Seoul Hidden Gems: 4 Quiet Walks Off the Tourist Trail

Tree-lined path at Seoul National Cemetery, near Sangdo-dong in Seoul

A pine forest trail, King Jeongjo's Han River pavilion and quiet cherry blossoms: four hidden gems in Seoul, all close to Maison Sangdo in Sangdo-dong.

Most visitors to Seoul spend their days in Myeongdong, Hongdae and Gangnam. But some of the city's best hours are quieter: a pine forest in the middle of the city, a king's pavilion above the Han River, cherry blossoms in a hushed memorial park. These four walks are all close to Maison Sangdo, our home stay three minutes from Sangdo Station (Line 7), and they're the ones we send our own guests on.

1. Seodalsan: a pine forest in the middle of Seoul

Seodalsan forest trail, illustration

Seodalsan is a gentle 179-metre hill linking Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-dong and Sadang-dong. Its slopes are covered in Korean pine, and near the eco-bridge the air smells like a real forest.

  • Barrier-free deck trail: a 463 m wooden boardwalk with a gentle slope. Easy for strollers, wheelchairs and slow mornings.
  • Seodalsan Forest Library: a small library in the woods. Borrow a book and find a bench.
  • Dalmasa Temple: a small temple near the ridge with views over the Han River and Namsan. Open 08:00–17:00, free.
  • The hill is part of the Dongjak Chunghyo-gil, a 25 km walking route in seven courses.

From Maison Sangdo: 15–20 minutes on foot to the forest library, about 25 minutes to Dalmasa. The nearest station is Soongsil University (Line 7). It's uphill, so wear comfortable shoes.

2. Yongyangbongjeojeong: a royal pavilion with a Han River view

Yongyangbongjeojeong Pavilion
Yongyangbongjeojeong Pavilion · Photo: Cultural Heritage Administration (문화재청), KOGL Type 1

King Jeongjo built this pavilion between 1789 and 1791 as a resting place on his journeys to his father's tomb, stopping here after crossing the Han River. The name means "the dragon leaps and the phoenix soars". It is Seoul Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 6, and few tourists know it.

Above the pavilion, Yongyangbongjeojeong Park (opened 2021) has a Sky Observatory with a wide view of the Han River, Yeouido, Namsan and Yongsan. After dark the sculptures light up and the bridges glow on the water. Open all year, free.

From Maison Sangdo: a 20–25 minute walk or a short bus ride. By subway, Nodeul Station (Line 9), Exit 3.

Tip: Come in the late afternoon, then continue to Nodeul Island for the sunset and dinner at Noryangjin. See our Noryangjin Fish Market & Nodeul Island guide.

3. Seoul National Cemetery: weeping cherry blossoms without the crowds

Seoul National Cemetery
Seoul National Cemetery · Photo: Jordi Sanchez Teruel, CC BY-SA 2.0

Founded in 1955, the Seoul National Cemetery covers 1.43 km² of wooded hills. It is a place of remembrance, so please keep voices low. It is also one of the calmest green spaces in Seoul.

In spring, weeping cherry trees bloom around Gyeoreol Plaza, between the main gate and the Memorial Tower, usually in early to mid April (dates vary each year). It's one of the less crowded cherry blossom spots in Seoul. In autumn the hills turn red and gold.

  • Open daily 06:00–18:00, free.

From Maison Sangdo: about 20–25 minutes by bus or subway. Dongjak Station (Line 4 Exit 2 or 4, Line 9 Exit 8), then about 4 minutes on foot.

4. Chung-Ang and Soongsil University: leafy campus strolls

Chung-Ang University in spring
Chung-Ang University in spring · Photo: Raccoon Dog, CC BY 4.0

Two universities sit on either side of Sangdo-dong. Their campuses make easy, leafy walks, with student cafés and bakeries along the way.

  • Chung-Ang University (Seoul Campus): 84 Heukseok-ro, near Heukseok Station (Line 9). 12–15 minutes from Maison Sangdo on hilly streets. Azaleas in spring.
  • Soongsil University: 369 Sangdo-ro, at Soongsil University Station (Line 7), one stop from Sangdo, or about 15 minutes on foot.

Soongsil University
Soongsil University · Photo: Benlikeshotchocolate, CC BY-SA 4.0

Campuses are places of study, so please be mindful during term time.

A slow day in Sangdo

Morning on the Seodalsan forest trail. Lunch at one of our neighbourhood favourites. Late afternoon at Yongyangbongjeojeong. Sunset on Nodeul Island. Then back to Maison Sangdo for a quiet evening in.

FAQ

Are these walks good for families?
Yes. The Seodalsan deck trail has a gentle slope and works with strollers, and the campuses are flat in places.

When is the best season?
Spring for cherry blossoms and azaleas, autumn for the colours. The forest trails are pleasant all year.

Can I do all four in one day?
Yes, if you start early. Seodalsan and the campuses are walkable from Maison Sangdo. Yongyangbongjeojeong and the National Cemetery are a short bus ride away.

Stay close: Maison Sangdo

Maison Sangdo is a small home stay in Sangdo-dong, three minutes on foot from Sangdo Station (Line 7), with easy rides to Gangnam, Yeouido and the Express Bus Terminal.

Maison Sangdo II
Maison Sangdo II

  • Maison Sangdo I: warm, deep-orange tones and a European retro mood. For couples, friends and slow stays.
  • Maison Sangdo II: bright, white and full of soft light. Pet-friendly, with a welcome kit for your dog.
  • Both have a home-café kitchen, a De'Longhi coffee machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, self check-in and one free private parking space. Each sleeps 2–4 guests.
  • From Incheon Airport: about 60 minutes by Airport Limousine Bus 6019.

Why stay in Sangdo? Read Where to Stay in Seoul Like a Local.

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Information as of October 2026. Hours may change, so please check Naver Map or Kakao Map before you go. In Korea, they give more accurate walking directions than Google Maps.

Photo credits

Illustrations by Maison Sangdo.