[One Day Walk] A Large Park in the Heart of the City... Goseok Terminal 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.

Today's walking course heads to the Express Bus Terminal Station in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The station was named after the Seoul Express Bus Terminal was relocated from Gangbuk in 1976. It is a transfer station served by Lines 3, 7, and 9, connecting Seoul with various regions nationwide, and is a major transportation hub in Gangnam with many key facilities and attractions nearby. Among them is Seoripul Park, boasting a vast area of over 500,000㎡. Today's walking course starts from Express Bus Terminal Station and tours around Seoripul Park.

The walking course begins at Exit 3 of Express Bus Terminal Station, crossing a pedestrian overpass and entering Seoripul Park via Nue Bridge. Seoripul Park is a green space in the heart of Gangnam, covering an area of 540,000㎡. Since 2009, Nue Bridge has connected the interrupted pedestrian path from Banpo-ro. The bridge was inspired by the nearby Jamwon-dong area’s history of sericulture and features a unique design resembling the inside of a silkworm cocoon.

After crossing Nue Bridge, the route leads to the National Library of Korea and Montmartre Park. Opened in 1945, the National Library of Korea moved to its current location in 1988. Comprising the main building, digital library, and children and youth library, it offers access to major books and publications published in Korea. It is a complex cultural space where various book-related events, exhibitions, and viewings are held. Montmartre Park was created on the site of Banpo Reservoir, a hill adjacent to Seorae Village, and was established to commemorate diplomatic relations between Korea and France.

Passing through Seoripul Bridge from Montmartre Park, you enter the eastern part of Seoripul Park. Crossing this area toward Bangbae Station leads to the tomb of Prince Hyoryeong, the second son of King Taejong of Joseon and elder brother of King Sejong. The official name of this site is Cheonggwonsa Bumyo, consisting of two buildings and one tomb. The Hyoryeong Prince Tomb was designated as Seoul City Tangible Cultural Property No. 12 in 1972.

The final destination is Seorae Village, also known as "France in Seoul." Named because the stream in front of the village meanders gently, Seorae Village became a residential area for French expatriates after the French School in Korea relocated here in 1985. Other foreign nationals from various countries have also chosen Seorae Village as their residence, highlighting its exotic charm. Today, with its quaint village scenery, cafes, and bakeries, it has become a popular spot where visitors can experience a European atmosphere in Seoul.