Recommended Tourist Destinations Considering COVID-19... Relaxation Enjoyed in the City According to Themes
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seongsu) has introduced the ‘Top 3 Untact Tourist Attractions’ where people can safely enjoy relaxation in the city despite the COVID-19 situation.
On the 10th, the district announced that amid concerns about traveling far due to the prolonged rainy season and COVID-19, it selected three tourist destinations in Songpa, a representative urban area of Seoul, where visitors can enjoy leisure and safety according to three themes.
A total of five tourist sites were selected: ▲ Mongchontoseong Fortress and Olympic Park ▲ Songpa Dullegil Trail ▲ Songpa Book Museum and the cultural experimental space ‘Hosoo’. The selection considered criteria such as ▲ outdoor tourist sites ▲ lesser-known tourist spots ▲ tourist sites practicing social distancing by limiting the number of visitors.
◇ Urban Retreats in Nature: ‘Mongchontoseong Fortress’ and ‘Olympic Park’
‘Mongchontoseong Fortress’ is one of the important early Baekje fortresses made by utilizing natural terrain. It was also listed in July among the ‘Top 100 Untact Tourist Attractions’ selected by the Korea Tourism Organization. It is the only one in Seoul’s Gangnam 3 districts. A walking trail about 2.7 km long is established, making it perfect for quiet contemplation and walking. Located within Olympic Park, it is also ideal for family outings.
‘Olympic Park’ is one of the largest parks nationwide and is famous for its harmonious blend with nature, including the ‘Solo Tree’. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the scenery by using the Hodori train and bicycles operated within the park.
◇ Seoul’s Only Waterside Walking Trail, ‘Songpa Dullegil’
‘Songpa Dullegil’ is Seoul’s only waterside walking trail utilizing ‘waterways’. The course follows four waterways flowing along the outskirts of Songpa-gu: Seongnaecheon Stream, Jangjicheon Stream, Tancheon Stream, and the Han River. It is a 21 km circular trail with no fixed start or end points, allowing easy access from anywhere in Songpa-gu. Each course connects waterways, forest paths, cultural spaces, as well as popular eateries such as Bangi Matgol, Songridan-gil, and Garak Market, offering a variety of food experiences. Since June, a program has been operating where visitors can choose sections to explore with a guide. It is conducted in small groups every Saturday and Sunday through prior reservation.
◇ Healing the Mind with Culture! ‘Songpa Book Museum’ and ‘Cultural Experimental Space, Hosoo’
For those seeking cultural relaxation, ‘Songpa Book Museum’ and the cultural experimental space ‘Hosoo’ are recommended.
Songpa Book Museum, located near Seokchon Market, is Korea’s first book-themed museum. The special exhibition ‘Songbook, Singing the Era’, which covers 100 years of Korean popular music history, runs until August 31.
At the cultural experimental space ‘Hosoo’ near Seokchon Lake, visitors can experience the unique exhibition from Songpa Book Museum’s first traveling exhibition. Titled ‘Independent Publishing, New Tastes of Books’, it showcases the recent trends in independent publishing and related books at a glance. There is also a hands-on corner for making bookmarks. Both places are free of charge. Considering the COVID-19 situation, the number of visitors is limited to 50, so visitors should check admission availability before visiting.
Park Seongsu, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “Due to COVID-19, short-distance small trips are gaining attention,” and added, “This summer, through Songpa’s untact tourist attractions, we will do our best to provide diverse content and ensure safety management so that many citizens can recharge their tired bodies and minds.”
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