[One Day Walk] Bulgwangcheon Attractions and a Warm Bowl of Gamjatguk... Jeungsan Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is not only a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely with, but also an important point for daily walking. We introduce pleasant walking spots around subway stations.

The course introduced this time is Jeungsan Station on Seoul Subway Line 6. Jeungsan-dong is known to have originated from the old place name 'Sirumoe.' The mountain behind the village, Banhongsan, is said to resemble an overturned siru (a traditional Korean steamer), hence the name. An interesting anecdote tells that the character for 'Jeung' in Jeungsan was originally the siru character 甑, but since the siru has an open bottom and wealth could not accumulate, local natives petitioned King Gojong, and around the time of the Gabo Reform, it was changed to the silk character 繒.

This area embraces Bulgwangcheon, one of Seoul's tributary streams flowing into the Han River, allowing for comfortable walks anytime. About 200 meters down from Exit 2 of Jeungsan Station is 'Haedamneun Bridge,' one of Seoul's excellent scenic viewpoints. From the central viewing point of the bridge, you can see the 11 peaks of Bukhansan, and pedestrian and bicycle paths are well equipped. It is especially famous for its night view; when the night lighting is turned on, it boasts splendid lights reminiscent of a rainbow.

While enjoying a stroll along Bulgwangcheon is delightful, heading towards Jeungsan Sports Park to enjoy the Banhongsan-Bongsan course is also recommended. This is part of the Eunpyeong Dullegil trail, and Banhongsan is the place from which the name Jeungsan originated, as explained earlier. The terrain is not too rugged but not entirely gentle either, making it suitable for exercise walks. On the way up the mountain, you can find the Banhongsan well site, known to have never dried up for over 500 years. Until the early 1990s, during mountain spirit rituals, this well was used to wash rice and served as drinking water for local residents. Although development and environmental pollution have made it unsuitable for drinking water now, the presence of a well in the middle of the mountain offers a unique feeling.

Eungam-dong Gamjatuk Street. [Image source=Korea Tourism Organization]

After descending Banhongsan and walking a little along Bulgwangcheon, you will find the Eungam Gamja-guk Street on the right. Located within Daerim Market, this is one of Seoul's representative food alleys. It originated in the 1980s from pork backbone byproducts from Majang-dong, boiled with outer leaves and potatoes. It is commonly called Gamjatang (pork bone soup), but here it is uniquely called Gamja-guk (potato soup) to emphasize that it is an affordable dish enjoyed by everyone. Numerous specialty restaurants line the street, ensuring no disappointment wherever you choose to eat. After walking, soothing your hunger with warm Gamja-guk would be a great choice.

Main Route: Jeungsan Station - Haedamneun Bridge - Jeungsan Sports Park - Banhongsan - Bulgwangcheon - Eungam-dong Gamja-guk Street

Course Distance: 3.0 km Time Required: 50 minutes