Seoul Forest
Build a trip to Seoul
About
Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Seoul Forest is a massive ecological park that was once a royal hunting ground and later a golf course. It is divided into several zones, including a Cultural Art Park, an Ecological Forest where deer roam, and a Waterfront Park. The sensory experience changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to golden ginkgo paths in autumn. It has become a trendy 'hot spot' due to its proximity to Seongsu-dong’s hip cafes. Experts recommend the 'Skywalk' for an elevated view of the deer enclosure and the Han River. Pro tip: Rent a bike near the entrance to cover the vast grounds efficiently, and don't miss the Butterfly Garden and Insect Garden during the summer months.
Highlights
- Cherry blossom forest park
- Deer ecological park
- Sculpture and flower gardens
- Urban green picnic spot
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Named after the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this was Korea's first luxury fashion mecca in the 1990s. Today, it remains the center of high-end style, plastic surgery clinics, and elite nightlife. It is anchored by the Galleria Department Store, famous for its media-facade exterior. The atmosphere is one of glitz and exclusivity, with luxury supercars frequently seen on the streets. Experts recommend visiting 'K-Star ROAD' nearby, where you can see large art-toy bears (GangnamDols) representing K-pop groups like BTS and EXO. Pro tip: While many stores are prohibitively expensive, the area is fantastic for window shopping and people-watching; check out the 'Dosan Park' area nearby for the most avant-garde flagship stores like Gentle Monster.
Jungsik
Chef Yim Jung-sik's two-Michelin-star flagship restaurant in Dosan Park elevated Korean cuisine onto the global fine dining stage with his revolutionary New Korean Cuisine concept, reimagining traditional ingredients like doenjang, ganjang, and makgeolli through contemporary French technique in a sleek modern dining room. The tasting menus feature stunning dishes like bibimbap reimagined as a refined rice cake with foraged greens and truffle, or a deconstructed soy-braised pork belly with fermented black garlic that honors Korean culinary DNA while pushing boldly into new territory. An extensive natural wine list curated specifically to complement Korean fermented flavors completes one of Asia's most exciting restaurant experiences.
Kwon Sook Soo
Kwon Sook Soo is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Kwon Woo-joong focuses on 'Sooksoo'—the historical term for a professional cook of the royal palace. The restaurant is unique for its use of 'Dok-sang' (individual traditional dining tables) for each guest, recreating the dining style of the Joseon nobility. The chef is famous for using rare, hand-picked ingredients and long-fermented vinegars and pastes. The sensory experience is a sophisticated journey through Korea's forgotten flavors. Experts recommend the 'Snow Crab' dish and their house-brewed traditional liquors. Practical pro tip: This is a true 'slow food' experience; allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for the full dinner service to appreciate the craftsmanship of each course.
Common Ground
Common Ground is Korea's first and the world's largest shipping container shopping mall, constructed from 200 large blue shipping containers. This vibrant blue architectural landmark has become a symbol of youth culture and creative entrepreneurship in the Konkuk University area. The sensory experience is defined by its industrial-chic aesthetic, trendy street fashion brands, and an open central square that often hosts weekend markets or performances. Experts recommend the rooftop terrace for a variety of trendy food trucks and a great view of the blue container structure. Pro tip: It is a paradise for 'outfit of the day' photos; the blue container walls are the most popular backdrop. Visit in the late afternoon to catch the transition from blue-sky photos to the neon-lit evening vibe.
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