Discover Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall and Other Tourist Attractions in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul region.
Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall
“Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall is like an oasis in the heart of the city. The magnificent 25m high artificial waterfall cascading down provides a refreshing escape, offering a wonderful scenery to cool off from the heat and forget the daily grind. Surrounding the waterfall are walking paths, benches, cafes, and various amenities where you can relax and enjoy leisurely time.”
• Address (location): “Yeonhui-ro 248, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
Hongje Waterfall
“Hongje Waterfall in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul is an artificial waterfall created along the Hongje Stream. Established in 2011, it stands at a height of 25 meters and spans 60 meters wide. Surprisingly, Hongje Waterfall blends seamlessly with nature, creating a refreshing sight with its cascading water that changes with the seasons. The magnificent ice wall, adorned with spring flowers and autumn foliage, attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the beauty of this place. In addition to the waterfall, various resting areas have been set up, providing a peaceful retreat for the citizens. Across the waterfall, there are waterfront cafes, outdoor terraces, and a small library, offering plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy.”
• Address (location): “170-181 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “Artificial Waterfall”
[April to May / September to October] 09:00~19:00
[June to August] 08:00~20:00
* Operating hours may vary based on season and weather conditions.
Seoul Seodaemun-gu ‘Independence Hall’
“Dokripgwan, originally built in 1407 (7th year of King Taejong) as Yeongbingwan to welcome Chinese envoys, was initially called Mohwaru, but was renamed Mohwagwan in 1429 (11th year of King Sejong) after undergoing expansion and reconstruction. Unable to fulfill its original purpose due to changes in international relations in the late Joseon period, the abandoned Mohwagwan was repurposed by Seo Jaepil as Dokripgwan, where patriotic debates were held to promote ideals of independence, civil rights, and self-strengthening. However, as part of the crackdown on independence movements, the Japanese imperialists demolished the building. The original location was about 350 meters southeast of its current site, and following expert consultation for the construction of Seodaemun Independence Park, the above-ground floor was authentically restored as a traditional Korean wooden structure for honoring the martyrs and as an exhibition hall, while the underground floor was built by the Seoul Metropolitan Government from December 28, 1995, to December 31, 1996, for events and artifact storage.”
• Address (location): “251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City, South Korea”
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Yonsei University Steamson Hall
“The building, first constructed on the campus of Yonsei University, was built with stone in 1919 and completed in 1920 as a two-story structure. It was funded by a donation from Charles Steams, who resided in Los Angeles, USA, for the permanent school building project after the founder of Yonhi College, Underwood (Korean name Won Du Woo) returned to his homeland in America and passed away. Underwood’s widow laid the foundation stone, and at that time, Professor Miller, who was teaching chemistry, supervised the construction. Although the designer is unknown, it is said that American architects at the time came to Korea to design and develop the basic plans. The building features a rectangular layout with a pitched roof, designed in a Gothic style.”
• Address (location): Yonsei-ro 50 (Sinchon-dong), Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Yonsei University Underwood Hall
“The Underwood Hall, located within Yonsei University’s Sinchon Campus, was built in honor of John T. Underwood, the founder of the predecessor of this school, Yehui College, with a $100,000 donation from Underwood himself. Construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1924, overseen by Professor Miller from the Chemistry Department at that time. Situated at the end of Baekyang Road that cuts through the center of the campus, the 5-story central tower of this building serves as the heart of the campus. With a Gothic architectural style, the building has a rectangular layout with a central entrance and a roof shaped like a person’s profile. Originally used as a lecture hall, it now houses the university’s main administrative offices, including the President’s office. Built of stone, the structure consists of one basement floor, three above-ground floors, and a 5-story tower. The layout is rectangular with a central entrance, and a central corridor runs east to west. Classrooms and stairwells are located on the north and south sides, while large lecture halls are situated at the east and west ends. Initially designated for the College of Liberal Arts, it now accommodates key administrative departments as part of the main administrative building. This building suffered significant damage during the Korean War in 1950, but was later restored, preserving its historical value.”
• Address (location): Yonsei-ro 50, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
Baekryeon Temple (Seoul)
Located on the slopes of Baekryeon Mountain in Seodaemun, Baekryeon Temple is a millennium-old temple founded by the monk Jinpyo in the 6th year of King Gyeongdeok of the Silla Dynasty (747). Originally known as Jeongtosa, it was renamed Baekryeon Temple in the first year of King Jeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty. After passing the throne to King Taejong, the second king of Joseon, King Jeongjong spent his leisure time here. Legend has it that Princess Uisuk, daughter of King Sejo, found solace and discovered the true meaning of life here after losing her husband at the age of 20. It is said that the temple was renamed Baekryeon Temple as her chosen sanctuary. Once known as Seobangjeong or Jeongtosa when viewed from Gyeongbok Palace in the west, it was later renamed Baekryeon Temple when white lotus flowers suddenly bloomed in a pond one summer day. Destroyed during the Imjin War in the time of King Seonjo, the temple was promptly rebuilt and has undergone multiple renovations since then. The temple complex includes the Paradise Hall built in 1965, the Infinite Life Hall with Amitabha Buddha, the Circular Hall with Guanyin Bodhisattva, as well as the Medicine Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall, Hall of Sutras, Samseonggak, Deoksengak, Beongjonggak, and Haetalru. It also features impressive statues such as the King Poru Statue and the Guanyin Bodhisattva Statue.
