Doseonsa Temple (도선사)

0m 24664 2020-03-30

504, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Doseonsa Temple was established 1,100 years ago during the latter part of the Silla Kingdom when the renowned Buddhist priest Doseonguksa was traveling through the mountains. After visiting the site, Doseonguksa made a prophecy that led to the construction of the temple. According to legend, he used only his walking stick to carve the large Bodhisattva that sits at the temple. Interestingly enough, the statue does not show any evidence of chisel marks, further adding to the mystery of how the statue was made.

During the 7th year of King Gwangmu of the Joseon dynasty, Doseonsa Temple was officially named the representative temple of Korea with the purpose of promoting Cheongdamdaejongsa's Korean Buddhism movement, aiming at a religious revival. Due to these special circumstances Deseonsa Temple gained a high reputation and much recognition, which have held strong to this day.

Inside the temple, visitors can view the remains and written works of Cheongdamdaejongsa in the Cheongdamdaejongsa Memorial Hall. Next to the road leading to Cheonbuljeon Hall is a pond where you can toss a coin and make a wish and just past Yongammun Gate is a hiking path connecting Baegundae Cliff and Insubong Peak. Inside the Ksitigarbha Hall are portraits of President Park Chung-hee, Yuk Yeong-su, and Hyundai Chairman Chung Ju-yung. In front of the hall is a tree that is said to have been planted by a Buddhist priest who brought it from India 200 years ago. Historical artifacts can be found throughout the temple.

Samgaksan Mountain (삼각산)

350.7993131503717m 28114 2024-03-20

Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Samgaksan Mountain is a mountain situated on the northern outskirts of Seoul, resembling a folding screen. Its name, meaning triangular mountain, is derived from the presence of three high peaks: Baegundae Peak, Insubong Peak, and Mangyeongdae Overlook. The highest peak, Baegundae Peak, offers a panoramic view of Seoul from its summit, featuring a spacious rock surface where many visitors can sit. Positioned behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, the palace of the Joseon dynasty, Samgaksan Mountain is visible from the rear of the Cheong Wa Dae.

Bukhansanseong Fortress (북한산성)

1.8 Km 37480 2020-03-26

375, Daeseomun-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-968-5325

First built in 132 during the Baekje era (18 BC-AD 660) under King Gaeru's reign, Bukhansanseong Fortress was the northernmost fortress that protected Baekje from Goguryeo's forces. In the year 475, the fortress fell in the hands of Gogyuryeo after a fierce battle. As a result, King Gaeru was killed and Baekje's princess fled to Ungjinseong Fortress. Despite the fortress' collapse and reconstructions, Bukhansanseong Fortress continued to play an important role in protecting the capital city throughout Korea's history of war.

April 19th National Cemetery (국립4.19민주묘지)

1.9 Km 11055 2023-01-02

17, 4.19-ro 8-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-996-0419

Located at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the April 19th National Cemetery was established in memory of the 224 people who lost their lives during the 4.19 Revolution in 1960. The cemetery features a memorial hall and a traditional wooden structure that houses the grave of the historic figure Yu Yeongbong.

At the cemetery is a pond surrounded by sculptures such as "Symbolic Door," "Roots of Democracy," and "Sparks of Justice" and a memorial tower bearing an inscription for the brave patriots who lost their lives during the revolution. Groves of pine, juniper, yew, and maple trees and the well-kept hiking path add a natural charm to the overwhelming ambiance of peace and serenity. Many people visit to see the spring blossoms in May, and throughout the year to take in the glorious scene of the sunset over Bukhansan Mountain.

Seoul Hiking Tourism Center - Bukhansan Branch (서울도심등산관광센터(북한산))

2.0 Km 1 2024-03-05

5F, 181-7 Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-1533-2608

The Seoul Hiking Tourism Center is located 5 minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Bukhansan Ui Station and provides various services to hikers. It provides hiking course guidance and information (available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese) about the mountains of Seoul, including Bukhansan, Bugaksan, and Inwangsan Mountains, as well as promotional materials such as Seoul hiking tourism guidebooks and maps. Also, it operates hiking tour programs with various themes every week for foreigners and offers hiking gear rental services such as hiking boots, hiking attire, trekking poles, gloves, and crampons for foreigners. (Koreans accompanied by foreigners can also rent the gear.) In addition, there is a storage locker and lounge for visitors, so they can pack up and rest before hiking.

Bukhansan Dulle Trail Section 1 ([북한산 둘레길] 1 소나무숲길 )

2.2 Km 30406 2024-01-04

12 Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Bukhansan Mountain is a mountain representing Seoul, which 5 million people visit every year. It is not easy to hike up to the top, but the dulle trail allows one to enjoy the beauty of the mountain without too much effort. Bukhansan Dulle Trail is a low-lying, horizontal walking trail created by connecting and refining existing side paths, allowing for a leisurely walk along the foot of the mountain. The Pine Forest Trail, one section of the trail consisting of 21 themes, is 2.9 kilometers long from the entrance to Uiryeong Trail to the top of Solbat Neighborhood Park. It is filled with majestic pine trees, and the road is wide and gentle, making it a perfect place to enjoy a walk. Most of the section is shaded by trees, so visitors can feel cool while walking up even on hot summer days.

Ssesse (쎄쎄)

2.2 Km 102 2021-03-29

532, Samyang-ro, Dobong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-908-5640

It is a Chinese-run store. The best menu at this restaurant is sweet and sour pork. This Chinese (cuisine) restaurant is located in Dobong-gu, Seoul.

Uidonggyegok Valley (우이동계곡)

2.4 Km 56245 2021-06-09

Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-909-0497

Uidonggyegok Valley is located between Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain, and is a popular retreat for locals. Near the entrance to the valley are accommodations, a playground, wedding hall, and other amenities. Clean water runs through the valley, and is lined with restaurants. The hiking path starting to the left of the valley entrance passes Doseonsa Temple on the way to Insubong Peak. The hiking path through the valley is quite difficult, but leads to Uiam Hermitage, and further to Dobongsan Mountain along the ridge. Additional temples in the area include Seongbulsa, Yongdeoksa, Seonunsa, and Gwangmyeongsa Temples.

Wondangsaem Park (원당샘공원)

3.0 Km 0 2024-02-15

16 Haedeung-ro 32ga-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul

Wondangsaem Pond is named after the Wondang village, where the Yun family settled about 600 years ago. It is a park that harmoniously blends a traditional pond with a Hall of Rejoicing Pavilion called Samojeong, a wall fall, and a floral wall. During autumn, the golden foliage of an 800-year-old ginkgo tree enriches the surroundings, and a deck path around the tree offers a delightful stroll.

Seoul Hwagyesa Temple (화계사(서울))

3.0 Km 30453 2021-11-02

117, Hwagyesa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-902-2663

Hwagyesa Temple was built in 1522 (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. It was rebuilt the following year, and expanded In 1866 through the efforts of Monks Yongseon and Beomun.
The temple also has various templestay programs for visitors. Hwagyesa Temple is located not too far from the city but also provides a natural environment.

Doseonsa Temple (도선사) - Area information - Korea travel information