Published By: Nirtika Pandita

A travel guide for Seoul to the lesser-known places

Beyond the high rise buildings, there is so much to explore

Known as the 'Party City of Asia', Seoul has a lot more than the fancy line of restaurants, shopping and party places. But that is not all; for those looking to go beyond and explore the country for what it is worth, there is much more to see and experience in Seoul. While you might be aware of the touristy markets, bridges, and malls, Seoul has hidden gems that not many tourists go out to explore. So here is presenting a list of unknown and hidden gems of Seoul that you might want to explore on your next trip.

Mountain AnsanJarak-gil Trail

This trail is said to be one of Seoul's best-kept hiking trails secrets. Situated in Seodaemun-gu, the AnsanJarak-Gil trail has seven kilometres of raised wooden deck trail that encircles the entire circumference of the Ansan Mountain. It will take a person approximately 2.5 hours to complete the trek. As you walk along the trek, you get to witness sky-tall trees.

Hongje-dong Gaemi Village

An old rustic village the vintage feels is the Hongje-dong Gaemi village that is located at one of the entrances to the Inwangsan Mountain hiking trail. The village is known famously for its vibrant and beautiful murals and the joyful locals who make the village come alive along with the murals. The journey through the village admiring the murals gets even more interesting if you grab a cup of coffee or ice cream at the beginning of the walk.

French Village

To hear of a French Village in Seoul is the last thing one can expect. But believe it or not, in the country of Seoul, there exists a village called Seorae Village that is also called Montmartre, or the French village. The reason for this unique name is its hilltop location with about 560 French people. One will find everything from European-style restaurants, dessert cafes, and wineries along the main street of this French Village in Seoul.

Subway Markets

Well, the trip to Seoul is incomplete if you haven't gone out shopping. The country is as famous for fashion for its subway markets offering cheap and variety. Across the city, you will find little underground shopping markets sitting adjacent to the subway stations.

Other hidden gems of Seoul are The Simone Handbag Museum, Windy Hill InGeoje Island, Jangsado Sea Park in Tongyeong, Dongpirang Mural Village in Tongyeong, Naganeupseong Folk Village In Suncheon, Odongdo Island in Yeosu, Starfield Library, Gwanghalluwon Garden, and JeonJuHanok Village.