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Uidong Valley, Seoul: A Mountain Stream Below Bukhansan

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Uidong Valley (우이동계곡) is a signature valley of Gangbuk, lying between Dobongsan and Bukhansan in northern Seoul. A clear stream flows down from Bukhansan through Ui-dong, with walking paths along the water. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) Ui Gugok: The Nine Bends The stream's nine bends are called Ui Gugok . The name was given by the scholar Hong Yang-ho (pen name Igye), who lived here from 1762. He loved the valley so much that he named nine spots along it and wrote Uidong Gugokgi , a record of the nine bends. It remains Seoul's only work of gugok literature. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1) Things to See and Do Walks along the stream: Stairs and walking paths run along the valley. Summer by the water: Shady paths and water play make the valley a cool escape from the summer heat. Food by the stream: Restaurants sit along the stream. Chicken porridge (dakjuk) is considered a summer delicacy. Temples up the valley: About 20 min...
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Doseonsa Temple, Seoul: Historic Temple on Bukhansan

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On the slopes of Bukhansan in northern Seoul stands Doseonsa Temple (도선사), a Buddhist temple with a history said to go back more than 1,100 years. From the west side of Ui-dong, a road follows the valley toward Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan. After about 1 km along this road, you reach the temple's mountain gate.

Colorful gate on the road to Doseonsa Temple

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

History of Doseonsa

According to temple records, Doseonsa was founded in 862 by the monk Doseon. He is said to have foreseen that this mountain would revive Buddhism 1,000 years later. Legend says he split a large rock with his staff and carved an image of Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum) into it.

When Bukhansanseong Fortress was built, soldier monks stood guard at the temple. In 1863, the temple was repaired and the Chilseonggak hall was built. In 1887, a five-story pagoda was erected and sarira (relics) of the Buddha were enshrined in it.

Temple hall and a monk figure on a bench at Doseonsa

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Things to See and Do

  • Main hall (Daeungjeon): The hall houses an Amitabha Buddha triad. Portraits of Bodhidharma, Huineng and Cheongdam are painted on the inner walls.
  • Other buildings: Hoguk Chamhoewon, Myeongbujeon, Samseonggak, Jeongmukdang, Cheonwangmun (a gate) and the bell pavilion stand around the main hall.
  • Seoul cultural heritage: The standing rock-carved Buddha, the wooden Amitabha Buddha and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva statues, the stone Dokseong statue, and the bronze bell are designated as Seoul Tangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Mountain gate: A stone pillar at the gate is inscribed with a Buddhist verse in Chinese characters.
Path to Doseonsa Temple with Bukhansan rock peaks behind

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Before You Go

  • Doseonsa is an active temple. Please be quiet and respectful around the halls.
  • Hours are 09:00 to 18:00, and the temple is open all year.
Stone Buddhist statues in the forest at Doseonsa

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Basic Information

NameDoseonsa Temple (도선사)
Address278 Doseonsa-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Ui-dong)
서울특별시 강북구 도선사길 278
Hours09:00 to 18:00
ClosedNone
Contact+82-2-993-3161 (Korean)

How to Get There

  • Subway: Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui LRT). Signs at Exit 2 point the way to Doseonsa Temple.
  • For help in English, call the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline (+82-2-1330).
Buildings at Doseonsa Temple

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Map

Tips

  • Uidong Valley, a stream valley with walking paths, is also in Ui-dong.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI), KOGL Type 1

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