Songpa Travel Guide

Explore the culturally significant attractions, natural wonders, and food scene of Songpa, Seoul with this comprehensive travel guide.


Songpa is located in the southeastern part of Seoul, South Korea. The district has a rich cultural heritage with numerous ancient temples, historical landmarks, and museums. In addition, Songpa boasts of scenic natural attractions such as rivers, parks, and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Songpa, top things to do, where to stay, and the food and drink scene of this vibrant district.

Introduction to Songpa

Songpa district is one of the 25 gu (districts) of Seoul, South Korea. It is located in the southeastern part of Seoul and covers an area of 33.9 km². Songpa is known for its mix of modernity and tradition, making it a popular destination for tourists. The district is also home to some of the most important cultural attractions in Seoul.

List of Places to Visit in Songpa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Olympic Park - One of the largest parks in Seoul, Olympic Park was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics. It features various attractions, including sculptures, gardens, and walking trails.
  2. Seokchonhosu Lake - A beautiful lake located near Lotte World, Seokchonhosu Lake provides excellent views of Lotte Tower and is perfect for a peaceful walk along the water.
  3. Jamsil Sports Complex - A massive sports complex and entertainment center near the Han River, Jamsil is home to the Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.
  4. Seokchonhosu Euljiro - A traditional Korean street located near Seokchonhosu Lake, Seokchonhosu Euljiro features various shops, restaurants, and street vendors.
  5. Bongeunsa Temple - A famous Buddhist temple located in downtown Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
  6. Samsung D’light - A futuristic exhibition center operated by Samsung, Samsung D’light showcases the latest innovations in technology and design.

Natural Attractions of Songpa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Seokchonhosu Lake - In addition to being a culturally significant attraction, Seokchonhosu Lake is also a beautiful natural attraction. The lake features walking trails and a variety of outdoor activities.
  2. Gwangnaru Park - A beautiful park situated alongside the Han River, Gwangnaru Park is famous for its walking and cycling trails and stunning views of the river.
  3. Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site is an archeological site known for its remains of prehistoric settlements dating back to the Neolithic period.
  4. Seoul Forest - A large urban eco-park in Seoul, Seoul Forest is home to a variety of flowers, trees, and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy cycling, picnicking, and bird watching in the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Songpa

  1. Mangwon Summer Bridge - An excellent location for both hiking and biking, Mangwon Summer Bridge provides beautiful views of the Han River and the surrounding mountains.
  2. Amsa Geoje Trail - A hiking trail located near the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, the Amsa Geoje Trail provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is also famous for its beautiful flowers and wildlife.
  3. Baeksasil Valley Trail - A beautiful hiking trail located near Samsung D’light, Baeksasil Valley Trail provides significant views of Seoul City and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Songpa: Activities and Tours

  1. Lotte Tower Observation Deck - Located in Jamsil Sports Complex, Lotte Tower Observation Deck provides an astounding 360-degree view of Seoul City from a height of 555 meters.
  2. Ice Skating in Lotte World Mall - An exciting indoor ice rink located in Lotte World Mall, visitors can enjoy ice skating in a beautiful winter wonderland atmosphere.
  3. Visit the Olympic Museum - A museum located in the heart of Olympic Park, visitors can enjoy learning about the history of the Olympics and Seoul’s role in hosting the Games.
  4. Water Sports in Ttukseom Hangang Park - Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including kayaking, water skiing, and wakeboarding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Songpa

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Olympic Park and Seokchonhosu Lake
2 Explore Jamsil Sports Complex and Seokchonhosu Euljiro
3 Hike the Amsa Geoje Trail and visit Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site
4 Visit Samsung D’light and Lotte Tower Observation Deck
5 Enjoy water sports in Ttukseom Hangang Park and visit the Olympic Museum
6 Biking and hiking in Mangwon Summer Bridge
7 Relax in Seoul Forest and try Ice Skating in Lotte World Mall

Food and Drink Scene of Songpa

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Jokbal - Braised pigs’ feet served with soy sauce and ginger.
  2. Gimbap - Korean sushi rolls stuffed with various ingredients such as beef, vegetables, and egg.
  3. Bibimbap - A traditional Korean dish consisting of rice, vegetables, and meat, topped with a fried egg and chili paste.
  4. Tteokbokki - Spicy rice cakes served with fish cake and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Makgeolli - A traditional Korean rice wine made from fermented rice and water.
  2. Soju - A distilled beverage traditionally made from rice and wheat.
  3. Sikhye - A sweet, non-alcoholic rice drink.

