Seoul/South

Dongjak (동작), Gwanak (관악) and Geumcheon (금천) are districts of Seoul south of the Han river.

Get in

Noryangjin metro station will get you in on both Lines 1 and 9.

• Gwanak. You can reach most parts of Gwanak-gu by subway line 2. Travelers departing from Yongsan Station can reach Dongjak-gu and Gwanak-gu using Shin Yong-san Station.
  
  Gwanak-gu is a district in southern Seoul, South Korea. It borders Dongjak-gu in the north, Seocho-gu in the east, Gwanak-mountain in the south, and borders Anyang and Gwacheon in Gyeonggi-do and Geumcheon-gu and Guro-gu in the west. The name was named after Mount Gwanak, a famous mountain in the region. (updated Sep 2019)

Get around

There are several ways to get around Gwanak. most of the signs are marked in Roman letters for the benefit of travelers.

By subway

There is one line that connects Gwanak with other cities. The subway system shuts down around 00:00, and opens again around 05:30. This is the average time of each of endpoint.

• 1 Shindaebang (신대방), Sindaebang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul. (updated Oct 2019)
• 2 Sillim Station (신림역), Seoul Sillimdong. (updated Oct 2019)
• 3 Bongcheon (봉천), Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul. (updated Oct 2019)
• 4 Seoul National University Station (서울대입구역), Bongcheon-dong, Seoul. (updated Oct 2019)
• 5 Nakseongdae Station (낙성대역), Bongcheon-dong, Seoul. (updated Oct 2019)

