (Last admission at 17:00) – [June to August] 06:00~18:30 (Last admission at 17:30) – [September to October] 06:00~18:00 (Last admission at 17:00) – [November to January] 06:30~17:30 (Last admission at 16:30)