After my trip to the beautiful Haus Coffee & Dessert in August, I never thought I’d be heading back to Jangchungdan Park so soon. But this time, I’m super pumped because I get to explore it in a whole new light, with the gorgeous autumn colors! If you want to see how stunning it is, just stick with me till the end of this post!
Jangchungdan Park Overview:
Nestled at the northeastern base of Namsan Mountain in Jung-gu, Seoul, you’ll find Jangchungdan Park (장충단공원). This area was once the site of a shrine commissioned by Emperor Gojong to honor his wife, Empress Myeongseong, and the valiant soldiers who defended her during the assassination attempt in 1895. Unfortunately, the shrine fell victim to the ravages of the Korean War, leading to its destruction. In 1919, the site underwent a transformation into a park.
Jangchungdan Park holds a special place in Korean history, celebrated for its patriotic significance. It is home to the 1919 Independence Movement of Korea Memorial Stone and various monuments dedicated to the remarkable individuals who played pivotal roles in the struggle for Korean independence.
What Awaits You in Jangchungdan Park:
In light of the park’s rich historical heritage, Jangchungdan Park distinguishes itself from the typical urban parks nestled in residential neighborhoods. Within its expansive 546,000 square meter expanse, you’ll encounter a wealth of cultural treasures, including the Jangchungdan Memorial Stone, the Supyogyo Stone Bridge, statues paying tribute to independence activist Yu Gwan-sun and Buddhist reformer Han Yong-un.
Beyond these cultural gems, the park offers amenities like a children’s baseball field, playgrounds, a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a hidden Hanok-style café waiting to be discovered by all. Its serene and invigorating ambiance makes it a sought-after destination for leisurely strolls, with the Namsomun Dongcheon Stream meandering through and a lush assortment of deciduous and pine trees lining its well-maintained trails.
Fall Delights in Jangchungdan Park:
As with any park in Korea, the arrival of autumn brings a spectacular burst of colors. Here, we’ve pinpointed specific spots within Jangchungdan Park where you can capture the truly breathtaking essence of this season:
Scenic Glimpse from Supyogyo Stone Bridge:
Supyogyo Stone Bridge (수표교)
Supyogyo Stone Bridge is conveniently located near a small square housing the Jeilgangsan Taepyeong Monument. If you’re taking the bus, it’s a stone’s throw from Dongguk University Station Bus Stop, number 02222. This vantage point not only offers a captivating view of the stone bridge itself but also provides a serene panorama of the winding stream, adorned with lush greenery and majestic deciduous trees, creating a truly tranquil and soothing scene!
A Picture Taken From Supyogyo Stone Bridge
A Majestic Ginkgo Tree Near the Senior Center:
One of the highlights of my visit was stumbling upon this colossal ginkgo tree. As I strolled past the police office building, I was captivated by the tree’s vibrant golden display. This ginkgo tree is undoubtedly one of the largest I’ve encountered in Seoul, and judging by its age and towering stature, it must have graced the area for well over a century. If you’re planning a visit to Jangchungdan Park, I highly recommend taking a detour along the trail near the senior center (장충단공원경로당) to pay your respects to this magnificent ginkgo grandpa!
The Hidden Majestic Ginkgo Tree in the Park
Exploring the Park’s Central Trail:
As you venture deeper into the heart of the park, be sure to look skyward and soak in the grandeur of your surroundings. Take in the iconic silhouette of the Shilla Hotel and the imposing structures that peep over Dongguk University’s walls. Their charm is magnified by the enchanting autumn colors!
Haus Coffee & Dessert Cafe:
Haus Coffee & Dessert hardly requires an introduction, given its daily draw of delighted visitors. In the picture below, I’ll reveal how this Hanok-style café takes on an even more enchanting aura when enveloped in the warm embrace of autumn’s vibrant hues!
The Beautiful Haus’s Giwa (Traditional Korean Roof) Featuring Fall Foliage
Exploring a Streamside Path near Haus Cafe:
While many Haus visitors may not overlook the charming little waterfall adjacent to the cafe, I’d like to underscore the importance of seizing the opportunity to capture this hidden gem with your camera during the autumn season. Along this trail, a row of deciduous trees, including hornbeams and ginkgos, awaits to dazzle you with their vibrant fall foliage!
Exploring a Streamside Path near Haus Cafe
The Ideal Autumn Visit Timing:
The enchanting autumn scenes you see in the photos throughout this blog post were taken during my visit on October 29, a time when the vibrant explosion of fall colors is at its peak. Nevertheless, I also came across several trees, particularly ginkgos, that had yet to transition into their golden foliage, providing an extended window for savoring the season’s allure. I suggest planning your trip to Jangchungdan Park sometime within the first week of November to fully relish the breathtaking views.
Reaching Jangchungdan Park:
Getting to Jangchungdan Park couldn’t be simpler. It’s conveniently situated adjacent to exit 6 of Dongguk University Station (동대입구역) on Seoul Subway Line 3. Just hop on Line 3 or make a transfer if needed, and disembark at this stop. Upon exiting from exit 6, you’ll find one of the park entrances right next to the police station. It’s as easy as can be!
Gallery: More Autumn Shots from Jangchungdan Park
Access Map:
Quick Info About Jangchungdan Park:
Address: 서울 중구 동호로 257-10
Naver Map: Link
Hours: 24hours
Phone: 02-771-2440
My Visit Date: October 29, 2023
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