[One Day Walk] Reflecting Along the Cactus in the City... A Tour Around Seongbuk-dong

Today's walking course takes you to Seongbuk-dong. Walking along the back alleys of Seongbuk-dong, you can follow the footsteps of historical and cultural figures.

Citizens visiting Gilsangsa Temple in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, are enjoying the late autumn atmosphere while admiring the autumn foliage. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The starting point of the course is Gilsangsa Temple located in Seongbuk-dong. Gilsangsa was transformed from Daewongak, a high-end restaurant from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, into a temple. Gilsangsa offers programs such as temple and Buddhist experience and retreats, serving as a cultural space within the city. Especially in autumn, the beautiful fall foliage attracts many tourists. Gilsangsa is situated on the southern foothills of Samgaksan Mountain, and if walking is difficult, you can take a village bus to Gilsangsa. Village Bus No. 2 in Seongbuk connects Hansung University Entrance Station and Gilsangsa.

Next, head to Seonjam Complex, Historic Site No. 83. Seonjam Complex was a place where, during the Joseon Dynasty, the ancient Chinese emperor's empress Seo Neung-ssi was worshipped as the silkworm deity (Jamsin) and rituals were performed. At that time, weaving fabric was considered an important means of livelihood, which is why such rituals were held. In 1908, the spirit tablet was moved to Sajikdan Shrine, and now only the site remains.

Then, it is time to visit the former house of Choi Sunu. The former house of Choi Sunu is a hanok where Choi Sunu, an art historian and former director of the National Museum of Korea, lived until his death in 1984. Choi Sunu, who had an eye for Korean aesthetics, is said to have tried to embody Korean beauty in this house. Later, Choi Sunu's daughter lived there until the Korean National Trust purchased it with citizen donations in 2002, after which it was repaired and restored and opened to the public in April 2004. The main hall and the guest room of the old house display Choi’s personal belongings.

Passing by the Lee Jongseok House, the course continues to Simujang. Simujang is where Manhae Han Yongun spent the last days of his life after serving prison time for the March 1st Movement. Han Yongun passed away in this house in 1944, just one year before the country's independence. Simujang has been restored to preserve Han Yongun’s room, containing his calligraphy, research papers, and prison trial records. In the yard, there are pine and juniper trees, which have been designated as beautiful trees by Seongbuk-gu. Finally, the walking course concludes at the Sangheo Lee Taejun House.