[One Day Walk] From Hanseong Baekje Tumuli to Cutting-Edge Skyscrapers... Seokchon Gobun 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 Seokchon Gobun Station on Seoul Subway Line 9. Songpa-gu Seokchon-dong has various stories about the origin of its name, but the most plausible theory is that it originated from the many stone mound tombs from the Hanseong Baekje period. The name Seokchon (石村), meaning "village of stones," has been firmly established as the place name.

The Seokchon-dong Tumuli Cluster, where you can feel the breath of the Baekje people who lived in this area about 1,800 years ago, is located between Seokchon Gobun Station and Seokchon Station on Line 9, making it easy to visit from either station. Designated as Historic Site No. 243, it is estimated that there were once more than 290 tombs nearby, but most disappeared during development, and only five tombs, numbered 1 to 5, remain today. These have been restored to form the current tumuli cluster. The stone mound tombs in the cluster resemble Goguryeo-style stone mound tombs such as the Janggun Tomb, providing credible evidence supporting the historical hypothesis that Baekje was established by Goguryeo-descended refugees. Among them, the largest tomb, No. 3, is believed to be the tomb of King Geunchogo or King Geungusu, who led the golden age of Hanseong Baekje.

Seokchon-dong Tumuli Cluster No. 3 Tomb Overview
[Photo by Cultural Heritage Administration]

Walking north from the Seokchon-dong Tumuli Cluster, you will reach Seokchon Lake. Jamsil was originally an island in the middle of the Han River. Contrary to Yeouido, the southern 'Songpa River' was the main stream, and the northern 'Sincheon River' was a tributary. The old Songpa Ferry was also located on the Songpa River side. However, the situation reversed in the 1970s with the development of Gangnam. The Sincheon River was made the main stream of the Han River, and the Songpa River was reclaimed, with the remaining part becoming today's Seokchon Lake.

Seokchon Lake is divided into West Lake and East Lake by Songpa-daero. The West and East Lakes are connected in a butterfly shape, allowing you to enjoy a stroll as you please. West Lake features Songpa Naru Park and Lotte World Magic Island. During the cherry blossom season, the fully bloomed cherry blossoms create a spectacular view.

While West Lake offers traditional attractions through Lotte World and the park, East Lake provides new sights with the presence of the cutting-edge skyscraper Lotte World Tower, standing 123 floors and 555 meters tall, along with Lotte World Mall. Depending on the time, unique attractions such as the "Rubber Duck" and "Supermoon" are displayed on the lake, making it a popular spot for visitors.