Healing Found Amid the Building Forest of Gangnam

Right in the middle of Seoul's Gangnam district lies a quiet forest around Seolleung. Seolleung and Jeongneung, thick with pine trees, offer stillness and healing. The spacious front courtyard and main hall of Bongeunsa Temple are also a place to feel a moment of peace amid Gangnam's concrete bustle. After that, enjoy the stylish, sensory city atmosphere of the fashionable Garosu-gil.

Along the way

1. 1
   Seolleung and Jeongneung, Seoul [UNESCO World Heritage]

   서울 선릉과 정릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산]

   Seolleung holds the tombs of King Seongjong, the ninth king of Joseon, and his second queen consort, Queen Jeonghyeon of the Yun clan, while Jeongneung holds the tomb of King Jungjong, the eleventh king. Seonjeongneung, designated Historic Site No. 199, sits in the middle of the city yet remains relatively little known and quiet, making it a pleasant place for a peaceful stroll. The wire fences that once surrounded the royal tombs have been removed, and in the wooded sections an old-style stone wall was built to form a stone-walled path. MoreLess

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2. 2

   Bongeunsa Temple

   봉은사

   Located north of COEX (Convention & Exhibition Center), Bongeunsa was founded in the 10th year of Silla King Wonseong's reign (794) by State Preceptor Yeonhoe and was originally called Gyeonseongsa. In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon, King Seongjong's second queen, greatly rebuilt the temple, which stood east of King Seongjong's tomb (Seolleung), and renamed it Bongeunsa. It originally stood about 1km southwest, near Seolleung, and was relocated during the reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon under the monk Bou. The Panjeon hall, which bears a wooden signboard written by Kim Jeong-hui (pen name Chusa), houses 3,479 woodblocks of 13 Buddhist scriptures, including the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Diamond Sutra. MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Sinsa Garosu-gil

   신사 가로수길

   A two-lane ginkgo-tree-lined street running from Sinsa Station on Line 3 to the front of Apgujeong Hyundai High School. Known as the "artists' street," Sinsa-dong's Garosu-gil is lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and designer clothing boutiques that give it an exotic atmosphere. In autumn especially, many visitors come to see the street's falling leaves. After gaining popularity by word of mouth among young people, the street has also appeared as a backdrop in films. MoreLess

   

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