Where to Stay in Songpa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Lotte Hotel World - A luxury hotel located in Jamsil Sports Complex, Lotte Hotel World offers stunning views of the Han River and is within walking distance of various attractions.
  2. Tria Hotel - A stylish hotel located in the heart of Songpa, Tria Hotel features modern rooms and easy access to various attractions.
  3. Hostel Haru - A cozy hostel located near Olympic Park, Hostel Haru provides affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Songpa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Hanbok - A traditional Korean costume made of silk or cotton.
  2. Korean Ginseng - A perennial plant used in traditional Korean medicine, Korean ginseng can be purchased in various forms, including pills, powder, and tea.
  3. Korean Traditional Crafts - Visitors can find a variety of traditional Korean crafts such as ceramics, pottery, and embroidery.

Local Culture and Customs of Songpa

  1. Respect elders and authority - As with other parts of Korea, elders and those in authority should be shown respect.
  2. Remove shoes in homes and temples - It is customary to remove shoes and leave them at the door before entering a home or temple.
  3. Tipping is not required - Tipping is not customary in Korea.

Best Time to Visit Songpa

The best time to visit Songpa is from April to June and September to November when the weather is cool and mild. December to February is also a good time to visit for winter sports like skiing, but the weather can be extremely cold. July and August can be hot and humid, making outdoor activities more challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Songpa

Do:

  1. Respect the culture and customs of the local people.
  2. Try Korean food and drinks.
  3. Take off your shoes when entering a home or temple.
  4. Learn basic Korean phrases, including “hello” and “thank you.”

Don’t:

  1. Wear revealing clothing, particularly in temples or other cultural sites.
  2. Use your phone or speak loudly on public transportation.
  3. Smoke in public places.
  4. Dispose of trash in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Songpa

Songpa is a safe district for tourists, with low levels of crime. Visitors should take the same precautions they would in any large city, including keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Songpa

South Korea has an excellent healthcare system, and medical facilities in Songpa are of a high standard. However, visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance before traveling to Songpa.

Getting to Songpa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Songpa

  1. Incheon International Airport - Located 60 minutes away from Songpa by car, Incheon International Airport is one of the largest airports in Asia, serving as a hub for international flights.
  2. Gimpo International Airport - A smaller airport located approximately 30 minutes away from Songpa by car, Gimpo International Airport is primarily used for domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Songpa

  1. Central City Terminal - Located near Seoul Station, Central City Terminal provides bus services to various parts of the country.
  2. Gangnam Express Bus Terminal - A major bus terminal located in Gangnam, Gangnam Express Bus Terminal provides bus services to various parts of the country.

Other Options

  1. By Subway - Songpa is easily accessible by subway, with various lines running through the district.
  2. By Taxi - Taxis are widely available in Songpa and are a convenient way to get around the district.

How to Get Around in Songpa

A variety of transportation options are available in Songpa, including subways, buses, and taxis. The district is also easy to navigate on foot, with various attractions located in close proximity to each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles and enjoy cycling paths along the Han River.

Where to Go Next from Songpa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Gangnam - Located south of the Han River, Gangnam is a vibrant district known for its nightlife, shopping, and entertainment.
  2. Seoul Tower - A famous landmark in Seoul, Seoul Tower provides stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
  3. Namsan Park - Located in downtown Seoul, Namsan Park is famous for its beautiful views of the cityscape and walking trails.

Conclusion

Songpa is a fascinating district of Seoul, South Korea, with a mix of tradition and modernity. Visitors to Songpa can enjoy exploring cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway, Songpa has something for everyone.

Inside Lotte World Inside Lotte World Garak Fish Market Garak Fish Market