See

• 1 Boramae Park, 395, Sindaebang2-dong, Dongjak-gu. This former site of the Korean Air Force Academy was, in 1986, turned into a park. Boramae, or hawk in English, symbolizes the Air Force. The size of the park is about 360,000 m², and its sports facilities, a small zoo, a pond, and walking paths are well designed. The huge pond, which is 9,000 m², is surrounded by willow trees and benches, and people love to come. The pond is full of cool shades during the summer, and is spectacular when snow falls in the winter.  
• 2 Nakseongdae Park. The park surrounding the Seoul National University, continuing on outside the city borders. Interesting points here include the Anguksa Shrine built in honor of the 10th-century general Gang Gam-chan (updated Jun 2015)
• 3 Seoul National University Museum of Art, ☏ +82 2-880-9504. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 (closed Monday). Contemporary art gallery on the premises of the university. The Museum's main gate was designed by Rem Koolhaas, a famous architect from the Netherlands. Since its reconstruction in 2005, it has been opened with the goal of communication between the university and the community. 3 floors above ground and 3 floors below ground with a total area of 4,486 m², there are no entrances between the spaces so spaces are connected organically. It is a rare open culture space in Korea. There are 250 pieces of artwork and it held various exhibitions. ₩3000 (2000 for students). (updated Jun 2015)
• 4 South Seoul Museum of Art, 1059-13 in Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2 598-6247. 10:00-20:00. Seoul Museum of Art is an artistic space where classical architecture and contemporary art communicate with each other in a variety of colorful and quality exhibitions and downtown areas that are free of charge for the year. It is near Sadang Station on Line 4. Free. (updated Sep 2019)
• 5 Gwaneumsa-Temple, San 58, Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2 582-8609. This an old temple on Gwanaksan Mountain that has been around since the Silla Dynasty. It has a quiet atmosphere. Founded in 895 (Queen Jinsung 9) by the monk Dosun Guksa in the late Silla era. The present Buddhist temple was reconstructed by the main stone in 1924. Located at the foot of the last peak extending northeast from the main peak of Gwanaksan. It was completed in 1977 as one of the Vibo temples established by Dosun Ambassador, 9 years (895). The name Gwaneumsa-sa Temple means that if you pray to the Guaneum Bodhisattva, the Gwaneum Bodhisattva will receive the Gwaneum Bodhisattva to relieve the rebirth and help the rehabilitation of the Buddha. Free. (updated Sep 2019)
• 6 Seoul National University (서울대학교), 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, toll-free: +82 2-880-5114. Seoul National University is the most representative national university in South Korea. It's under Gwan-ak mountain. Attending Seoul National University is a dream for Korean middle and high school students. There are many students who went to university by campus tour. The university offers various campus tour programs like university student's mentor program and campus guide tour. Seoul National University has a very large site. So the campus tour will not be boring. Souvenirs are sold in the campus's souvenirs shop, such as t-shirts, tumblers, watches, notebooks, mugs.  
• 7 Horim museum (호림 박물관), Nambu sunhwan-ro 152street 53, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2-879-5602. 10:00-17:00. The Horim Museum was opened in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, based on the relics and funds presented by Horim Yoon Jang-seop. Then, in March 1996, the museum was expanded and built in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, and reopened in May 1999. There are more than 15,000 relics, 60 of which are designated as national cultural assets (8 national treasures and 52 treasures). It is recognized for its excellence in the variety and quality of its collection. ₩4000, ₩2000 for students. (updated Nov 2019)
• 8 Gang gan chan birthplace (강감찬 생가), 218-9 bongchun-dong, Gwan-ak gu. Gang Gam-chan's birthplace, designated as the 3rd monument of Seoul on August 21, 1974, is the home of general Gang Gam-chan (948-1031), who defeated 100,000 troops of Georan. The birthplace was called Nakseongdae because the big star fell from the sky on the day of birth. There is a three-story stone pagoda of the Goryeo Dynasty that tells the location of Nakseongdae. In 1973, during the cleanup of Nakseongdae, the three-story pagoda was moved to the grounds of Nakseongdae Park Anguksa Temple. In the Goryeo Dynasty, the place name was Geumcheon, and a three-storied pagoda was built to signify the birthplace of the general. (updated Dec 2019)
• 9 Yaksuam (약수암), 318, samsung-dong, Gwanak-gu. Yaksuam, which was registered as Gwanak No. 2 on September 21, 1988, was founded during the King Sejong's era, but was lost during the Imjin War. The first building was built in 10 years (670 years) in King Munmu, the Silla period, and it became a temple in the winter of 1974. (updated Dec 2019)
• 10 Mae Buddha statue (마애미륵불좌상). This Buddha statue is a statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Joseon Dynasty, carved into the stone of a large cliff rock of 5m and 6m on the north side of Mt. Gwanak by shallow stone carving. It was designated as the tangible cultural property of the city. The inscription on the right side of the Buddha shows that the Buddha is a Maitreya Buddha and was created by the donation of the Park san hoe couple in April 1630. The Buddha has a peculiar posture, sitting obliquely to the left. The head, the hair, and a slim face that looks rather abundant show a fairly good technique. These characteristics are well represented in the slender body and the oval shoulders, etc. As the 17th century Buddha statue, excellent workmanship is an absolute data in the Chosun Jojo History setting, and the prestigious Maison John Buddha provides certain data. The fact that this is quite fashionable. Therefore, the Maami Shunbul is highly regarded as a work that can be a standard that represents the 17th-century Joseon Buddha statue. (updated Dec 2019)
• 11 The home of Midang Seo Jeong-joo (미당 서정주의 집), 서울특별시 관악구 남부순환로256나길 4. 9am~18pm (except Monday). Midang poet Jeong-joo Seo lived in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu in 1970, and lived for 30 years until he passed away on December 24, 2000. The name of the house built by himself is “Bongsansanbang”. It bears the meaning of the origin of Korean mythology. It is named after Dangun myth that bear became ung woman by eating mugwort and garlic. This place, which is the only remaining birthplace of Midang in Korea, is significant as the last writing space of the poet's life. It is a space where you can find the poet's breath and traces of life. (updated Dec 2019)
• 12 Jaunam (자운암), 서울특별시 관악구 신림동 관악로 1. Jaunam, which was registered as Gwanak No. 3 on September 21, 1988, is located in the valley of the behind Seoul National University. There is a record of reconciliation in the 13th year of King Yeongjo (1734), and the plaque made by Sungjong for the mother has been transmitted yet. (updated Dec 2019)

