Central Seoul Course 1: Metro Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 1

Central Seoul Course 1: Seoul history and nature trail (Part 1)

A recommended course to enjoy the core of the old town in central Seoul and the mountain nature in the middle of the city while walking in the traces of history and tradition!

• Total course time required: 4~5 hours on foot
• This part takes approximately 2 hours including viewing and breaks.

1) From Exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station towards Sajikdan
2) Sajikdan to Shrine of Dangun 

3) Shrine of Dangun to Hwanghakjeong Korean Archery Gallery

4)  Hwanghakjeong to Suseongdong Valley

5) Suseongdong Valley to Mumudae Observatory

6) Mumudae Observatory to The Forest Choso Chaekbang

Gyeongbokgung station (Korean: 경복궁역) is a subway station on Line 3 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. It is the subway station nearest to the Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

If you need a Seoul Metro (subway) map, click below! 

• Seoul Metro map: English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean versions

Reasons for recommending this course:

1.  Although it is located in the center of Seoul, it is not as crowded with tourists as other areas, so you can enjoy a trip that also includes a quiet walk. 
2. You can time travel through the history of Korea and Seoul, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, modern times, and the present. 
3. Although Seoul is a world-class metropolis with a population of over 10 million, you can enjoy many attractions in half a day, including light hiking to experience the nature hidden in the city.
4. There are well-equipped cafes, rest areas, and public restrooms throughout the course, providing good conditions for enjoying the trip.
5. You can have a more leisurely trip by arriving in the morning, coming down Inwangsan Mountain around lunchtime, about halfway through the course, having lunch at a restaurant before heading to the Blue House, and then visiting the Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
6. Note: If you have time and stamina before dinner time, you can enjoy Bukchon Hanok Village, the area east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Insa-dong, the traditional craft street, in one day.

1) From Exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station towards Sajikdan

Sajikdan (Sajik Altar) is an altar built during Joseon Dynasty that was used to pray to the gods for a good harvest.

• Admission free

With Korea being an agricultural society, the nation’s foundation relied on its land and the grains produced from it. This is why people offered rituals from ancient times. In the Joseon dynasty, Sajikdan Altar was one of the two most crucial structures along with Jongmyo Shrine. Sajikdan Altar was established at its current location according to the law that dictates "with the palace in the center, Jongmyo Shrine shall be established to its left, and Sajikdan Altar to its right in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo), after the foundation of the Joseon dynasty (1392). 

Sajikdan Altar served as the foundation of the Joseon dynasty along with Jongmyo Shrine. Here, people prayed for the nation’s peace and prosperity, as well as performed rituals for overcoming crises and droughts and asked for good harvest. 

Within the Sajikdan Altar premises are the main gate, Anhyangcheong Hall (a ritual house where incense and ritual prayers were kept), and Jeonsacheong Hall (the kitchen where ritual food was prepared).

2) Sajikdan to Shrine of Dangun

Dangun (Korean: 단군) was the legendary founder and first king of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom. He founded the first kingdom around the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. He is said to be the "grandson of heaven", "son of a bear", and to have founded the first kingdom in 2333 BC.

• Admission free

3)  Shrine of Dangun to Hwanghakjeong Korean Archery Gallery

Hwanghakjeong Korean Archery Gallery is a place where visitors can go to learn about the history of archery in Korea and see the excellent quality of Korean bows. Made up of 5 different sections including exhibition halls, experience centers, and a permanent exhibition showcasing donated artifacts, this gallery is a great place for visitors to learn about traditional Korean archery.

• Admission free

Singijeon (Korean: 신기전) was a type of Korean fire arrow rocket, used during the era of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). Singijeon could be launched by hwacha (multiple rocket launcher).

After viewing the gallery, walk in the direction you came from, you will soon see Hwanghakjeong, a place for archery.

Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was built in 1898 by decree of King Gojong’s. It was originally set up close to the northern wall of Hoesangjeon in Gyeonghuigung Palace for archery practice. In 1922 when the Japanese colonial government sold buildings of Gyeonghuigung Palace to the public to build Gyeongseong Middle School in the location, the Hwanghakjeong Pavilion was bought and restored at the current location, which is an old site of Deunggwajeong Pavilion located to the North of Sajik Park.

Portrait of King Gojong displayed inside the archery gallery

4)  Hwanghakjeong to Suseongdong Valley

As you walk along the sidewalk next to the car road, you will see a road sign. Follow the signs and climb the hill toward Suseongdong Valley.

Climb up a small hill, you will find a place where Ttaekgyeon, Korea's old traditional martial art, was practiced. 

Ttaekgyeon can be said to be the forerunner of Taekwondo, the current representative martial art in Korea.

Ttaekgyeon is a traditional Korean martial art; the player moves around gently and then swiftly strikes at his/her opponent using his/her hands or feet.

Afterwards, just follow the stairs and mountain path downhill.

Suseongdong Valley has been known as a beautiful valley to the extent that it appears in Jeong Seon-gyeomjae's 'Jangdong Palgyeong'. It is said that Prince Anpyeong and Jeong Seon-gyeomjae often visited the place to admire the beautiful scenery and Chinese literary paintings. It was once a place full of charm where history and nature came together. 

Visitors can see stunning forests and valleys right in downtown Seoul.  This is a great place to get a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 
(After it rains or snows, you can see water flowing in the valley, but during dry periods, you can hardly see any water, so don't expect much and enjoy the hiking)

5) Suseongdong Valley to Mumudae Observatory

After passing the Suseongdong Valley, you go uphill and meet the road again. 

Afterwards, you will soon come across the Mumudae Observatory, which is a great place to look out in all directions.

From the Mumudae Observatory, you can see a panoramic view of downtown Seoul, including Namsan Mountain.

6) Mumudae Observatory to The Forest Choso Chaekbang

Walk along the sidewalk next to the road, you will come across a The Forest Choso Chaekbang.
Now, it's time to take a break.

The Forest Choso chaekbang, a book cafe where visitors can enjoy nature and reading at the same time. 

Used as a police post to protect the Blue House (President's office) for more than 50 years, it was renovated in 2020 as a place for hikers and citizens to relax and read. It is also referred to as a green reading room for its library that focuses on environmental issues and for the guard room that is now filled with green books. 

You can have a time of rest and healing where you can have a drink and bread while looking at the scenery of Inwangsan Mountain. 

It has clean, modern restrooms and is also famous for its night view of Seoul.

Continued in Part 2...