Suseongdong Valley in Seochon: A Perfect Summer Date Spot
I visited Suseongdong Valley in Seochon, where you can escape the summer heat in a cool valley. I always saw it on the bus route map when I took the No. 9 village bus, but I was surprised to find it so close. It's the perfect spot for a Seochon date or outing, as you can enjoy nature and heal in the middle of the city.
Suseongdong Valley is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the No. 9 village bus from Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and get off at the last stop, Suseongdong Valley, which is only a 1-minute walk away. It's also about a 25-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, making it a pleasant stroll for those who enjoy walking or are visiting the Tongin Market area.
Located at the foot of Inwang Mountain in Jongno-gu, Suseongdong Valley allows you to enjoy the beautiful nature in the heart of the city. It's easily accessible by public transportation, making it a great place for anyone visiting Seochon. Especially in the hot summer, the cool water of the valley is enough to make the heat disappear, making it a popular summer retreat.
Suseongdong Valley is so beautiful that it appears in the 'Jangdong Palgyeongcheop' Suseongdong painting by the artist Gyeomjae. Although it's only a few minutes' walk from the valley to the streets lined with shops and restaurants in Seochon, you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing atmosphere here.
Standing at the entrance of the valley, you'll notice a stone bridge. This is Girin Bridge, made of long stones, which was originally located in the house of Prince Anpyeong during the Joseon Dynasty. It is protected as a Seoul Metropolitan Government monument, so you cannot walk on the bridge, but it blends well with the surrounding scenery and is a popular photo spot.
I expected a lot of water in the valley, but perhaps because there hasn't been much rain this year, there wasn't as much water as I thought. However, it was so clear and clean that I saw some people enjoying the coolness by dipping their feet in the water.
There were so many large and small rocks and stones that I wondered how people could go down, but if you look around carefully, you'll find a path leading down. I sat near the water for a while. However, you don't necessarily have to go down to the valley; it's perfectly fine to just take a walk along the trail.
There is a pavilion in the middle of the valley, which seems to blend in well with the surroundings. It was a scene that made me want to recite a poem. Haha.
Even though the weather was over 30 degrees Celsius, the surrounding green trees and cool valley water made it so refreshing that I didn't need an air conditioner.
While some people were enjoying dates while exploring Suseongdong Valley, many others were walking along the Inwangsan Dulle-gil trail and visiting nearby attractions such as Moomudae, Choso Book Cafe, and Cheongun Library. I injured my leg slightly while going down to the valley, so I only looked around the valley this time, but if I have time in the fall, I would like to explore the entire area.
As I walked up the trail, I found an observatory rest area. I was curious to see what kind of scenery would unfold, and when I arrived, it was full of trees. I could see Inwang Mountain along with the scenery of Gwanghwamun and Jongno.
Another attraction of Suseongdong Valley is the remnants of the Okin Model Apartment. In 1971, 9 buildings with 308 households were built here, blocking the natural scenery of Inwang Mountain. It was demolished and restored to its original state. Now, a part of the 7th apartment building from that time is left to serve as a reminder of the errors caused by reckless development in the past.
I had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature at Suseongdong Valley in Seochon. Next time, I'm thinking of walking along the Inwangsan Jarak-gil trail and falling in love with its other charms.
Suseongdong Valley, 185-3 Okin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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