Do

• 1 Gwanaksan. Gwanaksan (Korean for Mt. Gwanak; 632 m) is a small mountain in southern Seoul, South Korea. Portions lie in the Gwanak-gu and Geumcheon-gu districts of Seoul; other portions lie in the neighboring cities of Anyang and Gwacheon. (updated Sep 2019)
• Gang gamchan Festival, Nakseongdae Park. Gwanak Ganggamchan Festival is a representative historical and cultural festival held in Seoul to honor the national pride and feats of General Kang Gam-chan, the hero of the Battle of Guju, in "Gang Gam-chan City Gwanak." free. (updated Nov 2019)
• 2 Seoul Science Exhibition Center, 101 (08799) at Nakseong-daero, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Exit 4 of Nakseongdae Station, go straight 2 blocks, then turn left and go straight.). (updated Dec 2019)
• 3 Gallery Gwanak (갤러리 관악), 서울특별시 관악구 관악로 145. M-F 10:00-18:00. An exhibition space designed to enable local residents to enjoy high quality cultural life in their daily lives. In 2011, the 2nd floor rest area of ​​the ward office building was renovated and opened to realize the city of emotion and culture and art. It is used as an open space for all residents. for free. (updated Dec 2019)
• 4 Kyujanggak, Korea Research Institute (규장각한국연구원). M-Sa 09:30-17:30. '규 (Kyu)' of Kyujanggak is the name of the star that controls the sentence, and '규장 (Kyujang)' means the emperor's handwriting. Thus, ‘규장각 (Kyujangak)’ means “building that kept the handwritten texts of the king or emperor.” Kyujanggak was first established in 1694 (20th year of King Sukjong), and since its inception in 1776, the function of Kyujanggak has been extended to institutions that nurture talents for the country. Kyujanggak was a treasure of human resources and a cradle of scholarship. In 1990, the current building of Kyujanggak was completed, and the books of Kyujanggak were transferred. In 2006, Seoul National University Kyujanggak and Seoul National University Korea Culture Research Institute were merged into a research institution called Kyujanggak Korean Studies Institute. for free. (updated Dec 2019)
• 5 Nakseongdae Traditional Outdoor Theater (낙성대 전통야외소극장), ☏ +82 2-885-6145. The traditional outdoor small theater is a representative tourist attraction of Seoul that presents and experiences Korea's own traditional culture and breezes that are brilliant not only to Gwanak residents but also to Koreans and foreigners. Traditional weddings, traditional game experiences, and etiquette education are held regularly. (updated Dec 2019)
• 6 Gwan-ak mountain Trail road (관악산둘레길), 서울특별시 관악구 남부순환로 2004. Patriotic Forest Road is one of the Gwanak Mountain Trail road, designed to help you enjoy nature, culture and history while walking along the flat forest path surrounding Gwanak Mountain. Sector distance: 6.2 km (2 hours 40 minutes) Section Description: In connection with Nakseongdae, it can inspire General Kang Gam-chan's patriotism. (updated Dec 2019)
• 7 Sharosu-gil (샤로수길), 서울특별시 관악구 봉천동 1693-43. The road name refers to a commercial area centered on a one-way alleyway of about 600 m, corresponding to Gwanak-ro 14-gil. It is a two-sided road that leads to Nakseong University (Inheon Elementary School) exiting Seoul National University Exit No.1 and 2 for subway station. The name parodyed Garosu-gil located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, and merged with Garosu-gil after taking the 'sha' of the front gate, which is a symbol of Seoul National University. (updated Dec 2019)

