Seochon: Explorative Hike

Seoul is a fascinating city, which use to be the capital for more than 600 years, has a lot of interesting history and different stories behind it.
Since it has been the capital for so long there are old towns which has been here for few centuries.
Seochon is one of the old towns with a lot of historical background.
If you are interested, let's find out together!
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Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong

Hong Geon-ik House presents the ‘Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong’ route of the Seochon walking tour. Created in the 1750s, this painting series by the renowned artist Gyeomjae Jeong Seonshowcases the splendid landscapes of Jang-dong, now part of Seochon.

Starting at the Hong Geon-ik House, participants will explore Jeong Seon's birthplace and visit the actual locations that inspired his paintings.

This walk offers a rare opportunity to compare the natural vistas depicted in these historic artworks with the present-day scenery of Seochon, fostering a deeper connection to the neighborhood’s heritage.


✅ This route includes uphills and we walk a lot in this tour, so I strongly recommend you to be ready to walk a lot!! Think of it as a morning city hike than a regular walk

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Main spots to visit:

 
📍Pilundae:
Pilundae, deriving its name from the pen name of the mid-Joseon statesman Yi Hang-bok, served as his residence. The name "Pilundae" was engraved on a rock within the estate, a legacy bestowed by his father-in-law, General Gwon Yul. In 1537, upon King Jungjong's request, Chinese envoy Gong Yong-gyeong named the mountain west of Gyeongbokgung Palace "Pilunsan," symbolizing its role as a guardian standing to the palace’s right. From this vantage point atop Inwangsan, it is said one could view Bukhansan to the north, Gyeongbokgung and Jongno to the east, and Namsan to the south,offering panoramic views of significant landmarks.


📍Suseong-dong:

Suseong-dong is the first valley located at the foot of Inwangsan, situated along the border between Ogin-dong and Nusang-dong. Historically, it was the site of Anpyeong Daegun's residence, renowned for its thundering waterfalls and picturesque streams and rocks, making it a popular summer retreat for Joseon scholars. The valley featured the stone bridge, Girin-gyo, which Gyeomjae Jeong Seon famously depicted in his artworks, capturing scholars as they enjoyed their leisure time there. Living beneath Inwangsan, Jeong Seon frequently interacted with 19th-century intellectuals like Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Park Yun-mok, producing paintings and poetry that celebrated the valley's remarkable beauty.

📍Jahadong:
Jaha-dong, nestled on the slopes of Baekaksan (Bukaksan) just below Changuimun, the northern gate of Hanyangdoseong, has historically been the domain of the Uiryung Nam Clan. This distinguished literati family was a central figure within the 'Nam-in' political party, their grand mansions prominently set against the mountain. The northeastern slopes of Baekaksan descend to form the village's scenic backdrop, with a stream flowing between Baekaksan and Inwangsan, encircling the village. To the south, the Jang-dong Valley opens expansively, offering sweeping views all the way to the Han River.

📍Cheongsongdang:

Named for the soothing sounds of pine breezes, Cheongseongdang was a scholarly retreat where Cheongseong Seong Su-chim, a scholar of the mid-Joseon period, pursued his studies after stepping down from public office. The area, historically abundant with pine trees, inspired Nuljae Park Sang, a friend of Seong Su-chim's father, to give it the name Cheongseongdang. Located very close to the birthplace of Jeong Seon, its exact site coincides with the northern wall of Gyeonggi Commercial High School. A rock inscription, "Cheongseongdang Yuji" (Site of Cheongseongdang), remains within the school grounds, marking this historical location.

📍Cheongpung-gye:

Cheongpunggye refers to the valley in the vicinity of 52 Cheongun-dong, situated on the northern side of the eastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain. Originally named for its abundance of verdant maple trees, the name evolved after the Qing Invasion to mean "valley of clear breezes." For Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, Cheongpunggye was not merely a scenic location but also a place of deep personal significance, as it housed his mentor's family estate. In 1914, during the Japanese occupation, Cheongpunggye and Baegun-dong were merged to form what is now known as Cheongun-dong.

📍Daeunam & Dokrakjeong & Chumidae:

Baekaksan Mountain, the protective mountain located behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, not only shields the royal grounds but also served as the foundational point for constructing the Hanyangdoseong Fortress. The landmarks Daeunam, Dokrak Jeong, and Chwimidae are located along the southern slopes of Baekaksan, where Cheongwadae (the Blue House) stands today. Daeunam refers to a large rock positioned north of Yuksanggung. Nearby, in a gorge east of Daeunam, lies Dokrak Jeong, a pavilion built by Toiwoodang Kim Su-hong. Chwimidae, or "mid-ridge terrace," offers a view where the palace walls and trees stretch across expansive fields, with the triangular Namsan Mountain rising prominently in the background. Below a pine grove near what is believed to be Chwimidae, three scholars are depicted enjoying the landscape.

Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong photo © KANSONG ART & CULTURE FOUNDATION. All rights reserved Hong Geon-ik House photo ©Hong Geon-ik House. All rights reserved

Host : Seoul Metropolitan Government
Organizer : OPENHOUSE
Planning : OPENHOUSE
Tour Run by: Yang Daeun

photo © Hong Geon-ik House. All rights reserved

*Some places might not be able to go in. In this case, it’s going to be an outside visit.

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❕❗️Even the time slot you want is full, let me know when you want to join, and I’ll try my best to make a spot for you😄