Buam dong Walking Tour Art, History and Parasite in Seoul
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step off the beaten path and explore Buam-dong, Seoul’s hidden gem. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through a peaceful hillside neighborhood filled with history, art, and mountain views.
Visit the Choi Gyu-sik Memorial Statue, learn about Cold War history, and discover the serene Cheongun Literature Library, Seoul’s first Hanok library.
Explore the Hill of Poet Yoon Dong-ju, enjoy views of Bugaksan, Inwangsan, and Bukhansan, and visit the Seoul City Wall and Changuimun Gate.
See a Parasite filming location and finish at Mugyewon, a Hanok cultural space.
Perfect for culture lovers, nature seekers, and those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Seoul.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
What To Expect
Buam-dong
Take a 10-minute bus ride to Buam-dong. As you travel, your guide will provide insights into the history of the area and explain why Buam-dong is such a special part of Seoul.
Chungwoon Literature Library
Visit the Cheongun Literature Library, Seoul’s first Hanok library, a peaceful spot surrounded by traditional architecture. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere of artistic Seoul.
Options
Seoul: Buam-dong Walking Tour – Art, History & Parasite Locations
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Going beyond …
Adventure47401,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour of a lovely neighbourhood . Even though I have been a couple of times , I saw new things and learnt quite a lot . Highly recommended for those who are more curious an want to go beyond the tourist areas
Great tour with some very...
Michaela H,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with some very interesting stories about Korean history. Visited great places + Jon is a super nice and funny tour guide. Absolutely recommend it.
Amazing Buam-dong Tour w/Jon
gedeir472024,
Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was by far the most interesting tour we took in Seoul. We thought we knew a little about Buam-dong but through Jon we learned so much more. He is an excellent host and really brings the area to life. Would love to do another tour with him. The area itself is fascinating and somewhat of a hidden gem but only minutes away from Gyeongbokgung Palace. Remarkable for an artistic and cultural past as well as important historical events. Plus some of the best views in Seoul. And some really good restaurants and bakeries as a plus. Can’t recommend enough!
The Buam-dong Walk is a must-do!
annakN3854TU,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Buam-dong Walk is a great tour. Not only does it take you out of the popular touristy areas into a less-known, just as interesting one, but Jon, the guide, is great at telling stories and is prepared to answer any questions you might have. Since it was supposed to rain on the day I was originally scheduled to go on the tour, Jon contacted me with other possible options. We ended up rescheduling the tour two days later and the weather ended up being perfect. Since I was the only client on the tour, it felt more like a pleasant walk and conversation with Jon, rather than a tour. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in seeing 'different' Seoul and hearing stories from distant and recent history.
Best walking tour in Seoul
T3808PGandreah,
Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic off-the-beaten path tour with an entertaining, well prepared guide (and I do have high expectations, being well-read and well-travelled myself). The tour was one of the highlights of our week in Seoul and if/when we come back Jon will be our first point of contact for tours so we hope he will develop many more in the future. I also very much appreciated the follow up email today with all the links and names/historical events that he talked about yesterday and will read everything again in detail. Will recommend the tour to everyone.
Do It
alexandercM9030YA,
Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is billed as a pleasant trek through Seoul’s hidden gem, Buam-Dong, but what the description doesn’t mention is that it is also a hidden gem among tours, with a gem of a tour guide to boot (Jon). While only about 10-15 minutes from central Seoul, this tour felt like a journey into a peaceful, secluded nook nestled among some of the most famous mountains near the Korean capital. In addition to visits to rich, historical sites (the old north gate, parts of the original wall that encircled Seoul, an old military guard house that played a key role in an aborted North Korean invasion), this tour also includes a stop at one of the most serene and unique libraries I have ever seen and a pilgrimage to an important filming location for Parasite. The guide, Jon, now lives in the area and can lay claim to a deep and nuanced knowledge both of this beautiful area and of Korea more generally. Alongside his various tales about the history of Korea and the Buam-Dong in particular, Jon made a point of noting some of the best restaurants in the area and was kind enough to share a meal with us afterwards (for me, chatting over fried chicken and beer and getting to know Jon was one of the highlights of the tour). To put it succinctly, I would say the experience relative to the price point for this tour should make it an essential stop if you are spending a few days in Seoul.
A hidden gem of Seoul.
devonh4595,
Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This walk through Buam-dong was a lot of fun, filled with interesting locations and factoids you would not normally see or hear about. Jon, our guide, made the walk very engaging and enjoyable. He told stories about historic events that took place in the area and took us to various spots that highlighted its geographic, traditional, and modern features. This included beautiful mountain range views, hanoks, and local bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and museums. I will definitely be visiting Buam-dong again in the future to do further exploring. If you want to see a part of Seoul that is off the beaten path, sign up for this walk. Thanks for the great time, Jon!
Relaxing in Buam-dong
Ira T,
Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting and entertaining tour that combines history, culture, trendy cafes and stunning scenery. The tour also offers a piece of 한류, a filming location of Oscar winning movie was intresting. If you've seen the movie, you'll know the scene right away. Jon was a knowledgeable and pleasant guide. As someone who is interested in history, I was delighted with how vividly he could tell the story of the Blue House raid. Although I have been to Seoul many times, I have never been to Buam-dong and I am glad I found this gem thanks to the tour. I enjoyed every moment, I highly recommend.
See the ancient people of Seoul
민정 박,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boamdong has the old old look of Seoul. Jon guided the Boamdong cornerstone and presented the cornerstone of this area very well from a historical background that the Koreans didn't know. I want to participate again!
Off the beaten Track tour
G6629GDcharlesm,
Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Must go tour in Seoul. Jon is a passionate guide. During the tour you'll learn a lot about korean history and culture, see amazing views of Seoul and discover a neigborhood off the beten track.
From $38.50
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