Buy

• 1 Noryangjin (Dongjak). Plenty of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, squid, clams, and other seafood straight from the farm/trawler. Not exactly tourist friendly, this market is definitely targeted towards a local audience, but if you're interested in seeing an off-the-beaten-track destination and really exploring the nitty-gritty of Korean daily life, definitely worth a look.  
• 2 Laboum outlet, 1820 (08787) Nambu Circulation Road, Gwanak-gu. It is an outlet shopping mall located in the Seoul National University entrance area. Lotte Cinema is together. (updated Dec 2019)
• 3 Podo Mall, 330 (0877) Shillim-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Right infront of Sillim Station). It is a shopping mall at Sinlim Station. There's a megabox cinema on the upper floor. You can buy many kinds of things. (updated Dec 2019)
• 4 Renaissance, 1619 (08754) Nambu Circulation Road, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (there is a direct entrance to Exit 7 and 8 of Sillim Station). It's a shopping mall across from the Podo-Mall. Below is a club where you can dance. (updated Dec 2019)
• 5 Lotte Department Store, 209 (08708) Bongcheon-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Exit 6 of Sinlim Station, go straight to the main intersection and turn left to arrive), ☏ +82 2-833-2500. It is the largest department store in Gwanak-gu. It is next to Boramae Park. (updated Dec 2019)

Eat

Noryangjin fish market in Dongjak

• 1 Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진수산시장), 13-8 Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu (Noryangjin Station, Line 1). Open 24 hours. The floors may be dank and wet, but this is undoubtedly the freshest seafood in Seoul, with live octopuses, spiky sea urchins, giant king crabs swimming about in water tanks, buckets and bags. Buy some fresh fish (try bargaining if you can), and head to the restaurants in the back row, where they'll prepare your food as requested. There's a wholesale auction at 02:00, where fishmongers bid for produce and it can get frantic.  
• 2 Sinsa Market, Sillim-Dong 494-7, Gwanak, ☏ +82 2 855-1994. 0800~2200. It is a traditional market near Sindaebang Station. It is a market for working-class people selling various products as well as food. In September 2006, as a traditional market revitalization project, arcades were installed with a total of ₩1.7 billion in construction costs over a 300m section, and the old market was transformed into a modernized market. In the meantime, the location of traditional markets is getting smaller due to the economic recession, financial crisis, changes in distribution environment, changes in consumer purchasing patterns, and increase in hypermarkets. It is developing into a receiving market and is playing a pivotal role as an excellent market representing more than 1,500 traditional markets nationwide. (updated Sep 2019)
• 3 Yangji Sundae Town (양지순대타운), Sillim-ro 59-gil, Shinlim-dong, Gwanak-gu, 12, ☏ +82 2 876-5665. It is a restaurant near Sinlim Station. Sundae is a Korean traditional food. The price is generally low, and it's perfect for drinking. The first place to think of in Sillim-dong, Sundae Town was established in 1967 when Sundae street vendors were naturally formed and opened. And Yangji Sundae Town were formed. Unlike ordinary sundae, it is a specialty of Sillim-dong that young people often look for in a differentiated menu such as spicy sundae mixed with red pepper paste, various vegetables and seasoning, and fried sundae on white sauce. (updated Sep 2019)

