Stroll through the creative neighbourhoods of western Seoul along the former Gyeongui railway line. Explore quiet local streets, cafés and Mangwon Market before taking part in a hands-on Minhwa painting workshop and crafting a traditional norigae pendant, offering a charming blend of neighbourhood life, art, and Korean cultural traditions.

Programme Details

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Meet the guide at 10:00 in the hotel lobby to begin the tour. Today’s exploration uses public transportation, offering an authentic way to experience daily life in Seoul.

Start the morning in Hongdae and step into the peaceful surroundings of Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a green corridor created along a former railway line. This pleasant walking path follows the historic Gyeongui railway, originally built during the Japanese occupation, and today connects several charming neighbourhoods in western Seoul.

Continue on foot through the quiet streets of Seongsan-dong, just north of the lively Hongdae district. This residential area reveals a different side of the city, where small galleries, independent boutiques, and cosy cafés sit alongside local homes. The walk follows sections of the former railway track, leading through neighbourhoods such as Yeonhui-dong and Yeonnam-dong, known for their creative atmosphere and relaxed local character.

Along the way, there is an opportunity to stop at Richemont Bakery, a historic Seoul patisserie founded in 1979 and long loved by Hongdae locals for its European-style breads and pastries, or to pause at a small café for a cup of coffee.

Continue the walk towards Mangwon Market, one of Seoul’s beloved traditional markets, where locals gather to shop for fresh produce and street food. Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant, tasting everyday Korean cuisine in a friendly neighbourhood setting.

In the afternoon, transfer to a nearby Minhwa art studio for a hands-on cultural experience. During a workshop lasting approximately 1.5 hours, discover the traditional art of Korean Minhwa painting, a folk style and known for its colourful motifs and symbolic meanings. Learn basic techniques and create a small artwork inspired by this unique artistic tradition.

To conclude the day, visit the well-known Leesle Hanbok store, where a short craft activity introduces the making of a norigae, a traditional decorative pendant once worn with hanbok. Design and assemble a personalised piece to take home as a souvenir.

At the end of the visit, return to the hotel using public transportation.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

- Norigae craft workshop is subject to availability.
- Please note that there are no seats available at the norigae workshop, and the activity will be conducted while standing.
- Richemont Bakery is closed every Tuesday.
- We encourage travellers to travel with their own refillable/reusable water container in order to minimise plastic bottle usage and water waste, as refilling stations are increasingly available across many destinations.

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