[One Day Walk] Wetland Ecosystem in Seoul Harmonizing with Nature... Ogeum 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 places around subway stations that are good for walking.

Today's course is Ogeum Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. The origin of the place name Ogeum is said to be because there were many paulownia trees here from ancient times, and people who made gayageum lived here. Another theory is that during the Byeongjahoran (Second Manchu invasion), King Injo, while fleeing to Namhansanseong, rested at Baektogojae in this area and told his officials that his calves (ogeum) were numb, after which the area was called Ogeumgol. Since long ago, it has been a densely populated residential area with widely formed natural villages, abundant greenery, and a good natural environment with Seongnaecheon stream flowing through.

If you walk a little from Ogeum Station, you will find Ogeum Park. It is a park ecologically developed on a 200m-high hill, equipped with trees, flowers, grass, and sports facilities, making it a beloved space for residents. A natural learning center has been established where over 30 species of wildflowers and 20 species of native shrubs grow, allowing visitors to observe various plants while taking a walk. Within the park, there are the Geochang Shin clan cemetery from the early Joseon period and the Munhwa Ryu clan cemetery from the mid-Joseon period, which hold historical significance.

Ogum-dong Seongnaecheon Festival held at Mulbit Square.
[Photo by Songpa District Office]

After exploring Ogeum Park, head toward Seongnaecheon. Seongnaecheon Mulbit Square is famous as a local festival spot and resting place. Every year, the Ogeum-dong Seongnaecheon Festival is held here, featuring diverse and rich events such as residents' talent shows and singing contests. If you walk a little upstream from here, you will find the Seongnaecheon water play area, popular among children. In summer, the water play area becomes a paradise for kids looking to cool off from the heat.

Rice harvesting experience at Bangi Wetland.
Photo by Songpa District Office

Walking about 1 km upstream along Seongnaecheon reveals a rare urban landscape. Bangi Wetland, an ecological landscape conservation area, is one of Seoul's representative wetlands and was once an artificial wetland where residents cultivated rice paddies. Various ecosystems coexist here, including plants like reeds, willows, and silver grass; wild birds such as egrets and herons; and fish species like the true carp and willow carp. Walking along the 400m-long deck allows you to feel one with nature. Various ecological education programs are also offered, making it a worthwhile interest for parents raising children.

Main stops: Ogeum Station - Ogeum Park - Seongnaecheon Mulbit Square - Bangi Wetland

Course distance: 2.1 km Time required: 30 minutes