Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Situated in the northeast of Hanyang (the former name of Seoul), Hyehwamun Gate was one of four small gates in the city’s fortress walls. When the gate was first built in 1396 (the 5th year of King Taejo's reign) during the establishment of the city, it was initially called Honghwamun. Unfortunately, the name happened to be the same as the east gate of Changgyeonggung Palace built in 1483 (during the 4th year of King Seongjong’s reign) so it was subsequently changed to Hyehwamun Gate in 1511 (during the sixth year of King Jungjong’s reign) to avoid confusion. The gate is also known as Dongsomun Gate (East Small Gate). Hyehwamun Gate was an important gate for people moving toward the north of the country, since the gate to the north, Sukjeongmun Gate, was often closed. Hyehwamun Gate was destroyed when a street car line was built between Hyehwa-dong and Donam-dong during the Japanese Colonial Period, but was restored in 1992 and placed on a hill next to the road. Visitors can find the gate via Sajik Tunnel, Inwangsan Mountain, Bukaksan Mountain, Changdeokgung Palace, and Sungkyunkwan University; it intersects with the road going toward Uijeongbu. Inside Hyehwa-dong is the bustling Hyehwa-dong University Street; visitors can see Bukaksan and Bukak Pavilion to the west of Hyehwamun Gate.


Seoul(Gangbuk-gu)

Odong Neighborhood Park is located in an area across Beon-dong and Mia-dong in Gangbuk-gu and Wolgok-dong in Seongbuk-gu. The park is large in size and has a dense forests with various facilities like a resting area, a community sports center, a lawn, a tennis court, an acupressure trail with red clay, a walking path, and much more. Residents visit the place as a resting area and recreation area due to various facilities. * Area: 684,366.4㎡ (about 207,021 pyeong) * Main species - Pine trees, azaleas, oak trees - Flowering plant: Iyreflower, bird’s eye, iris, a lily of the valley, etc.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan and Inwangsan makes it worth the effort. Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-storey museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and the small garden on the second floor has a great view of the mountains.


Seoul(Gangbuk-gu)

The valley between Bukhansan Mountain and Donbongsan Mountain is called "Uidong Valley." It earned the name "Uidong" because the two peaks of Bukhansan Mountain, Baegundae and Insubong, look like cow's ears. One of the trails leading up to Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain also starts here.


Seoul(Gangdong-gu)

Gildong Ecological Park was built by the Seoul Government by restoring the wetland on the roadside of Cheonho-daero. The park maintains and preserves a wide range of flora and fauna in their natural habitats, allowing park visitors to observe plants, animals and insects in a natural ecosystem, and to learn about the importance of nature conservation.


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

When the fate of the nation was hanging by a thread as the North Korean Army launched an invasion of the South on June 25, 1950, about 1,100 officers and men from the South Korean First Division's 11th, 12th, and 15th regiment retreated to Gimpo and built the last line of defense on Gaehwasan Mountain from June 26 to 30 to fight against a large army of North Korean soldiers disguised as South Korean men.Unfortunately, their communication with the headquarters was cut off and their supply of ammunition and food ran out. As a result, the entire South Korean force was killed by the much larger North Korean army in a valley around Gaehwasan Mountain. In order to commemorate those who died for the country, the government established the Memorial to the Loyal Dead on Gaehwasan Mountain in 1994. A memorial service is also held here annualy on June 28th.x_height: 4.7 meters highBuilt by the First Division of the ROK Army, Mitasa Temple


Seoul(Gangdong-gu)

The sandbanks, willow trees, and lush forest that can be found at Godeok Riverside Ecological Park are some things that people won't usually find in today's urban ecosystem. Located in the upper region of the Hangang River and next to the Godeok-dong Eco-scape Preservation Area, the park functions as a space for nature and wetland ecology exploration.Godeok Riverside Ecological Park was established as part of the Hangang River Renaissance Project, a comprehensive project that aims to transform the riverside areas into recreational spaces.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

When taking the subway from Seoul Station to Yongsan Station, you will notice a tall and distinct hanok (traditional Korean architecture) building; this is Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs. Construction of the building began in 1984, the year of the 200th anniversary of Catholicism in Korea, and was completed after three years. Also called "Nodeul" and "Sanamgi", Saenamteo was used as military training ground during the early Joseon period. It was also the place where convicted felons and the Sayuksin (the six martyred ministers) were executed.   Many Catholics were executed here during the Sinyu Persecution of 1801, the Gihae Persecution of 1839, the Byeongo Persecution of 1846, and the Byeongin Persecution of 1866. Among those executed were 11 priests including the first Korean priest Kim Taegon (Andrew), the first Chinese priest that came to Korea Ju Mun Mo (Jacobus), the first French priest that came to Korea Bishop Imbert and other Catholics including Hyeon Seok-mun. There is also an altar here where the remains of nine Catholic saints are enshrined.


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Hyanggyo refers to the educational institutions of the Joseon Dynasty. Much like the national junior and high schools of today, a hyanggyo is where the children of local officials were educated and where ritual services were held in memory of Confucius. The Yangcheon Hyanggyo Confucian School is the only such school in Seoul. Built in the 12th year of King Taejong of Joseon (1411), the school was entirely renovated in 1981. There are eight buildings in the premise, including the Daeseongjeon, Myeongryundang, Jeonsacheong, Dongjae, Seojae, Naesammun, and Waesammun. Today, a national ritual service for Confucius is held here twice a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. Also, various programs are offered to teach Chinese characters, calligraphy, or Oriental painting to regular citizens, as well as elementary, junior, and high school students. This way, the institution is educating the youth and preserving tradition at the same time.Size of facilities: Daeseongjeon 54㎡, Myeongryundang 77.91㎡, Jeonsacheong 11.52㎡, Naesammun 11.97㎡, Oesammun 18.63㎡, Dongjae 29.52㎡, Seojae 29.52㎡Construction period: 12th year of King Taejong’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty (1411)


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

Yangjaecheon was originally the first tributary to the Hangang River, but, it became an artificial river as a result of the Hangang River Coastal Development Project and some other changes by surrounding developments.