This is an excerpt about travel destinations in Seoul’s Gwanak-gu area.
Gwanaksaguk Gibong Peak in Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Located proudly to the south of the Han River in Seoul, Mount Gwanak forms the boundary between Gwanak-gu, Sinlim-dong, Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province, and Gwacheon City. Its mountaintop is characterized by rocky formations, resembling a hat perched atop its peak, which gave rise to the name “Gwanak,” meaning hat in Korean. With excellent accessibility via public transportation, this majestic mountain boasts a stunning rocky ridge that is a popular choice among hikers. Among the various trails, the path leading to the Gwaneum Temple established during the Unified Silla period and up to the Gukgibong Peak is a short but rewarding route to experience the charm of Mount Gwanak. While some sections feature numerous rocks and steep inclines, reaching the summit unveils a breathtaking panoramic view that makes the effort worthwhile. There are also leisurely resting spots like the Excellent Scenery Observatory where visitors can take a break. For adults, it usually takes around 2 hours to comfortably ascend and descend Mount Gwanak via the Gwaneum Temple Gukgibong route.
• Address (location): 56-2, San, Sinlim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul.
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul’s Gwanak District ‘Namtaeryeong Hill’
Located between Gwacheon City in Gyeonggi Province and Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu in Seoul, Namtaeryeong Pass is a charming spot perched on the ridgeline of Mt. Gwanak, standing at an elevation of 183 meters. In the past, this place was known as Yeou Pass. Legend has it that during King Jeongjo’s journey to Suwon with Prince Sado, he asked the local Yeou Pass residents for its name. Unable to simply call it Yeou Pass, the name Namtaeryeong was suggested, and it has been passed down to this day. Namtaeryeong used to be the only road connecting Seoul and Suwon. While it is a major road now, in the old days, it was a narrow path where only one person could pass at a time. During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a crucial gateway for the ancestors traveling from Hanyang (Seoul) to the three southern provinces (Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang). During the Japanese colonial period, widening this road led to the disappearance of half of Seoul, leaving only a portion in Gwacheon. A walking trail encircles Namtaeryeong Pass, part of the Gwacheon section of the Gwanak Mountain Circuit. Starting from Seonbarwi Station and looping back towards the old path of Namtaeryeong, this course passes by Gwacheon Hyanggyo, a key stop leading to the summit performance stage of Gwanak Mountain. Walking along the old path where King Jeongjo once rested, marked by a sign for the Samnam Road that used to connect to the three southern provinces in the Joseon era, the 6.6km journey ends at Namtaeryeong Pavilion. Compared to other sections, this trail offers fewer steep inclines and declines, making it relatively easy for walking.
• Address (location): Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gwanak-gu ‘Gwanak Urban Farming Park’
“In the urban farming community located in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, city dwellers are given the opportunity to experience agriculture and connect with nature, offering a space to experience a protective way of life. This place is designed to allow urban residents to experience farming activities by providing various facilities and programs within the park, serving as a personal link and educational hub for a harmonious interaction with nature.”
• Address (location): “142 Gwangshin-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City (Sinlim-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open hours for sightseeing: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM”
Seoul Gwanak-gu ‘Gwanaksan Natural Park’
“Gwanaksan Natural Park is a park located on Gwanaksan Mountain in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. Designated as a city natural park in 1968, it is a popular destination for many Seoul citizens. The park features a serene lake park with pavilions and fountains, a forest library housing environmental books for both children and adults, a traditional outdoor theater showcasing our unique heritage, an accessible forest trail, and observation decks. Key plant species include oak trees, Korean thistles, Korean lilies, and Halmibbang. Notable natural monuments include oak trees and old camellia trees. Visitors can enjoy forest therapy programs such as healing walks, meditation, and nature observation of Gwanaksan’s flora and fauna at the Gwanaksan Forest Eco-experience Center.”
