A Record of a Peaceful Afternoon in Waryong Park (Waryong-gongwon), a Hidden Forest in Seoul

Walking Through a Quiet Forest Beyond Seoul's Fortress Wall

As the afternoon sunlight tilted, I suddenly felt the urge to leave the busy city center and made my way to Waryong Park (Waryong-gongwon) at the edge of Jongno. Located at 192 Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, this is a space where Samcheong Neighborhood Park (Samcheong Geunrin-gongwon) and Bugaksan Mountain Urban Nature Park (Bugaksan Dosi-jayeon-gongwon) meet, acting like the giant green lungs of Seoul. As soon as I entered the entrance, the earthy scent and the refreshing smell of leaves hit me, instantly melting away my tension.

It is said that Waryong Park (Waryong-gongwon) was initially a barren land. It was an environment where it was difficult for trees to grow due to shallow soil, but the story goes that local residents rolled up their sleeves and participated in planting 'ten million trees of life' to cultivate the lush forest we see today. Perhaps that is why I felt the warmth of people in every tree and blade of grass planted throughout the park. Walking to the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, my mind felt calmly organized.

A Walking Path to Feel the Flow of Seasons

What makes this place truly attractive is the natural scenery that changes colors with each season. In spring, the yellow hue of Cornelian cherry (Sansuyu) flowers greets you first, followed by plum blossoms (Maehwa), royal azaleas (Jindallae), and forsythia (Gaenari) blooming in abundance, turning the entire park into a brilliant flower festival. In summer, the deep green foliage blocks the hot sun, providing cool shade, and in autumn, the colorful foliage creates a romantic atmosphere along the fortress wall path.

As you walk along the park path, the Seoul City Wall (Seoul Seonggwak) stretches out long. Brushing your fingertips lightly against the rough stone texture of the old fortress walls, you feel a peculiar sense of emotion, as if you have boarded a time machine and are traveling between the past and the present. It has a gradient perfect for walking slowly with family, so I recommend visiting on a weekend morning or at sunset to walk while enjoying the breeze.

Small Tips for Visiting Waryong Park (Waryong-gongwon)

To properly enjoy Waryong Park (Waryong-gongwon), choose a course that starts from the Samcheong-dong side using public transportation. The climb up the hill can be a bit breathless, but the view of downtown Seoul looking down from the park is beautiful enough to make you forget the effort. Comfortable shoes are a must. Since the path is a mix of stone stairs and dirt roads, sneakers that support your ankles are best.

After exploring this place, it is nice to head down to the Samcheong-dong Café Street for a warm cup of tea or plan a leisurely route to Bukchon Hanok Village. Jeongdok Public Library (Jeongdok Doseogwan) and the National Folk Museum of Korea (Gungnip Minsok Bangmulgwan) are also very close by, making it perfect for a day trip. Rather than during peak hours, visiting in the early morning as the sun rises or on a weekday afternoon as the sunset falls will allow you to fully enjoy your own time of contemplation.