D: Feeling exhausted from your daily grind? 😫 Need a quick escape without leaving the city? Seoul, a bustling metropolis, surprisingly hides numerous peaceful oases where you can recharge. 🌿✨ Whether you’re a local or a traveler, these secret healing spots will help you press the pause button on life. Let’s explore!
1. Seoullo 7017 (서울로 7017) – A Sky Garden Above the City
📍 Location: Near Seoul Station
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset
Once an old overpass, Seoullo 7017 is now a lush pedestrian walkway filled with plants, flowers, and resting spots. 🌸🌿 Walking here feels like floating above the city’s chaos while enjoying a green retreat.
💡 Why Visit?
- Free access, open 24/7
- Great for short walks, photography, or just sitting with a coffee
- Stunning night views of Seoul Station and Namdaemun
2. Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (익선동) – A Time-Traveling Alley
📍 Location: Jongno-gu
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons
Tucked away in the heart of Seoul, Ikseon-dong blends traditional hanok (Korean houses) with trendy cafés and craft shops. �☕ Unlike the crowded Bukchon Hanok Village, this spot remains relatively quiet.
💡 Why Visit?
- Hidden cafés like Cheongsudang (청수당) with serene garden seating
- Unique handmade crafts and vintage stores
- Feels like stepping into old Seoul with a modern twist
3. Seoul Botanic Park (서울식물원) – A Mini Getaway to Nature
📍 Location: Gangseo-gu
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
If you crave nature but can’t leave Seoul, this massive greenhouse and park is a dream. 🌵🌺 Themed gardens (Mediterranean, Tropical, etc.) make you feel like you’ve traveled abroad!
💡 Why Visit?
- Perfect for solo relaxation or a peaceful date
- Indoor & outdoor gardens (great in any weather)
- Only ₩5,000 for adults (super affordable!)
4. Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사) – Meditation in the City
📍 Location: Gangnam (yes, really!)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or weekdays
Right next to COEX Mall, Bongeunsa offers a sudden shift from urban rush to tranquil spirituality. 🧘♂️🎋 Try their Temple Stay program or just enjoy the calming ambiance.
💡 Why Visit?
- Free entry (donations welcome)
- Morning chanting sessions open to visitors
- A rare quiet space in Gangnam
5. Haneul Park (하늘공원) – A Sky Full of Silver Grass
📍 Location: World Cup Park, Mapo-gu
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Oct-Nov)
Famous for its endless fields of silver grass (eulalia), Haneul Park feels like a scene from a Korean drama. 🌾🌤️ The uphill walk is worth it—once you reach the top, the panoramic view of Seoul is breathtaking!
💡 Why Visit?
- Best sunset spot in Seoul
- Free entrance (small fee for the shuttle if you don’t want to hike)
- Perfect for picnics and slow walks
Final Tip: Slow Down & Breathe 🌬️💙
Seoul moves fast, but you don’t have to. These hidden spots prove that even in a mega-city, peace is possible. Which one will you try first?
📍 Save this list for your next me-time adventure! 🗺️💛