• Address (location): San 27-1, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Gwanaksan Park Botanical Garden
“About 5 minutes’ walk from the entrance of Gwanak Mountain Park, you will find the Gwanak Mountain Park Outdoor Botanical Garden. At the beginning of the hiking trail, there is a wildflower learning center where you can admire fascinating flowers, take photos, and have fun memorizing the names of the flowers marked on the signs. Next to the valley, there is a 1,000㎡ relaxation space with 19 types of crops and 1,630 plant species, creating a picturesque rural landscape. In late May to June, you can also experience the five senses of roses at the Rose Farm. The botanical garden features various sections such as the Rose Garden at the center, the Wildflower Garden, the Arboretum, the Azalea Hill, the Nature Learning Center, the Cherry Blossom Shelter, the Water Play Deck, the Temporary Composting Station, and the Health Shelter. Additionally, there are sculptures like pavilions, shade structures, and huts. Towards the upper part, there is a natural swimming pool where the water reaches up to adults’ waists within a 1km stretch, and if you go up towards the Outdoor Botanical Garden direction through the main entrance of Gwanak Mountain Park, you will find the Shinrim Valley. From here, you can also hike up the Gwanak Mountain Doldoran Trail towards the Hoeapsa direction.”
• Address (location): 203 Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “24 hours”
Seoul Namhyeon-dong Essence in Seoul Gwanak-gu
“Discovered with grid-patterned pottery fragments indicating its origin in the Baekje period, this site was designated as a historic site in 1976. Although the kiln has been destroyed, it is the only remaining Baekje pottery kiln along the Han River, attracting attention as a significant archaeological site along with other sites such as the Windy Hillforts of the Han River, Gommal Fortress, Samsong Fortress, Achasan Fortress across the river, and the Baekje stone tombs in Seokchon-dong and the burial mounds in Bangi-dong, serving as valuable evidence for the study of Baekje and Three Kingdoms period cultures. This kiln, located on farmland, has been preserved as it has not been excavated yet, covering an area of approximately 661m² (200 pyeong) with black soil spread over it. About 500m west of this site lies 1080-1 Namhyeon-dong, believed to be a key area for Silla pottery. Charred remnants of ash and charcoal were found close to the walls, confirming the location of the kiln and recovering a large number of pottery fragments. It is presumed that during the Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla periods, this site possessed ideal conditions for firing pottery.”
• Address (location): “60 Namhyeon 3-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City (Namhyeon-dong)”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Jungjeong Gonggangsa Sangmyo – A Cultural Landmark in Seoul, South Korea”
This is the burial site of the renowned calligraphy instructor Kang Sashang (1519-1581) and his wife, Lady Papyeongyun. Kang Sashang passed the civil service exam in 1543 and achieved various government positions. He played a significant role in diplomacy, serving as an envoy to Ming China and holding other important diplomatic roles. Known for his wisdom and insight, Kang Sashang left a lasting impact on the country. The epitaph was written by Kwon Yu, and the main text by Lee Jin-geom.
• Address (location): 107-2, San, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Closed to the general public during regular hours”
Hyomyeonggong Lee Kyung-jik Tomb in Gwanak-gu, Seoul
“Shindo-bi is a type of tombstone where the achievements and life stories of kings or high-ranking officials are recorded and placed to the southeast of their tomb. This particular tombstone is dedicated to the scholar Lee Gyeong-jik from the mid-Joseon period. Lee Gyeong-jik, a disciple of Yi Hang-bok and Kim Jang-saeng, started his career in the royal court during the early Joseon dynasty, eventually serving in various government positions such as naval commander and royal secretary until his passing. In 1617, during the reign of King Gwanghae, he even traveled to Japan as part of a diplomatic mission. In 1642, during the Injo Rebellion, he played a significant role as the provincial governor of Jeolla. Additionally, during the reign of King Injo in 1627, he successfully negotiated with Qing China’s envoys to establish peaceful relations. The tombstone is placed on a square base with a roof-shaped top, reflecting the architectural style of that era. Erected in 1668, the inscription was composed by Kim Ryu, with the calligraphy done by Lee Jeong-yeong, Lee Gyeong-jik’s third son. This historical and scholarly site holds great value, providing important insights into the burial practices of the Joseon period.”
