Korean Job Discussion Forums

Little Laura · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Location: On the trails with my dog

A week from tomorrow I'm meeting a bunch of friends I haven't seen for awhile for an afternoon outing. We plan on going to my personal favorite outdoor place in Seoul, Bi Won/Changdoekgung (The Secret Garden at Changdoekgung.) But I'm having second thoughts because it's a guided tour...perhaps not ideal if it's a really hot day. The thought of having to stand in the sun and heat for long periods of time listening to a tour I've heard many times before suddenly sounds like not the most relaxing way to visit my friends on a summer afternoon.

Which parks/palaces in Seoul do you prefer?

Also, I liked the idea of Changdoekgung because of it being near Insadong and all those great tea houses for afterwards. So if you can also recommend a teahouse nearby - heck, we'd settle for a cool Starbucks, that would be icing on the cake (yuk, in this heat, that doesn't sound good. How about like whipped cream on the frappacino?)

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Samneung Park and Bongunsa Temple are often overlooked and both are within walking distance of the Coex Mall. the Olympic park can be nice for a walk, there's always something going on there...
And Namhansansong is also a nice walk. If you don't feel like hiking up the mountain take a bus to the top and walk around the fortress perimeter walls.

seoulsista · Joined: 31 Aug 2005

I love Seoul Grand Park. Sounds silly but the animals there are relatively well taken care of and there's lots of nice places to walk and some shade. I would definately pack a picnic if I were you the only food is the typical Korean amusement park fare.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

If you're going to Changdeokgung because of it's proximity to Insadong, why don't you just go to Gyeongbukgung instead? Still a palace, museums close by, but it isn't a guided tour. You can do it on your own time, so you're not forced to stand in the sun if you don't want to. It is within walking distance from Changdeokgung, so it is still within a close proximity to Insadong and the nice tea-houses along that strip.

endo · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul...my home

Lizara · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

Little Laura · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Location: On the trails with my dog

Thanks for the suggestions. All are being considered and discussed with the folks involved...very helpful!

Little Laura · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Location: On the trails with my dog

Endo, the Secret Garden (Biwon) is a tranquil, lovely garden tucked away on a lot of acreage at Changdeokgung.

"Biwon is a six-acre private garden in Changdeok palace, filled with woodland paths, lotus ponds, and pleasure pavilions. It was first landscaped in 1623 and served for centuries as a royal retreat. An interesting feature is the lotus pond surrounded by pavilions, one of which is cantilevered over the edge with two pillars in the water. The unusual 20-sided pavilion is unique in Korea. " from http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/seoul/biwonindex.htm

Take the orange line to Anguk. Can't remember the exit, but just look at one of the exit maps and you'll see where Changdeokgung is. You'll need to walk for about 5 minutes to get to the entrance. The thing is, they only allow guided tours, and if you want to hit the English one, it's best if you have a Korean speaking friend call or go online first to find out when the English ones are offered. It takes about an hour ...and 15 minutes? or more, can't remember. It's especially beautiful at the height of autumn foliage, or when azaleas, etc. are in bloom. But really stunning in autumn. Oh, on Thursdays it goes differently: only the first 1,000 people are allowed in, but you don't have to go on a guided tour. However, you DO have to pay a hefty entrance fee of 15,000 won. Normally it's 3,000.

I haven't had the luck of Lizara, being allowed to wander at will. I have pretty much been urged/ushered/herded along every time I've been, even when I tried to stray. I've been five times (I really do like the place!) Maybe next time I'll be luckier.

cwemory · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Location: Gunpo, Korea

Samneung Park in Gangnam. The royal tombs of two kings and a queen are there. It's completely wooded, so it's always cooler than outside the park. It's about a fifteen minute walk from COEX, so it's near plenty of coffeeshops and the like.

Take line two to Seolleung. Leve by exit 8 and follow the signs...