Buam-dong: Seoul's Hidden Gem

Set just north of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul’s Jongno District, Buam-dong offers visitors a rare glimpse of the city’s quieter, hillside side. ZenKimchi Experiences’ 2.5-hour walking tour threads through this under-the-radar neighborhood, mixing steeped-in-history stops with expansive mountain views that provide a fresh perspective on Seoul’s urban and natural landscape. Your journey begins at Gyeongbokgung Station before a short bus ride brings you into Buam-dong’s winding lanes.

Along the way, you’ll encounter the Choi Gyu-sik Memorial Statue, dedicated to a pivotal figure in South Korea’s Cold War history, linked to the Blue House Raid. From there, the tour leads you to the Cheongun Literature Library, a rare hanok-style library where traditional architecture meets the quiet energy of literary heritage. Climbing the Hill of Poet Yoon Dong-ju, you’ll be immersed in stories of one of Korea’s most revered poets, followed by sweeping ridge-line views of Bugaksan, Inwangsan, and Bukhansan Mountains—three iconic Seoul peaks that rise sharply against the city’s skyline.

On route, you’ll trace parts of the Seoul City Wall and pass through Changuimun Gate, ancient structures that once stood as key defenses for the city. Film enthusiasts will appreciate a stop at a hidden location featured in the Academy Award®-winning film "Parasite," adding a modern cultural layer to the tour. The day concludes at Mugyewon, a hanok cultural space that exemplifies traditional Korean architecture and historical continuity.

This tour stands out in Seoul’s other offerings by combining history, culture, and outdoor views in a calm, approachable way. It invites visitors tired of crowded urban stops to slow down and engage with a neighborhood that carries centuries of stories in every stone and slope.