• Address (location): “Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Gwanak-gu ‘Gwan-eum-sa Temple (Seoul)
“Gwan-eum Temple is a temple located at the foot of the last peak extending northeast from Mt. Gwanak in Seoul, South Korea. It is a branch temple of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is the main temple of Jogyesa. Founded by the prominent monk Doseon in the 9th year of Queen Jinsung of the Silla Dynasty (895), it is one of the temples of the Beopbo School. The Beopbo School was established based on the belief that if a temple is built and prayers are offered there, the country will prosper according to the patriotic ideals of Buddhism. Used for prayer for thousands of years, it was expanded by the head monk Seokju in 1924. In 1974, under the leadership of the head monk Park Jong-ha, construction began with the building of Daeungjeon Hall, Yongwang Pavilion, Jonggak, and the stone pagoda of Sakyamuni Buddha. Although it is said to have been established by the monks of Bongeunsa around the 20th year of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty, it is believed that it was actually renovated during that time. It is called Gwan-eum Temple because it enshrines Gwanse-eum Bosal, who is said to listen to the sounds of the world and immediately come to aid those in need.”
• Address (location): “109-80 Seungbang 1-gil, Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea”
Seoul Gwanak-gu ‘Myongraksa’
“Located in Cheongnyong-dong in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Myeongrak Temple sits at the edge of the urban commercial area near the base of Gwanaksan Mountain. For over 40 years, this temple has been actively involved in educational activities and outreach to multicultural families in the southwestern part of Seoul. The temple’s youth group is vibrant, holding regular ceremonies on Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. It is conveniently situated between Bongcheon Station and Seoul National University Station on Line 2.”
• Address (location): “11, Cheongnyong 1-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Operating Hours: Open All Day”
Yaksusa Temple in Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Yaksu Temple is a temple belonging to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, nestled in the beautiful mountains with abundant forests. It is located on the outskirts of Sillim-dong near Mt. Gwanak, one of the five great peaks of Gyeonggi Province known for its towering rocky cliffs and deep valleys. Originally, Sillim-dong was a village with lush forests, giving it the name until it became part of Seoul in 1963, having belonged to Gyeonggi-do’s Siheung County until the Joseon Dynasty. Founded by an unnamed monk in the 3rd year of King Sejong’s reign, the temple has a rich history of devotion and prayer, with Queen Myeongseong later expanding the hall for meditation, making it a place of deep spiritual significance. After a fire destroyed the temple in the 1920s, the head monk at the time, Yeongwon, rebuilt it, turning it into the revered sanctuary it is today for practitioners seeking spiritual enlightenment. Since resuming the meditation practice in 1995 and restoring the meditation hall in 1998, Yaksu Temple continues to be a place of solace and reflection for devoted followers and visitors alike. The temple also offers a tranquil retreat for citizens and hikers seeking respite in the nearby Gwanak Mountain, known for its ever-flowing fresh spring water even during droughts. The temple layout includes the main hall, Daewoongjeon, with Eungheungak to the left, Seolbeopjeon in the front, and Samsungak to the east. Inside Daewoongjeon, you can find a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by Bodhisattvas Jijang and Gwanseum. Behind them are various paintings depicting Buddhist teachings and legends, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere for all who visit.
• Address (location): “28 Yaksuam 1-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City, Yaksu Temple”
• Hours of use: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Seoul Gwanak District’s ‘Anguksa’
“Nakseongdae Shrine houses a portrait of the renowned general Kang Gam-chan from the Goryeo Dynasty. Nakseongdae is known as the birthplace of General Kang Gam-chan, and the shrine is named ‘Anguksa’ in honor of his posthumous title ‘Anguk.'”
• Address (location): 77 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul Special City (Bongcheon-dong)