Sunday, May 3 (At Naksan Park)

After church and coffee hour I decided to investigate one of the parks in the Parks of Seoul information book distributed by the Seoul Tourist Office. Because I hadn't been to Dongdaemun this trip, I decided to visit Naksan Park which is near the Gate and Market.
I was trying to figure out which way to go in order to reach Naksan. A pleasant Korean woman, who it turns out had emigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 18 so spoke both English and Korean, inquired of an elderly gentleman who it turned out knew how to reach the park. So thanks to the two of them, I didn't waste any steps or time by heading in the wrong direction.

I know that san (산) means mountain so expected an upward trek. And, indeed, it was. Fortunately, as one walked along the small road by the side of the fortress wall, there were several places to sit and enjoy the view out over the city.

Entering the park there is a sign board with map. At least this map does indicate north, even if north is to the left not the top. The sign at least did match the one in the tourist office brochure.

Like most of Seoul's parks this one has multiple uses. It's part historical reconstruction, reminding everyone of the importance of Seoul's mountains to its history. In the late 14th century Naksan was one of the four protective mountains, known as the blue dragon.

It also provides walking paths, exercise equipment areas, badminton courts, and a central plaza which seems to attract kids who want to practice in-line skating. (I had to do a bit of dodging as I went to buy some refreshments.) The plaza area also contains a gallery with a history of the area and its reconstruction.
At the top there were some lovely views





























While the park is lovely, civilization is quite close at hand.

The flowers were lovely. On the other side of this pathway there were lilac bushes. They were "post peak" so not very pretty, but still smelled wonderful.


There were a number of beds of lovely cultivated flowers.
I exited the park at the far end, following the hill downward and my nose to find the Hyehwa Subway Station. (I was quite proud of myself for finding my way in a completely new area.) The neighborhood was filled with galleries, small theaters, coffee shops, places to eat, and very young people. Between leaving the park and arriving at the subway, I don't think I saw anyone older than 30 years!