Seoul Adventure: Waterfalls, Forest Walks, and Underground Art Spaces

A refreshing scene of Hongje waterfall 

I recently spent a half-day wandering around Hongjecheon in western Seoul, and honestly, it was one of those unexpected little escapes in the city. From artificial waterfalls to quiet forest trails and underground art, this route packs a surprising mix of nature and culture.

Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall – A Refreshing Urban Oasis

The Hongjecheon Stream starts from Bukhansan Mountain and winds through Jongno, Seodaemun, and Mapo before meeting the Han River. As part of the 2011 restoration project, a huge artificial waterfall was created along the stream — about 25 meters tall and 60 meters wide.

Sitting by the waterfall, the cool mist instantly made me forget the Seoul summer heat. It’s peaceful, surprisingly quiet for a city stream, and perfect for a short break or a few photos. Even though it’s an artificial waterfall, I loved how it offers a little slice of nature right in the middle of the city.

Location & Access:

• 170–181 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

• Subway: Hongje Station (Line 3), Exit 3 — ~13 min walk

• Buses: 110A, 163, 7017, 7713, 7720, 7738, 8774, and Seodaemun Town Bus No. 3

Opening Hours:

• March, April, September, October: 09:00 – 19:00

• June – August: 08:00 – 20:00

The stepping-stone path near Hongje Waterfall - crossing these stones leads you toward the peaceful Yeonhui Herb Trail and the Ansan Jarak-gil ridge walk.

A view of Hongje Waterfall from the second-floor cafe-  I originally wanted to stop by this café for the waterfall view, but it was already packed, so I decided to skip it.

A wider view of the waterfall and surrounding houses — on the right side of the waterfall, you can spot a large waterwheel and mill-like structure.

Yeonhui Forest Garden & Ansan Jarak-gil – Nature Walks in the City

From Hongjecheon, it’s just a short stroll across the stepping stones to Yeonhui Forest Rest Area, a beautifully landscaped park perfect for a light walk. The trail continues seamlessly into Ansan Jarak-gil, one of Seoul’s most loved forest walking paths.

The 7km loop is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, with plenty of benches and shaded forest areas. In spring, cherry blossoms line the paths, while summer and autumn bring deep greens and golden leaves along metasequoia trees and Ansan’s clay trails. Walking here felt like stepping out of the city hustle and into nature, right in the middle of Seoul.

The stairs leading up to the Yeonhui Forest Rest Area, along with a map that shows the layout of the forest paths.

At the Hurb Garden inside Yeonhui Rest Area, workers were busy upgrading and refreshing the space.

People hard at work improving the Herb Garden, getting it ready for visitors.

Walking past the Herb Garden toward Yeonhui Forest Rest Area, I came across a pavilion and outdoor exercise equipment — breathing the fresh forest air and squeezing in a bit of weight training felt great after not doing much exercise during my trip.

Ansan embankment — a small, man-made embankment with benches dotted around, perfect for a quiet break. After passing the pond, the path smoothly connects to the main Ansan Jarak-gil trail.

👀 [Here] are a few trail course suggestions, including the Ansan Jarak-gil. All courses were checked directly through the official Seodaemun-gu website.

Hongje Yuyeon – Underground Art Beneath the Bridge

A short walk from the forest brings you to Hongje Yuyeon, an underground art space beneath Yujin Sangga.

Hongje Yuyeon — the underpass space glows with yellow lighting, creating a unique atmosphere.

A section of Hongje Yuyeon lit by red lights

 A closer look at the red-glow area under the bridge.

The yellow-lit section and the opposite side of Hongje Yuyeon — this place actually photographs better when you step back and capture it from a wider angle instead of zooming in too close.

Originally a luxury mixed-use building from the 1970s, the basement — the old waterway — was transformed into an exhibition space through the 2020 Seoul Public Art Project. The easiest way to enter is via the stairs under Hongje Bridge, across from Hongje Elementary School.

If entering through Yujin Sangga, find Inwang Pharmacy, then take the stairs directly opposite into the Yuyeon.

We located Hongje Yuyeon by finding Inwang Pharmacy first, and then walking through the Yujin Shopping Building right across from it. If you spot a sign saying “Way to Hongjecheon Stream,” it means you’re in the right place.

The installations are fascinating, and while the space has been visually upgraded, it can still feel a little damp and musty due to years of neglect. If you’re not particularly interested in taking striking or unusual photos, it might not be a must-visit spot, though professional photographers have captured some truly stunning shots here.

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00

👉If you want to learn more about Hongje Yuyeon, check out this page — click [Here].

Connecting the Route

Walking from the Hongjecheon Waterfall to Hongje Yuyeon takes roughly 30 minutes, though you can hop on a bus if you prefer. Along the way, the cooler air from the stream makes it a pleasant urban trail even on warmer days.

Photographers will enjoy the contrast — from waterfalls and leafy forest paths to the dim, concrete tunnel of Hongje Yuyeon. For a calm half-day in Seoul, this route is perfect.

Recommended Route:

Hongjecheon Artificial Waterfall → Yeonhui Forest Garden → Ansan Jarak-gil → Yujin Sangga → Hongje Yuyeon

Final Thoughts

Hongjecheon may not have the name recognition of Cheonggyecheon, but it offers a quieter, more local side of Seoul. Waterfalls, bridges, forest paths, and bits of urban art all come together here in a way that feels distinctly Seoul.

If you’re near Hongje Station or western Seoul, it’s worth taking a little time to explore this hidden corner of the city—a calming blend of nature and culture. And if you’re searching for a peaceful forest walk, the Yeonhui Rest Area and the Ansan Jarak-gil trail are both excellent choices.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.