Seoul may seem kind of soul-less when you first get there; travelling from airport to city. Not much greenery, lots of drab concrete tenement-like buildings on the outskirts, then into the vehicular chaos of the CBD. But after a couple of visits there, I started discovering pockets of oases amidst the urban sprawl. Places where Seoulites find sojourn to recharge and rejuvenate. Places with great finds to just discover and explore. Places which enable one to just take it slow with nature. So maybe the next time you head to Seoul, you can take some time out from all the frenzy of shopping and eating to just chill for a bit.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

This man-made stream runs for about 11km from Cheonggye Plaza to the Hangang River and passes through some major points of interest and under 22 bridges. At lunch-time, it is an oasis for busy office-workers to step out for a breath of fresh air, before heading back to the grind.

Stepping stones at various intervals across the stream

Some other bird-life in the stream

Lunch hour!

Foliage by the stream

One of the 22 bridges

Entering the Cheonggyecheon at Dongdaemun

The Fortress Wall of Seoul

Built back in 1396, the Seoul Fortress Wall runs for 18.6km around the Seoul city centre. There are a few gates from which to enter the trail but we started off at Hyehwamun Gate and our leisurely stroll brought us through Ihwa Village to end in Dongdaemun.

Walking along the wall

Some lovely views of the city from here

Peaceful place for some fresh air and city views

Winter foliage

We stumble upon Ihwa Mural Village

With lots of interesting shops

and lovely crafts

more lovely crafts

Info about the Fortress Wall of Seoul

Ewha Woman’s University

Wait, what? Why go to a university, and a woman’s only university, at that? Good thing we went too, if not to rediscover our lost youth but also to marvel at some bold and spectacular architecture, beautiful grounds and stylish and accomplished young ladies. Oh, and we nearly did not make it to the University, being waylaid by these cute shops plying really cheap ladies wear, accessories and skincare, the minute we exited the station.

Serious architecture going on here!

Like a rift valley, the walls are made of glass and most of the facility runs underground

The pastoral setting of the campus means a very picturesque site in Spring

Spring flowers

So pretty in springtime that it’s a location for bridal photography!

Stone lions with Cheshire Cat grins

Cafes and shops leading to the university

Along the shopping street

N Seoul Tower

You should not miss the Namsan (that’s what the “N” stands for) Seoul Tower because it is the highest structure in Seoul city. So, unless your eyes are only focused on the cute cafes, ubiquitous skincare shops and sizzling street food, you will see this tower in the backdrop. Even if you’ve been here before, it is always a pleasant and refreshing walk uphill (you have been warned!) from Myeong Dong. Oh, and the cafe at the bottom of the tower serves up one of the best waffles in town so yes, another reason to go!

You can’t miss this! Really!

N Seoul Tower

Trying to spot Singapore from inside the tower

Locks of love here!

Wonder if they keep the keys … ?

Do you have any favourite nature spaces in Seoul that you enjoyed? Do share it with us for our next trip to Korea 😉