🥾 Seoul and the Han River: A City Blessed by Nature
Seoul is a rare and fortunate city that
embraces the wide and long Han River. It is no exaggeration to say that the Han
River makes Seoul a wonderful town.
Originating from the Taebaek Mountain Range
(태백산맥) in eastern Korea, the Han River flows across the
central region of the Korean Peninsula from east to west before emptying into
the Yellow Sea (황해). Spanning approximately 494 km, it
boasts the highest water volume and the most significant basin area among Korea’s
rivers.
The Han River has shaped Korea’s history,
culture, and economy from ancient times. It now flows through the heart of
Seoul, serving as both a vital urban oasis and a popular tourist attraction.
Han River Parks, including those in Yeouido (여의도),
Banpo (반포), Jamsil (잠실), and
Ttukseom (뚝섬), hosts various festivals and events
throughout the year.
If you visit Seoul and spend time by the
Han River, what would be the first thing you'd like to do? Would you try the
famous "Han River Ramyeon" (한강라면), a
simple yet iconic experience? Perhaps you’d prefer a river cruise to take in
the city skyline from the water. Or maybe you’d enjoy chatting with a friend
under the warm sunshine. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a happy and
memorable experience.
Now, let’s get to the main topic. In this
post, I’d like to introduce a scenic walking trail connected to the Han River: Hanam
Wirye Trail (하남 위례길).
If you’re exhausted from the chaos of urban life and want to escape the crowds and
enjoy the river and the mountains peacefully, this might be the perfect spot
for you, near Seoul’s metropolitan area.
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| Han River [Photo Credit] Flickr, Travis Estell |
🥾 Hanam
Wirye Trail: A Walk Through History and Nature
Hanam Wirye Trail is a 64 km-long walking
path that honors the history of Wirye-seong (위례성),
the first capital of Baekje (백제), founded by King Onjo
(온조왕). This trail, where history and nature coexist,
offers a unique experience that allows visitors to feel the past and present by
walking through it.
The trail was created after the
construction of Seoul's Outer Ring Road in 1987, which severed historical
connections between the Iseong Fortress (이성산성) and the
Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성). Thanks to the efforts of residents and historians, Hanam Wirye
Trail was newly established as a historical exploration route.
"A walking path that embraces history—doesn’t
that sound like an experience you wouldn’t want to miss?"
🔎 Baekje (백제) was one of the Three
Kingdoms of Korea, along with Goguryeo (고구려) and Silla
(신라), existing from 18 BCE to 660 CE.
🥾 Exploring
the Hanam Wirye Trail
Hanam Wirye Trail consists of four courses,
each offering a unique experience.
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| Hanam Wiryegil, [Source] Hanam City Hall |
1. Wirye Love Trail (위례사랑길)
- Distance: 5 km
- Route: From Sangokcheon stream (산곡천) to Paldang Dam (팔당댐)
- Highlight: A trail imbued with the legend of Domi’s Wife (도미부인, appendix), making it an ideal spot for a romantic stroll.
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| [Source] Hanam City Hall |
📌 From the left to the right:
1. 산곡천 → Sangokcheon stream
2. 닭바위 → Chicken Rock
3. 연리목 → Yeonmok
4. 도미나루 → Dominaru
5. 두껍바위 → Toad Rock
6. 팔당댐 → Paldang Dam
2. Wirye Riverside Trail (위례강변길)
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Route: From Sangokcheon stream to
the Seoul border
- Highlight: A flat and easy-to-walk
trail along the Han River, where you can enjoy the river breeze and relax in
nature.
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| [Source] Hanam City Hall |
📌 From the left to the right:
1. 산곡천 → Sangokcheon stream
2. 덕풍천 → Deokpungcheon stream
3. 미사리 경정공원 → Misari Gyeongjeong Park
4. 미사리 선사유원지 → Misari Prehistoric Site
5. 나무고아원 → Tree Orphanage
6. 선동축구장 → Sundong Soccer Stadium
7. 서울 → Seoul
3. Wirye History Trail (위례역사길)
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Route: From Gwangju Hyanggyo (광주향교) to Seonbeopsa Temple (선법사)
- Highlight: A historical route passing by some of Hanam’s most significant cultural heritage sites.
