[K-TRAVEL①] Seoul Hongje Waterfall... Forget Summer at an Urban Waterfall

*This content was translated by AI.

As the flow of KHallyu has grown, the number of travelers from around the world visiting various parts of Korea has increased significantly, and K-travel is also establishing itself as a new trend. StarNews will introduce travel destinations in a series that allow visitors to fully experience Korea’s unique charm and elegance without the crowds. Travelers can gather their own precious memories and charms of Korea.

[K-TRAVEL] Seoul Hongje Waterfall

Summers in Korea, especially in Seoul, are intensely hot. In midsummer, temperatures gradually rise above previous years, often reaching around 40 degrees Celsius, leading to jokes that it is even hotter than some humid Southeast Asian countries. Is there no place in a Korean trip where one can escape the heat with both body and eyes?

Hongje Waterfall, an urban waterfall in Seoul that tourists visiting Korea have recently begun to frequent often, has become increasingly attractive amidst the summer heat. This site is gaining popularity as a unique waterfront landmark representing Seoul, spreading its fame through social networking services (SNS) among foreign visitors.

Located in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, it is 1.1 km from Hongje Station on Seoul Subway Line 3 nearby, and the 'Seodaemun Branch·Hongje Waterfall' bus stop is situated very close to the waterfall plaza.

Walking along the promenade beside Hongjecheon Stream in Seodaemun-gu reveals a waterfall cascading down a cliff, accompanied by refreshing sounds of water. The spray created as water streams hit rocks fills the surrounding air with a cool sensation. Simply gazing at the white droplets shattering before one’s eyes is enough to instantly dispel the early summer heat. Enjoying the waterfall on rainy days would surely enhance the refreshment.

Created in 2011, Hongje Waterfall is quite large in scale. With a height of 25 meters and a width of 60 meters, its broad expanse and multiple streams make it an artificial waterfall that harmonizes naturally with the surrounding terrain, evoking the image of a waterfall cascading through a mountain valley. Numerous chairs have been placed around the area, allowing visitors to sit anytime and enjoy watching the waterfall. If it is too hot, one can enter a café or library to cool off under air conditioning while viewing the waterfall. A large mirror has also been installed in front of the waterfall, offering a unique experience of admiring the cascading water through its reflection.

Café rest areas, libraries, and complex cultural centers are also located nearby, allowing for a more comfortable and diverse journey. In 2023, as part of Seoul’s Emotional City Project, a warehouse opposite the waterfall was renovated to open a terrace café named Waterfall Café and a bookstore called Areamin Library. Visitors can enjoy relaxation while facing the waterfall directly over a cup of coffee, or spend time in contemplation by reading books with the sound of water as a backdrop.

Recently, the opening of the Hongje Waterfall Complex Cultural Center has enriched the sights and activities available. On the first floor, the media exhibition hall screens videos capturing the four seasons of Hongje Waterfall, while a nearby merchandise shop offers souvenirs themed around the waterfall. The second floor features a café with an open view and a multipurpose space where various cultural programs are held. The waterfall operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during summer.

If one is willing to walk a bit further from Hongje Waterfall, they can experience an even more diverse Seoul trip. Rather than limiting the visit to just the waterfall, it is highly recommended to rest and trek at Ansan (elevation 259.9 meters), which is reached by crossing Hongjecheon Stream from the plaza. Adding this journey would make a half-day trip feel insufficient.

Rising prominently in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, surrounded by Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Hongje-dong, and Muakjae, Ansan offers a magnificent panoramic view of Seoul from all directions without the strenuous climb associated with higher mountains like Bukhansan. Crossing Hongjecheon Stream, which is only about 30 meters wide at its narrowest point near the waterfall plaza, leads to Yeonhui Forest Center, where lush greenery and beautiful flowers welcome visitors. Passing through approximately 300 meters from there brings one to Ansan Trail, a path encircling Ansan Mountain. At Yeonhui Forest Center, gardens featuring hydrangeas and other diverse flowers are arranged, with benches placed throughout the area.

The Ansan Trail is a forest path approximately 7 kilometers long, winding around the mountain’s perimeter. Although quite lengthy, it is a well-maintained circular barrier-free trail suitable for walking, with gentle slopes designed to accommodate those with limited mobility. Foreign travelers visiting Seoul for the first time can easily follow signage along the route. Book cafés and scenic viewpoints are scattered throughout, and a forest of metasequoia trees creates an illusion of being deep in the mountains, allowing visitors to fully inhale phytoncides.

While Hongje Waterfall has a parking lot (500 won for 5 minutes), it is not spacious, and during summer, high visitor numbers often result in insufficient parking space. By public transportation, it takes approximately 30 minutes from Hongdae Entrance Street, Gwanghwamun, or Seoul Station, and about 40 minutes from Myeong-dong Street.

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*This content was translated by AI.