[One Day Walk] Kkachisan Park Embracing Cultural Heritage and Library... Namsung Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important point for daily walking. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

Today's course is from Namseong Station on Seoul Subway Line 7 to Sadang Station, a transfer station for Lines 2 and 4. This area is now all administratively part of Sadang-dong. Namseong Station takes its name from the old district name Namseong-dong, and Sadang-dong is named after a large shrine that used to be in the area. It is said that the current Namtaeryeong Pass area was named Namseong (南城), meaning "southern fortress," because it resembled a fortress.

The highlight of the course is Kkachisan Neighborhood Park. This place was densely wooded and had many magpies, hence it was called Kkachigogae (Magpie Hill). In 2005, the construction of the Nambu Beltway road had cut through Kkachisan and Gwanak-gil, but by the end of 2006, an arch-shaped ecological overpass was built, allowing continuous walking and hiking all the way to Gwanaksan Mountain. About 4,200 trees and eight types of ecological facilities have been established around, making it a fairly beautiful path. The gentle slope also makes it easy to walk.

Sadang Solbat Library. [Photo by Dongjak District Office]

Historical sites can also be found throughout the area. There is the Dongnae Jeong Clan Imdang Gongpa Burial Site, designated as a Seoul Metropolitan City Tangible Cultural Property. It was established in 1646 to honor the achievements of Imdang Jeong Yugil (1515?1588), a mid-Joseon Dynasty scholar-official. However, it is not open to the public during normal times. At the main gate of the burial site, there is the small and cozy Sadangsolbat Library.

Descending from Kkachisan Park leads to the Nambu Beltway. Walking toward Sadang Station, you will find the Seoul Metropolitan Namseoul Living Arts Museum on the right. This building was originally the old Belgian Consulate, built in 1905. It was constructed in Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, with one basement floor and two above-ground floors, but due to urban redevelopment, it was relocated to its current location in 1983 and restored with the help of expert committees. The old Western-style building in the heart of the city gives a unique impression.