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| [Source] Hanam City Hall |
📌 From the left to the right:
1. 선법사 → Seonbeopsa Temple
2. 광주향교 → Gwangju Hyanggyo (Confucian School)
3. 춘궁동 동사지 → Chungung-dong Dongsa Temple Site
4. 이성산성 남문지 → Southern Gate Site of Iseong Fortress
5. 광암동 고분 → Gwangam-dong Ancient Tombs
6. 이성산성 건물지 → Building Site of Iseong Fortress
7. 이성산성 동문지 → Eastern Gate Site of Iseong Fortress
4. Wirye Dulle Trail (위례둘레길)
- Distance: 39.7 km
- Route: From Hanam City Hall,
passing through Saemjae (샘재), Namhansanseong (남한산성), Iseong Fortress (이성산성), and ending at Deokpungcheon
Stream (덕풍천).
- Highlight: A trail that offers
breathtaking views of Hanam’s natural landscapes, perfect for those who want to
immerse themselves in nature.
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| [Source] Hanam City Hall |
📌 Starting from the left, in a clockwise direction:
1. 한강 → Han River
2. 시청 → City Hall (Hanam City Hall)
3. 덕풍1교 → Deokpung 1 Bridge
4. 섬재 → Samjae
5. 객산 → Gaeksan Mountain
6. 벌봉(남한산성) → Vulbong (Namhansanseong Fortress)
7. 남한산성 제3암문 → Namhansanseong Third Secret Gate
8. 남한산성 서문 → Namhansanseong West Gate
9. 금암산 → Geumamsan Mountain
10. 이성산성 → Iseong Fortress
11. 하남위례교 → Hanam Wirye Bridge
12. 말바위 → Mal Rock
13. 덕풍골 → Deokpunggol
14. 쌍용아파트 삼거리 → Ssangyong Apartment Intersection
15. 덕풍천교 → Deokpungcheon Bridge
"A trail where you can enjoy nature
and history—why not set aside a day to explore it?"
🥾 Today’s
Stroll on Wirye Riverside Trail
In today’s post, I’ll introduce how to
explore the Wirye Riverside Trail on foot. This scenic route
stretches 7.8 km one way, running from Sangokcheon Stream (산곡천) to Misa Riverside Boulevard (미사강변대로) or vice versa. With a moderate walking pace, it takes
approximately two hours to complete. However, taking a 15-minute
break every hour, you can comfortably finish the trail in about 2 hours
and 30 minutes.
With the refreshing river breeze and an
endless walking path ahead, this trail is the perfect way to escape the
confines of city life. Ready to take a stroll?
One of the Wirye Riverside Trail's best features is its dedicated pedestrian path and separate bicycle lane, which make it an excellent choice for walking and cycling.
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| 위례강변길 |
Starting & Ending Points
📍 Sangokcheon
Stream (Changwoo-dong, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do)
📍 Misa
Riverside Boulevard (Seondong, Hanam-si,
Gyeonggi-do)
While both endpoints may not be the easiest
places to access, walking the entire length is a worthwhile experience. If you’re
looking for a more convenient starting point, Hanam Union Park offers
a more manageable entry route via Deokpungcheon Stream (덕풍천)—something to keep in mind!
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| 위례강변길 자전거 도로 |
Nearby Attractions
Although the area may seem quiet at first
glance, the Wirye Riverside Trail passes by several interesting
landmarks worth visiting.
① Misa Kyungjeong Park (미사 경정공원)
A nature-friendly park located along the
Han River, it offers serene walking paths and cycling routes. It’s one of
Hanam’s best relaxation spots, ideal for unwinding in nature.
② Hanam Union Tower (하남 유니온 타워)
A landmark showcasing eco-friendly
energy technology, standing at 105 meters high. From the observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hanam city and the Han River.
③ Starfield Hanam (스타필드 하남)
A large-scale shopping complex that
offers everything from shopping and dining to entertainment. It’s the
perfect place to relax after a long walk.
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| Starfield Hanam Shopping Mall [Photo Credit] Flickr, TFurban |
④ Geomdansan Mountain (검단산)
A popular hiking spot among Hanam
locals, offering breathtaking views of Seoul and the Han River from
the summit. It is also a site of annual mountain rituals held
by hikers.
⑤ Iseong Fortress
It is a historical site dating back to
the Three Kingdoms era, where you can explore the remnants of ancient Korea
while enjoying the tranquil nature.
Best Restaurants Near Wirye Riverside Trail
After a long walk, you’ll probably work up
an appetite. Fortunately, there are plenty of great dining spots nearby. Here
are a couple of local favorites where you can recharge.