• Naksung Butcher's, 1850 Southern Circulation Route in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (you can arrive by going straight for about 200 meters from Exit 1 of Seoul National University Station), ☏ +82 02-887-9233. (updated Nov 2019)
• 4 Ganggangsulae, 1660 (08780) Nambu Circulation Road in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 2-886-9233. The restaurant's name comes from the traditional Korean game, Ganggangsullae. It is a meat restaurant, and although it is a little expensive, it has the best taste of cold noodles served as meat and dessert. (updated Dec 2019)
• 5 Perilla seeds, Jangsu-Mill (들깨향장수밀), 943-4 in Euncheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2-882-8443. Kalguksu, professional restaurant. The taste of spicy soup is excellent, and it is popular at a reasonable price. (updated Dec 2019)
• 6 Nok-du street (녹두거리). The street name is derived from the name of the Nok-du Jip (녹두집) that sold Dongdongju in the 1980s and attracted the poor students. At first, pubs and restaurants began to gather around village, and those who used mainly were judiciary students preparing for judicial examinations, administrative examinations, and examinations for public officials. However, as time went by, the variety of foods and the low prices made Seoul students come to play often, and now it is actually a playground and gathering place for Seoul students. (updated Dec 2019)
• 7 Jungsung mandoo (정성만두), ☏ +82 2-861-3259. A dumpling restaurant in the alley before going to Bongcheon-dong Market Street. It hasn't been a long time since its opening, but it's been selling well for years. The dumplings taste not so greasy but light so you can eat a lot without getting tired. You can take out or for there so you can enjoy hot dumplings. And also the price is not expensive. (updated Dec 2019)
• 8 Rami scone (라미 스콘). 11:30-22:30. Atmospheric Cafe which is located on the Sharosu-gil. You can enjoy various coffee menu and sweets that goes well with coffee. This cafe became famous through Korean famous Youtube channel Wassup man. (updated Dec 2019)

Drink

• 1 Cocktail&Dream, 329 Sinrim-ro, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2-873-7475. You can enjoy various cocktails like mojito, gin and tonic, martini. Also You can enjoy the price from ₩8,000 to ₩14,000. There are not only cocktail but also many wines. It also offers snacks for wine and cocktails. (updated Sep 2019)
• 2 Doritori (Exit 4 and go straight for one block and turn left to arrive.), ☏ +82 2 882-9252. Although the price is not cheap, it is a place where you can have a glass of wine at night and have a comfortable meal. You can enjoy various draft beer or sake (Japanese traditional rice wine) with yakitori (chicken barbecue). (updated Nov 2019)
• Kim's real beer, 309 Sillim-ro Seowon-dong, Gwanak-gu (Exit 3 and go straight for about 100 meters to get there), ☏ 1588-3948 (in country only). 16:00-03:00, 15:30-04:00. You can enjoy a variety of beer and snacks at a low price. It’s signatu Because it is near from station, it is easy to access re beer is Kim’s draft beer which is 60 hours low-temperature aged beer. And also you can enjoy several snacks like chicken, tteokbokki. (updated Nov 2019)
• 3 HaengBok-Pocha (행복포차), 931-10 Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu (get off at Exit 4 of Bongcheon Station), ☏ +82 2-875-7870. It's a reasonably priced bar. Located close to the station, it is easy to access. (updated Dec 2019)

Sleep

• 1 Novotel Ambassador Seoul Doksan, 378, Siheungdae-ro, Doksan 4(sa)-dong, ☏ +82 2-838-1101. (updated Sep 2018)
• 2 WD Hotel, Sillim-ro 349, Gwanak-gu (right next to Sinlim Station on Line 2), ☏ +82 2 6746-8007. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. It is a pleasant environment compared to the price range. Breakfast is served. ₩59,000-78,000. (updated Sep 2019)
• Trang Blue hotel, 52-1 Sillim-dong 7-gil, Shinlim-dong, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2 889-8000. ₩70,000. (updated Nov 2019)
• Sillim Hotel Urban, Gwanak-gu nangongno Seoul Sillim 5, ☏ +82 2 862-6664. ₩65,000. (updated Nov 2019)
• CS Premier Hotel, 1458 Seoul Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2 2660-7300. ₩60,000. (updated Nov 2019)
• Jjak Hotel, 13-gil Shinlim-ro 66-gil, Gwanak-gu, ☏ +82 2 888-1781. ₩60,000. (updated Nov 2019)
• Yaja Hotel, 1422-8 in Sinlim-dong, Gwanak-gu. ₩45,000. (updated Nov 2019)