Buam-dong, Seoul’s Hidden Charming North Park-neighborhood
Joined 2022
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.
Itinerary
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.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, hotel meet-up
Local Transportation (if needed; subway, bus, taxi)
Food and drinks, as desired.
Tour Important Information
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!
Important message from the supplier
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2022
About Tour Guide David a. M.
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!
Reviews
Rocío B.
“All you need to know about Seul”
David was a perfect guide that answered all our questions about Seul. Took us to the nicest places and show us really special ones. We are glad Elle could be our guide! Thanks David.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your group, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
Alfonso S.
“A real American profesor in Korean culture ”
It was so incredible to find out the decades on experience and studies that David has cultivated and even published about Korea history, customs and culture, that we have had the best three days in Seoul in company of this loving living Profesor. We had such a magnificent experience and learned so many aspects of this wonderful people and their history that we are going back home with so much information and loving experiences that made this trip memorable thanks to David. You are a great guide and even more an incredible unique human being. Thank you for being who you are with us.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your group, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
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
$335/ per group
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