How long does it take to walk the Seochon Village route?

The full walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on your pace. This includes time to browse Tongin Market and visit the small museums along the way.

Is the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail difficult to hike?

No, it is considered an easy to moderate walk because of its 'barrier-free' wooden boardwalk. While there is an elevation gain, the incline is gentle and accessible for most fitness levels.

Can I visit Dae-o Bookstore without buying anything?

Dae-o Bookstore now operates as a cafe, so visitors are generally expected to purchase a drink to explore the interior. It is a private heritage site that relies on these sales for maintenance.

What is the best time to visit Tongin Market?

The best time is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM if you want to experience the traditional brass coin lunchbox cafe. Many stalls begin to close by late afternoon.

Is Seochon better than Bukchon Hanok Village?

Seochon is often preferred by those seeking a more 'local' and less crowded experience. While Bukchon is more iconic for its architecture, Seochon offers a deeper connection to Seoul's modern art and literary scenes.

Are the museums in Seochon free?

Lee Sang's House is generally free to enter, while the Park No-soo Museum requires a small admission fee (usually around 2,000-3,000 KRW). Prices are subject to change.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Yes, kids usually enjoy the coin system at Tongin Market and the easy boardwalk at Ansan Jarak-gil. However, be mindful of cars in the narrow alleys of Seochon.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Nestled just west of the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the neighborhood of Seochon offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into Seoul's soul. Known as the 'West Village,' this area has long served as a sanctuary for royalty, scholars, and later, the avant-garde artists and poets who defined modern Korean culture. This self-guided walk invites you to wander through a labyrinth of narrow alleys where traditional Hanok houses stand alongside trendy galleries and nostalgic storefronts. Unlike the more commercialized Bukchon, Seochon retains a raw, lived-in charm that rewards those who explore independently at their own pace. On this walking route, you will trace the footsteps of literary giants and master painters who found inspiration in the shadow of Inwangsan Mountain. Your journey begins at the vibrant Tongin Market, a place where history is tasted through local delicacies. From there, the path winds through the artistic heart of the district, stopping at the legendary Dae-o Bookstore, Seoul's oldest secondhand bookshop, and the minimalist memorial house of the enigmatic poet Lee Sang. As you ascend toward the mountain, the urban landscape gives way to the refined aesthetics of the Park No-soo Museum and the serene Suseongdong Valley—a landscape so beautiful it was immortalized in classic Joseon-era ink paintings. The route concludes with a refreshing stroll along the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail, a wooden boardwalk that offers a panoramic perspective of the city. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is an immersion into the creative spirit of Seoul. Whether you are a fan of Korean literature, a history buff, or simply looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, this walking tour Seoul provides the perfect blueprint for a morning or afternoon of discovery. By following this literary and artistic trail, you gain a deeper understanding of how Seoul’s past and present coexist in these quiet, stone-walled lanes.

Highlights

Sample traditional snacks at the historic Tongin Traditional Market

Visit Dae-o Bookstore, the oldest secondhand bookstore in Seoul

Explore the minimalist memorial house of avant-garde poet Lee Sang

See the former home and studio of renowned artist Park No-soo

Discover the restored Suseongdong Valley, a site of Joseon-era beauty

Walk the scenic wooden boardwalks of the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail

Tour Stops (6)

Tongin Traditional Market

Welcome to Tongin Market, a bustling hub of flavor that dates back to 1941. Originally established for local residents during the Japanese colonial period, it has evolved into a beloved culinary landmark. The market is most famous for its 'Yeopjeon Cafe' system, where you can exchange modern currency for traditional brass coins to fill a lunchbox tray with various snacks. As you walk through the covered alleyway, look for the 'oil tteokbokki'—a crispy, pan-fried version of the famous spicy rice cakes that is unique to this market. This stop perfectly captures the transition of Seochon from a traditional residential area to a vibrant cultural destination.

Dae-o Bookstore

A short walk from the market brings you to Dae-o Bookstore, a place where time seems to have stood still since 1951. As the oldest secondhand bookstore in Seoul, its weathered blue doors and cramped shelves are a testament to the city's resilience. While it now operates primarily as a cafe and cultural space, the interior remains largely unchanged, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of mid-century Korea. It gained modern fame as a filming location for K-pop star IU and various K-dramas, but its true value lies in its history as a gathering place for the neighborhood’s intellectuals and students for over seven decades.

Lee Sang's House

Step into the world of Lee Sang, one of Korea’s most influential and enigmatic avant-garde writers. This site is built on the grounds where the poet lived for twenty years. Rather than a traditional museum, it is a minimalist space designed to evoke the spirit of his experimental literature. Inside, you can find digital archives of his work and a quiet space for reflection. The soaring dark metal door at the back leads to a small 'room of silence,' reflecting the poet's complex inner world. It is a vital stop for understanding the intellectual rebellion that characterized Seochon's artistic community in the early 20th century.

Park No-soo Museum

This striking building was once the home of the late master painter Park No-soo. Built in the 1930s, the house is a fascinating architectural hybrid, blending Korean Hanok elements with Western and Chinese styles. Park lived and worked here for decades, and his delicate, vibrant ink paintings are now displayed within these walls. As you explore the rooms, notice the intricate woodwork and the beautiful garden filled with stone sculptures. The museum offers a rare look at the private life of a Korean artist who sought to modernize traditional painting techniques while maintaining a deep connection to nature.

Suseongdong Valley

As you reach the base of Inwangsan Mountain, you encounter Suseongdong Valley. For years, this scenic spot was hidden beneath a concrete apartment complex, but in 2012, the city restored it to its natural state. This very valley was the subject of a famous landscape painting by the Joseon-era master Jeong Seon. Look for the small stone bridge, Socheon-gyo, which is original to the site. The sound of the stream against the backdrop of the rugged granite peaks explains why this was a favorite retreat for the 'Jung-in'—the middle-class professionals and artists of old Seoul who sought poetic inspiration here.

Ansan Jarak-gil Trail

To conclude your journey, follow the path toward the Ansan Jarak-gil. This trail is famous for its 'barrier-free' wooden boardwalk, making the mountain accessible to everyone. As you walk through dense groves of metasequoia and pine trees, the noise of the city fades away. The trail offers breathtaking views of Seoul’s skyline, including the N Seoul Tower and the rolling ridges of the surrounding mountains. It is the perfect place to reflect on the stories of the poets and painters you’ve encountered, seeing the same heights that inspired their work while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Poets and Painters Path is ideal as it connects the literary history of Lee Sang with the artistic legacy of Park No-soo. This self-guided walk covers about 2.5 kilometers of historic alleys and natural landscapes.