Uidong Valley, Seoul: A Mountain Stream Below Bukhansan

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.

Rocky stream and autumn trees in Uidong Valley

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.

Clear pool in Uidong Valley

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 minutes up the valley you will find a Won Buddhism retreat and the temples Seongbulsa, Yongdeoksa, Seonunsa and Gwangmyeongsa.
Small waterfall over stones in Uidong Valley

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Before You Go

  • The valley is open all year.
  • The area is next to Bukhansan National Park. For trail information, contact the park's Ui Office.
  • Lodging (minbak) is also available in the area.
Stream with stone walls in Uidong Valley

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Basic Information

NameUidong Valley (우이동계곡)
Address141-5 Samyang-ro 181-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Ui-dong)
서울특별시 강북구 삼양로181길 141-5
ClosedNone
ContactBukhansan National Park, Ui Office, +82-2-997-8365

How to Get There

  • Subway: Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui LRT), Exit 1. The valley is about 1.5 km from the exit.
Wide rocks along the stream in Uidong Valley

Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)

Map

Tips

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

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