📍
Boccheriu (보께리우, Italian Restaurant)
🔗
- Location: 220 Misa Riverside Central Road, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Highlights: Specializing in authentic
Italian cuisine, this restaurant is known for its freshly made lasagna and
premium steak. The modern interior and cozy ambiance make it an ideal
spot for family gatherings or romantic dates.
📍
Mandujip (만두집, Traditional Korean Dumpling House)
🔗
- Location: 40 Misa Riverside Boulevard, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Highlights: A beloved local restaurant
famous for its handmade dumplings. The steamed dumplings and dumpling
soup are must-try dishes featuring chewy wrappers and flavorful
fillings. Their crispy pan-fried dumplings offer an incredible
balance of texture and taste. This restaurant is a favorite among Hanam
residents, with a clean, well-curated menu
📍
Paldang Naengmyeon (팔당냉면, Traditional Cold Noodles)
🔗
- Location: 520 Misa-daero, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Highlights: This 40-year-old
restaurant is renowned for its high buckwheat content noodles and
rich broth. Both mul-naengmyeon (cold noodle soup) and bibim-naengmyeon
(spicy cold noodles) are full of deep flavors and have a refreshing
aftertaste. The restaurant is so popular that long queues form during
summer.
🥾 Tips
for a Safe and Enjoyable Walk
To make the most of your walk along the Wirye
Riverside Trail, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Wear
comfortable shoes – Since it’s a long trail,
comfortable walking shoes are necessary.
- Bring
water and snacks – Some sections don’t have
convenience stores, so bring enough supplies.
- Check the
weather – Be cautious of rainy or cold
conditions, especially during winter, as the path can be slippery.
- Take your
trash with you – Help protect nature by cleaning
up after yourself.
"A small effort can make a big difference in preserving our environment."
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| Paldang Dam and Lake Paldang [Photo Credit] Wikimedia Commons, Apeopleswiki |
🥾 Final Thoughts
The Wirye Riverside Trail perfectly
blends history and nature, making it ideal for walking with family,
friends, or even alone. Whether looking for a peaceful stroll, a
refreshing bike ride, or a historical exploration, this trail offers something
for everyone.
Next time, I’ll introduce another exciting
way to enjoy the Han River—cycling along the river trails! 🚴♂️
"A walk along the Wirye Riverside
Trail might just become one of the most memorable pages in your journey."
[Appendix] Legend of Domi
(Source: Wikipedia)
The story of Domi’s Wife (도미부인) is a famous Korean folktale from the Samguk Sagi (삼국사기, Historical Records of the Three Kingdoms). It teaches the
importance of loyalty, virtue, and wisdom.
Story Summary
Domi, a commoner registered in Baekje's
family records, was known for his loyalty and integrity. His
wife was praised not only for her beauty but also for her wisdom and
chastity.
Hearing of her virtue, the king of Baekje (sometimes
referred to as King of the Rumor) became curious and said:
"A woman may appear virtuous and
chaste, but if she is tempted with sweet words in a secluded, dark place, it is
rare to find one who will not falter."
Domi, confident in his wife's unwavering
loyalty, replied:
"A woman like my wife will not change,
no matter the temptation."
To test her virtue, the king devised a
plan. Under the pretense of sending Domi away for work, he secretly sent one of
his servants, dressed in royal garments, to visit Domi's wife at night. The
servant, posing as the king, said to her:
"I have long heard of your beauty. I
have made a bet with Domi and have decided to bring you into the palace. From
now on, you will be mine."
However, Domi’s wife was not deceived.
She replied:
"The great king would never lie. If
His Majesty truly desires this, please enter the room first. I will change my
clothes and come in shortly."
Once she confirmed the deception, she
accused the false king of being an imposter and a traitor.
Enraged, the real king ordered her to be blinded and cast adrift in a
small boat on the river. After drifting for a long time, she miraculously
survived and reached Cheonseong-do, reuniting with her husband, Domi, who
had also escaped.
Living humbly, they sustained
themselves on wild plants and eventually sought refuge in Goguryeo,
where the people took pity on them, providing them with food and clothing.
However, their lives remained difficult, and they lived in poverty until
their final days.
During the Joseon Dynasty, when Confucian
values were emphasized, the story of Domi and his wife was recorded in
historical literature as an example of loyalty and virtue. It was included
in "Samgang Haengsildo" (삼강행실도, Illustrated
Guide to the Three Bonds) under the title "Misundamcho" (미선담초), serving as a moral tale to uphold Confucian ideals.
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