Through cosmopolitan and crowded, Seoul has some placed where you tourist can take a quiet walk. They are Buamdong street behind the Blue house(청와대), NAMSAN street and Jeongdong street, which runs from the entrance of Deoksugung (Palace) to Kyunghyang Daily News. These are good to walk along anytime, but best during the fall.
Seoul is a bustling metropolis of more than 10 million people, but only 10 minutes by car from the city center, Buam-dong seems to exist in a different time altogether. The quiet and exotic atmosphere seems to turn back time. A haberdashery, a mill and a hardware store are clustered together, creating a small town feel. Closer inspection reveals the area's modern touches. Between the old-fashioned stores you can find cupcake shops, while cute cafes stand next to refined restaurants.
The Buam-dong Community Service Center is a good place to begin walking. Going up the shallow hill leads to rather old, low-lying houses along the Inwangsan slope to the right and small, long-standing shops to the left. You can overlook the Buam-dong area from the ridge of the hill. Affordable housing built in the 1960s, luxury residences built in the 1970s and traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty mingle, making an interesting architectural collage.
Changuimun is the starting point of Bugak skyway. It is also the only gate that has preserved its original look among the four small gates within Seoul's city walls. The name means, "Door that exposes the right thing," and is also called "Jahamun," after nearby Jaha-dong. Here you can enjoy views of the gate, the city walls and the mountains they snake along. To walk along the northern stretch of the walls, you need get your ID checked before entering. Adults over 18 years old are permitted only if they have photo ID, such as a resident's card or a driver's license.
Returning from Changuimun, there are several paths. The first landmark you will see is Whan Ki Museum. It plays the role of an old steward in Buam-dong since it was established in 1992 by Kim Hyang-an, wife of the great abstract artist Kim Whan-ki, after he passed away in 1991. It displays masterpieces by Kim Whan-ki year-round and hosts various project exhibitions. Unfortunately, it will be closed until Nov. 16 on account of construction.
Back on the main road is an old mill that sells rice cakes from the small side door that are made the same morning.
Following Buam-dong Street you can look at the beautiful changing leaves that color Bugaksan mountain. Traveling further, you are greeted by jazzy sounds and the deep aroma of coffee coming from a nearby cafe. The road continues to "Sanmotungi" a cafe made famous by the popular TV drama "Coffee Prince Number One."
Leaving the cafe you travel uphill through the clear air to Baeksasil Valley. If you are lucky you can see rare salamanders here, and it is a great place for fall foliage. Streams from the valley run between the heavy woods leading us to a big rock on which "Baekseokdongcheon" is written. "Baekseok" refers to Bugaksan and "dongcheon" means excellent scenery. Lee Hang-bok, a prime minister from the Joseon dynasty, built a pavilion and lived here. You still can see the cornerstone of the building and some stones from his pond.
The sound of Seoul is by now far out of range. Occasionally cooing collared doves and bugs make sounds, while the wind rustles through the woods. Stepping with a thankful mind through a place like this not far from the heart of Seoul, the sound of fallen leaves under your feet gives you a more tender feeling.
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