[One Day Walk] The Historic Path Embracing Gwanaksan... Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Trail

These days, with the warm weather continuing, there is a path where you can feel history as you walk. It is the ‘Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road’ located in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. The ‘Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road’ is a 3.05 km tour course connecting famous spots in Gwanak-gu, including the Nakseongdae area, the birthplace of the renowned Goryeo general Gang Gam-chan. Walking along the path, you can find interesting sights such as the site of Gang Gam-chan’s birthplace, Nakseongdae Park, a traditional outdoor small theater, and a science exhibition hall.

Exiting from Exit 4 of Nakseongdae Station on Subway Line 2 and walking along, you will encounter the ‘Gang Gam-chan Birthplace Site’ called Nakseongdae (落星臺). Previously, there was a three-story pagoda in the style of a saritap to mark his birthplace, but now a commemorative monument stands to indicate its historical significance. An interesting story is passed down that on the day Gang Gam-chan was born, a large star fell from the sky, hence the birthplace site was named ‘Nakseongdae (Falling Star Platform).’ It was designated as a Seoul Metropolitan City monument on August 21, 1974, reflecting its great historical importance. Continuing to follow the spring breeze, you will reach Nakseongdae Park, where a bronze equestrian statue of General Gang Gam-chan welcomes visitors.

Bronze Equestrian Statue of General Gang Gam-chan located in Nakseongdae Park
[Photo by Gwanak-gu Office]

Nakseongdae Park, located close to the Gang Gam-chan birthplace site, features the shrine ‘Anguksa’ dedicated to General Gang Gam-chan and the ‘Gang Gam-chan Exhibition Hall’ displaying his biography and achievements, making it a great place to enrich your historical knowledge and take a journey into the past. Additionally, there is the ‘Traditional Outdoor Small Theater,’ a tourist attraction in Gwanak that recreates and showcases Korea’s unique traditional culture and customs.

The Traditional Outdoor Small Theater hosts traditional wedding ceremonies. These had been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 and cold weather but have resumed operations after spring reorganization. If you are lucky, you may experience the special sight of a traditional wedding ceremony accompanied by lively pungmul (traditional Korean folk music and dance). If you are with children, it is also good to visit the ‘Seoul Metropolitan Science Exhibition Hall,’ located at the innermost part of the Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road. By making a reservation on the online homepage, you can enjoy experiential programs guided by professional instructors, such as science play zones, ecological experience learning centers, and Saturday family ecological environment classes.

A traditional wedding ceremony is being held at the traditional outdoor small theater.
[Photo by Gwanak-gu Office]

As you finish at the Science Exhibition Hall and head back, the sunny trees and flowers bid you farewell. This path, harmonized with nature, is a favorite spot for Gwanaksan hikers, residents, and Seoul National University students. Walking here, you can feel your mind being purified by the clean air of Gwanaksan.

After enjoying the beautiful sights, you cannot miss the delicious food. At the end of the Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road tour, you will find ‘Syarosu-gil,’ a street with many diverse restaurants and unique cafes. Filling your hungry stomach with tasty food after a long walk will make the Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road tour even more enjoyable. In these days filled with warm sunshine and the scent of spring, how about taking a trip into history by walking the ‘Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road’ with your family, lover, or friends?

Gang Gam-chan 10-ri Road Course [Provided by Gwanak-gu Office]

Main stops: Nakseongdae Station - Gang Gam-chan Birthplace Site - Nakseongdae Park - Anguksa - Gang Gam-chan Exhibition Hall - Science Exhibition Hall

Course distance: 3.05 km Estimated time: 41 minutes