• Address (location): 170-43 Baeknyeonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year-round”
Bongwonsa Temple (Seoul)
Bongwon Temple, also known as Bongwon Monastery, is a key center of Taego Order, a traditional sect of Korean Buddhism. Founded in the year 889 by the Buddhist monk Doson in the vicinity of present-day Yonsei University, the temple was initially called Banyasa. Later, in 1748, during the reign of King Yeongjo, the temple was moved to its current location by monks Chanjeup and Jungam, and renamed Bongwon Temple by King Yeongjo himself. From that time on, new temples built were referred to as “Saejeol” among the believers. During the turbulent times of the Gabo Reform Movement in 1884, Bongwon Temple served as a focal point, being led by the spiritual mentor and guiding figure of the enlightenment faction, Monk Idong. In the following years, the temple underwent significant developments, including the establishment of the Independence Hall in 1945 with the support of Monk Giwol and the Jogye Order. Unfortunately, during the Korean War in September 1950, the Independence Hall was destroyed by fire, resulting in the loss of valuable artifacts and historical relics. In 1966, the temple was revitalized with the reconstruction of Yeombul Hall through the joint efforts of Monk Yeongwol and the Jogye Order. Today, Bongwon Temple continues to uphold the practices of the Taego Order with around 60 resident monks and a congregation of approximately 100,000 followers. Notable figures such as Monk Baksongam (passed away in February 2000) and Monk Imanbong provide spiritual guidance and mentorship to the next generation. The temple also serves as an educational institution with the presence of Okcheon Buddhist University and hosts various Buddhist events and gatherings for different groups within and outside the community. One of the significant rituals held at Bongwon Temple is the Yeongsanjae ceremony, organized by the Yeongsanjae Preservation Society, a national intangible cultural heritage of South Korea. This ritual, which prays for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea, symbolizes the transfer of the teachings of Buddha from Mount Grdhrakuta to Mount Yeongchwi, transcending time and space. It aims to bring together the living and the deceased to attain enlightenment and ultimate bliss. Therefore, the Yeongsanjae ceremony is not merely a performance but a solemn Buddhist ritual that transc
• Address (location): 120 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
• Hours of use: “09:00~18:00.”
Okcheonaam (Seoul)
“Okcheonam is a temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain in Hongeun 2-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The main statue enshrined in Okcheonam is Guanyin, known as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who is commonly referred to simply as the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the vow of great compassion and great mercy, is mainly worshipped in Korea through scriptures such as the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, the Amitabha Sutra, and the Shurangama Sutra. It is believed that by chanting and holding the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva in one’s heart, one can be liberated from all suffering and attain enlightenment regardless of any hardships or obstacles. Okcheonam, along with Naksan Hongnyeonam in the east, Bomunsa in Ganghwado in the west, and Bori-am in the south, is known as one of the four major pilgrimage sites dedicated to Guanyin. The Guanyin statue in Okcheonam, known as the ‘Baekbul (White Buddha) in the Bodogak,’ is renowned for many miraculous stories. It is said that King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty prayed to this statue when establishing the capital in Hanyang, and Queen Min, the mother of King Gojong, frequently visited to pray for her son. Located at the edge of Samgaksan before it merges into Inwangsan, Okcheonam used to have clear water flowing like jade before Seoul urbanized on a large scale. This is why the temple was named Okcheonam, meaning ‘jade spring temple.’ The precise name of the Baekbul statue in the Bodogak of Hongeun-dong is ‘Hongeundong Bodogak Maae Bodhisattva Seated Statue.’ Due to the thick white pigment covering the entire statue, it is also called Baekbul or Hae Su Guanyin. The marble Buddha statue is preserved within a recently built Bodogak structure with one front and two side panels. According to legend, King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty prayed to this statue when establishing the capital in Seoul, and in the later Joseon period, Queen Min, the mother of King Gojong, prayed
• Address (location): “1-38 Hongjimun-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: “09:00~18:00”
Daehyeon Cultural Park
The Daehyeon Cultural Park in Seoul is a park located in the Daehyeon-dong area of Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. This park provides local residents with a space for nature and leisure, making it a beloved place to relax in the midst of the surrounding cityscape. The Daehyeon Cultural Park features various walking paths and well-designed green spaces, equipped with exercise equipment and relaxation areas to support the health and leisure activities of local residents. Known as a neighborhood park, it is a friendly place frequented by local residents.
• Address (location): “10, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Daehyeon-dong)”