[One Day Walk] Touring Soongsil University Campus and Hyeonchungwon... Soongsil University Entrance Station

[Editor's Note] The course introduction of Harumanbo is evolving. Walking several thousand steps within about an hour during your commute or lunch break can invigorate both your body and mind. The subway is not only a transportation means that anyone can easily access and travel safely but also an important point in Harumanbo. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

Today's course is Soongsil University Station. The name of Soongsil University Station on Subway Line 7 is derived from Soongsil University. The secondary name, Salpijae, refers to the hills of Sangdo-dong and Bongcheon-dong. In the past, this area was densely forested and frequented by thieves. The name was given because people were advised to "salpa" (look carefully) before crossing the pass. Soongsil University Station is a junction where several branches of Dongjak Chungyo-gil meet. It is also the start or end of Guksabong-gil. If you are looking for a walking course, this is an optimal choice. When talking about Soongsil University Station, the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery cannot be left out. It is a national sacred site that enshrines numerous patriotic spirits who sacrificed their lives defending the country. It is the resting place of former presidents, famous generals, independence activists, war casualties, student volunteer soldiers, and countless unknown heroes.

Soongsil University originated from a school established in 1897 in Pyongyang by American missionary W.M. Baird (배위량). It was named "Soongsil Hakdang" in 1901 and changed to Soongsil University in 1905, becoming Korea's first university. The Korean Christian Museum on campus houses over 7,000 Korean ethnic cultural and Korean Christian artifacts, including National Treasure No. 141, the Bronze Mirror with Multiple Knobs (Cheongdong Jangmunu Geoul), as well as Chinese Lelang relics. Passing Soongsil University and crossing the Residence Hall, near the Baegun 119 Center beside Soongsil Hospitality, there is the Seodal Mountain Ridge Trail. Seodal Mountain is named because it is located west of Dalmasa Temple. It is also called Jaeganggul Mountain due to its reddish color. This trail is part of the internal course of the Memorial Cemetery, passing through Hoguk Jijangsa Temple and connecting to the Sangdo East Gate. At the junction where Dongjak Chungyo-gil Course 1 and Course 2 meet along the Memorial Cemetery fence, the Sangdo Entrance Gate of the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery is located.

Soongsil University Campus [Asia Economy DB]

Hoguk Jijangsa Temple inside the National Memorial Cemetery was founded in 670 AD and was called Hwajangsa. Later, it became known as Joposa Temple, which made tofu used in state rituals, after the tomb of Lady Changbin An (昌嬪安氏), a concubine of the 11th Joseon King Jungjong and grandmother of the 14th King Seonjo, was placed here. In 1894, it was renamed Hoguk Jijangsa (護國地藏寺) to honor the patriotic spirits enshrined in the national cemetery. Exiting Hoguk Jijangsa leads you into the Memorial Cemetery.

Hogukjijangsa Temple [Asia Economy DB]

The Solnae Trail inside the Memorial Cemetery prohibits vehicle access. This walking path winding inside the cemetery shines especially in autumn, and there is an observatory offering a panoramic view of the cemetery grounds. In late autumn, the ginkgo tree-lined path is spectacular. After visiting the Memorial Tower, a symbol of the cemetery, you can explore the Memorial Stream, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Memorial Tablet Repository, and the Memorial Gate, which frequently appears in the media during national events. From the Memorial Cemetery, you can return to Soongsil University Station or exit at Dongjak Station, where Lines 9 and 4 intersect.