This is a lovely neighborhood of “Gangbuk” Seoul behind famous Mt. Bugak, with a wide variety of offerings, scenic and fascinating, but only a few “insiders” know about its very charming character. We will visit the “Sword-Washing Pavilion”, then a beautiful waterfall with a colorful Buddhist temple right next to it! We will proceed into a hidden quiet peaceful area with late-Joseon-era ruins-relics amidst great trees. Then along a high ridge with great views, and some unique cafes & others.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel, or the Gyeongbok-gung Metro Subway Station
- Gyeongbok-gung Metro Subway Station, Orange Line #3 Easy to find.... Exit #3.
the evocative “Sword-Washing Pavilion”
Haeun-sa with Buam Falls
Walking up the stream and climbing into legendary Buam-dong [Rear-rocks Village], we will first encounter a beautiful waterfall with a colorful Buddhist temple right next to it! We will quickly review the artworks of that temple’s shrines...
Buam-dong Park
We will proceed into the forested parklands, a hidden quiet peaceful area with late-Joseon-era ruins-relics amidst great trees. One of the trails along a gushing stream will lead us out past the historic carved boulder, into a high-class elevated urban neighborhood.
Upper Neighborhood & Ridge
This is in a high-class elevated urban neighborhood, which features another very interesting urban Buddhist temple with an antique mountain-spirit painting. Our guide will be explaining everything along the way, as an expert. We will then walk along the top of an extensive ridgeline offering some great views of northern-most Seoul.
Past Cafes & Museums & Restaurants, etc.
As we walk along the top of an extensive ridgeline offering some great views of northern-most Seoul, we will pass several charming cafes, and visit the most evocative decorated one, famous from a couple of Korean TV dramas. Finally we will descend into the best known urban area of Buam-dong and be introduced to its unique cafes and art-museums. We will end at the historic North Gate of the Seoul City Wall.
Ending Point
We will end at the historic North Gate of the Seoul City Wall, now a popular trailhead; some of us may eat lunch together in a great restaurant, and from there we all can catch several forms of transportation.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel meet-up
Local Transportation (if needed; subway, bus, taxi)
Food and drinks, as desired.
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and have a hat, etc. It will be fascinating and well-worth-it!
In good weather only!
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
I have been a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism in Seoul, and a Tour-guide, Lecturer and Author on Traditional Cultural Sites, especially religious ones, on the high-end, for 25 years. Wrote the 1996-7 edition of Lonely Planet's KOREA guidebook!
Debra D.
“Enlightening Temple Tour with an Exceptional Guide”
Our visit to the temple was truly lovely , thanks to our gracious tour guide, David. He is not only knowledgeable but also organized, polite, and kind. The tour was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history. Our guide’s extensive knowledge of the temple’s spiritual, religious, and historical significance brought each detail to life. We learned about centuries-old traditions, the meaning behind various rituals, and the temple’s unique place in Korean culture. David has a genuine passion for sharing the temple’s story. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an insightful and meaningful temple visit in South Korea.
David a. M.
THANKS, Debra! You two were excellent listeners, and so very nice... Please continue to fall in-love with Korea during the rest of your stay! David
Kelioniu A.
“Perfect day in Seoul with David”
David's knowledge and charisma is extraordinary, we all had amazing time, learned a lot. On a separate note, special thanks for effective communication prior to the tour. Highly recommended!
Jeanine B.
“A Full Day and Then Some...”
Dave is a wealth of knowledge about Korea and its history. Also about modern day Seoul. This introduction was well worth the time and money. The day was well organized and even during a difficult weather day, David got us through the city and provided good links between current day and historical.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day, despite the weather... I hope you return someday! David
$335/ per group