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Buam-dong, Seoul’s Hidden Charming North Park-neighborhood
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.
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.
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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 guide
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
Seoul Tour Reviews
Vasilios K.
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
“knowledgeable and flexible”
David is a fountain of information and was very accomodating in meeting our needs. Book with confidence.
David a. M.
(3 reviews)Thanks VK, it was great to host you guys!! D
“Grab Your Walking Shoes & Spend The Day With David!”
David is absolutely splendid! A human, walking encyclopedia of anything you could hope to know. If you enjoy learning and desire to truly grasp the history and culture of South Korea- he is your guy! There wasnt a question we asked that he didnt have a full, in-depth explanation for. He offers a variety of tours to cover most anything you'd be interested in- he truly knows it all and is an excellent storyteller and teacher. He went out of his way to accommodate our wishes. We even had a medical situation arise and he took the time to go with us to the hospital and ensure we got checked in since we only speak English. Highly, highly recommend!
David a. M.
(3 reviews)I was so glad to guide you two for two days; you were great company and very attentive, curious listeners! DM
“A delightful walking tour listening to fascinating stories about Korea’s history ”
David took us to the Jogye-sa where we learnt in details about the country’s history of religions that helped shape the Korean culture. Then we walked to the Seoul Plaza to see the historical monuments, listening to fascinating stories about the national heroes. I was in particular inspired by the stories of Yi Sun S
David a. M.
(3 reviews)It was my pleasure to serve your first visit to Korea!
