Saturday: The Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch is holding a half-day tour to Bugak Skyway and Mount Inwang this weekend.
The tour will visit some areas in northern Seoul that were off-limits to the general public in the past, including the closely guarded gardens of the Korean political elite.
The tour will start off at Hyoja-dong Sarangbang, which was originally the official residence of Korea’s chief presidential secretaries, but now serves as an exhibition hall. After visiting Mugunghwa Park - once a private presidential garden and better known as the site of the assassination of the late President Park Chung Hee- the tour will continue with a drive along the Bugak Skyway behind the Blue House.
The tour will then head for Mount Inwang, a mountain located immediately to the west of the Blue House, which is why it was closed to the public for security reasons until a few years ago.
The tour will end after a visit to the sights of Sajik Park, which houses Sajik Altar. Built in 1394, this was one of the most sacred spots during the Joseon Dynasty, where the king performed annual sacrifices to the spirits of grain and harvest.
The tour leaves from Yongsan Post Office at 8:30 a.m. and will return at 1:30 p.m. The bus will also stop at Hyundai Gallery, opposite Gyeongbok Palace, at 8:50 a.m. for those who want to join the tour there.
It costs 20,000 won ($15.28) for members and 24,000 won for nonmembers.
Sinyongsan Station, line No. 4, exit 1
For more information, visit www.raskb.com or call (02) 763-9483.