Gilsangsa Temple (Seoul) (길상사(서울)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gilsangsa Temple (Seoul) (길상사(서울))

9.1Km    2025-06-17

68 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Gilsangsa Temple is a prominent temple located in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. The name Gilsangsa means "a favorable and auspicious temple." Visitors can experience temple, participate in Buddhist practices, and even enjoy Templestay programs on weekends. In fall, visitors can admire red spider lilies and wildflowers, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature and finding inner peace.

Seoul Cruise (서울크루즈)

9.1Km    2025-12-04

231 Yeouidohanganggongwon-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Hyundai Cruise Line, Korea's first marine tourism cruise operator, was founded in 1983 and renamed Seoul Cruise after building a new terminal in Yeouido. With Yeouido Ferry Terminal as its base, Seoul Cruise is the only passenger cruise operator that can travel from the Hangang River to the West Sea, passing through the Ara West Sea Lock. The company currently operates from two terminals: Yeouido Ferry Terminal and Ara Gimpo Terminal. In addition to offering tours that showcase the scenic beauty of the Hangang River, Seoul Cruise also provides other options, such as the Dinner Fireworks Cruise, which lets passengers enjoy a fireworks show along the Ara Waterway in Gimpo.

Suseongdonggyegok Valley (수성동계곡)

9.1Km    2023-08-17

185-3, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 옥인동

Suseong-dong Valley's stream runs down from Inwangsan Mountain and joins Cheonggyecheon Stream, and it is said that the name of the village was called Suseong-dong during the Joseon dynasty due to the loud and clear sound of the flowing water. It appears in the painting "Jangdong Palgyeongcheop," which is Jangdong Eight Scenic Views, that depicts the eight scenic views of Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain as well as in other historical books of the Joseon dynasty as a place of scenic beauty. The valley was so famous for its beauty, that Prince Anpyeong of the Joseon dynasty built his house "Bihaedang" to fully enjoy the view, and the valley and its stone bridge were designated as a cultural property of Seoul in 2010. 

Park Habio Water Kingdom Water Park & Jjimjil Spa (파크하비오 워터킹덤&스파)

9.2Km    2025-10-24

111 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

9.2Km    2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.

One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

Bamseom Island (Ecosystem Conservation Area) (밤섬 생태경관 보전지역)

9.2Km    2025-04-29

Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Located at the Hangang River, Bamseom Island derives its name from its chestnut-like shape (bam in Korean). The island was designated as an Ecosystem Conservation Area by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1999 and was later recognized as Ramsar Wetland in 2012. Now an uninhabited island, Bamseom Island was once home to around 443 people, who were relocated after the island was exploded as part of the Yeouido Development Project. Today, it is known as a habitat for numerous migratory birds and plant species. People can enjoy views of the Island from Bamseom Park.

Korea Furniture Museum (한국가구박물관)

9.2Km    2025-10-24

121 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Korea Furniture Museum, located on a hill in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, is a special museum that displays items related to Korea's traditional living culture. The museum exhibits wooden furniture made in the late Joseon dynasty by material (persimmon tree, maple tree, paulownia tree, zelkova tree, pine tree, papers, etc.), by the type of space (men’s quarters, women’s quarters, kitchen, etc.), and by regional characteristics. It also exhibits interior decorations, flower walls, chimneys, and yards, as well as ten traditional Korean houses.
This museum operates through a guided tour (maximum of 20 people per group) only, suitable for showing Korea's housing culture that harmonizes furniture and nature. The old household items, “furniture,” are displayed in rooms outside glass storage boxes, allowing visitors to experience a beautiful traditional culture.
Since it was selected as the official luncheon venue for the spouses of leaders of 20 countries at the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit, there has been a steady stream of state guests and worldwide celebrities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, the German President, the Prime Minister of Hungary, the Prime Minister of Singapore, the King and Queen of Belgium, the King of Sweden, the head of the IMF, and movie stars Brad Pitt, and Victoria Beckham.

In addition, it was selected as the "most beautiful museum in Seoul” by CNN in 2011. The museum also served as an interview location for BTS members, who are receiving global attention. As such, it is attracting attention as a representative tourist destination in Seoul and a cultural space preferred by government ministries and companies. Tours require reservations, which can be made through the website.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

9.3Km    2023-01-16

279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

The National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government was established to shine a light on the proud history of the Korean Provisional Government's independence and the spirit of a democratic republic and to pass it on to future generations. The four-story memorial building with three underground floors houses three permanent exhibits, one special exhibit, Larchiveum, Symbol Plaza, storage, multi-purpose hall, and rooftop garden over a total area of 3,656 square meters, a total floor area of 9,703 square meters and a total exhibition space of 2,240 square meters. The permanent exhibits consist of a series of historic events from the March 1st Movement, which served as a turning point for the formation of the Provisional Government, to the foundation of the Korean Government that succeeded the mantle of the provisional government, while the special exhibit on the 1st floor currently hosts a special opening exhibition under the title of 『The Return of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea』. Moreover, a symbolic wall installation under the theme of "Waves of History" is displayed in the outdoor plaza on the 1st floor of the memorial expressing the Provisional Government’s desire for independence and the dynamics of the past, present, and future of Korea.

Runner Station at Yeouinaru Station (여의나루역 러너스테이션)

9.3Km    2025-11-06

343 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

With Seoul’s skyscrapers and the scenic Hangang River, Yeouido has become the top destination for Korean runners. In response to the growing popularity of running along the Hangang among the MZ generation, Yeouinaru Station introduced Runner Station, equipped with essentials like lockers and media boards displaying popular running routes. Wrap up your day with a refreshing run in Yeouido.

Cheonggyesan Mountain (청계산)

9.3Km    2024-03-20

Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Standing at 618 meters above sea level, Cheonggyesan Mountain boarders the area of Yangjae-dong, Seoul and Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, and Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul's city center and Gyeonggi-do. The mountain is well-maintained with various hiking trails, making it easy to climb even for beginners. In the fall, the mountain is known for its stunning fall foliage, attracting numerous visitors.