This is a summary of travel destinations in Nowon-gu, Seoul, providing insights for foreign tourists to easily understand.
Choa Mountain in Nowon-gu, Seoul
“Chowansan is located across the districts of Wolgye-dong in Nowon-gu and Chang-dong in Dobong-gu, Seoul. At first glance, it may look like a typical neighborhood hill, but once you step inside, you’ll find lush greenery with various paths intertwining. This area is popular among locals for hiking, and there are also attractions like pottery workshops and camping sites for visitors to enjoy. Moreover, exploring the tombs of Joseon Dynasty scholars and officials scattered throughout Chowansan allows you to delve into ‘history lessons’ while you’re here.”
• Address (location): Wolgye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul
Sulak Mountain Dangogae District Park
“Located near Danggogae Station on Subway Line 4, Suraksan Danggogae District Park was built with the aim of providing a comfortable resting place and cultural space for local residents. The park features a spiral plaza at its center, along with a children’s play area, outdoor stage, pine tree grove, basketball court, badminton court, fitness area, and an artificial rock climbing wall for enthusiasts to enjoy. Weekdays and weekends see frequent use of the rock climbing wall by climbing enthusiasts. The spiral plaza was designed as a community activation space for residents, while the children’s play area is transformed into a water play facility during the summer. The park is connected to the Suraksan hiking trail, offering visitors a seamless outdoor experience.”
• Address (location): 273 Sanggye-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open year-round”
‘Byeokun Valley’: An Introduction to a Hidden Gem
“Located near Seoul, Bukwoon Valley in Suraksan offers a refreshing getaway easily accessible by subway and bus. Just two bus stops from Suraksan Station on Line 7, followed by a 15-minute walk, and you’ll arrive at the valley. With deep pools upstream and shallow waters downstream, you can pick the perfect spot for some water fun. As you hike towards the Waterfall Rock, the valley continues, revealing pools suitable for diving. The deeper parts are about 2 meters deep, great for older kids and adults to enjoy. Downstream, you can even spot fish, with many over 10cm in size, making snorkeling a fun activity. Besides cooling off in the water, you can also camp and hike, but keep in mind cooking is not allowed, so pack some simple snacks and meals. You can set up a tent for an overnight camping trip or just visit for the day. Near the entrance, you’ll find many restaurants serving traditional Korean dishes alongside the valley.”
• Address (location): Seoul, Nowon-gu, Sanggye-dong
• Hours of use: All year round
Taereung and Gangneung in Nowon District, Seoul
“Taeleung and Kangleung are historical sites located in Nowon-gu, Seoul, where kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are buried. Taeleung is the tomb of King Injo, the 13th king, while Kangleung is the tomb of King Hyojong and his queen, the 14th king. This area offers serene natural scenery and walking paths where you can leisurely appreciate the historical relics. Designated as a cultural heritage preservation zone, it is a great place to learn about the history of the Joseon Dynasty. Easily accessible by public transportation, it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and educational experience.”
• Address (location): 681 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City (Gongneung-dong)
• Hours of use: Travel Hours: – March to May and September to October: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM – June to August: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM – November to January: 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM (Ticket sales end 1 hour before closing time)
Seoul Nowon District ‘Doansa Temple’
“Located on the border of Seoul’s Nowon-gu and Gyeonggi Province’s Uijeongbu and Namyangju’s Byeolnae-myeon, Doanssa is a temple nestled within the scenic Sullaksan Mountain. Despite its small size and humble appearance in the secluded area behind Sullaksan, this cozy mountain temple harmoniously blends with nature, offering a tranquil escape that washes away worries and cares from the mind.”
• Address (location): 99 Deokreung-ro 145-gil, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City
‘Songamsa’ – Discover the Cultural Gem of Korea’s Capital
“Located within the serene mountains of Suraksan at the boundary of Nowon-gu in Seoul and Uijeongbu and Namyangju Byeolnae-myeon in Gyeonggi Province, Songamsa is an ancient and majestic temple of the Taego Order. You can find it after passing through Dongmakgol Amusement Park entrance from Exit 1 of Danggogae Station on Line 4. At Songamsa, you will discover Daeungjeon Hall, with stone Buddhas and a stone pagoda on the left, a stone tower in front, and a carved Buddha figure on the rock wall to the right. You can visit Songamsa while hiking Suraksan, along with Doansa, Doseonsa, and Suamsa.”
• Address (location): 101, Deokneung-ro 145-gil, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “sunrise to sunset.”
Suraksan Mountain Hakrim Temple
“Looking out from afar, Suraksan Mountain stands out with its rare towering cliffs forming peaks, surrounded by lush forests stretching down to the sea. Nestled in the southern mountain range, Haklimsa Temple resembles a mother cradling her child with the surrounding landscape, hence its name which means ‘a crane holding an egg’. Among the many temples near Seoul, Haklimsa is renowned not only for its history but also for its spiritual practices. Blessed with pristine natural surroundings, it serves as a wellness temple where families can enjoy both worship and hiking together. Walking through the dense forest, indulging in forest bathing, and savoring a refreshing sip of spring water at the temple, one can wash away the everyday stresses and rejuvenate the mind and body. Haklimsa is a temple that combines prayer, meditation, outreach, and education in its spiritual practices.”
• Address (location): 241 Deokneung-ro 129-gil, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”
Seoul Nowon District ‘Suaumsa Temple’
Located on the southern slope of Suroksan Mountain in Korea, Suan Temple is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was established by Ven. Wongwang, the founder of the Hwarang warrior group during the reign of King Jinpyeong of the Silla Kingdom in the year 621. Destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the Joseon Dynasty, only the stone pagoda remained until it was rebuilt. Within the temple grounds, you can find traditional structures such as the Geukrakbojeon Hall built in 1962, the Samseonggak Hall, the Yosachae, and a statue of Maitreya erected in 1972. A mystical spring flows near the Seokgul Hall. Visitors can also hike Suroksan Mountain along with visits to Toanssa, Songamsa, and Doseonsa.
• Address (location): San153-1, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “from sunrise to sunset”
Yonggulam in Nowon-gu, Seoul
“Yonggulam is a temple that originated in 1878 when monks enshrined Buddha in a natural cave and began their practice and meditation. Located on Sullaksan Mountain, it is one of the closest temples to the summit, situated in a large natural cave. Inside this cave, you will find the initial altar of Yonggulam, where the statues of Buddha and 16 Arhats were enshrined. Yonggulam was a place where Queen Myeongseong, who was ousted by King Gojong, sought refuge and prayed, fostering a deep connection. Every year on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, a ritual honoring Queen Myeongseong is held, commemorating her virtues. Despite facing the threat of closure during the Korean War, Yonggulam has been maintained through the efforts of the monks. You can visit Yonggulam while hiking Sullaksan Mountain.”
• Address (location): 242 Deokreung-ro 129-gil, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul Special City