Finally, I am thrilled to launch the new series, Let’s Dive Suburb! This series will introduce hidden gems in the suburbs near Seoul. Before diving in, I’d like to take a moment to thank those who read my previous series, Let’s Seoul.
Writing the Let’s Seoul series involved a lot of thought and reflection. Seoul is a vast city with an abundance of attractions, ranging from its vibrant modern entertainment to its rich historical heritage. Choosing just a few recommendations from such a diverse pool was no easy task. In fact, it was nearly impossible to highlight everything. So, I focused on recommending the places that I personally loved, with a strong touch of subjectivity.
Of course, there are many other amazing spots worth visiting in Seoul. I hope that, if your time and budget allow, you’ll take the opportunity to explore as much as possible. Should I revisit the series, I’d love to share other noteworthy locations that didn’t make the cut, like Changdeokgung Palace. While it’s a stunning and universally loved royal palace, I excluded it because of its similarities to other palaces I had already included.
Another aspect I regret is not organizing my recommendations based on geographical convenience. Next time, I’ll consider creating itineraries, such as 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day travel plans to help you navigate Seoul more efficiently.
Now, Let’s Begin: Wangsong Lake
The first place I’d like to introduce is Wangsong Lake. This picturesque destination features beautifully maintained lotus wetlands, which are especially breathtaking during the summer lotus bloom season.
One of the highlights of Wangsong Lake is the Uiwang Rail Bike, which allows visitors to ride along the serene lakeside tracks. As you pedal around the lake, you’ll be treated to relaxing scenery, opportunities to snap beautiful photos, and refreshing breezes that will truly let you unwind and enjoy the healing power of travel.
The lake also boasts wooden decks perfect for leisurely walks. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant fall foliage or a snow-covered winter landscape, this treasure is stunning in all seasons. And the best part? Wangsong Lake is easily accessible by subway from Seoul!
To get there, take Seoul Subway Line 1 to Uiwang Station and exit through Exit 2. A short walk toward Wangsong Lake will lead you to the Dokkaebi Market, a traditional market where you can grab a hearty meal or a refreshing drink to carry along.
As you continue walking, you’ll pass the Railroad Museum, an outdoor museum worth a quick visit. About 10 minutes beyond the museum lies Wangsong Lake. There, you’ll find the Uiwang Rail Bike, which I highly recommend trying, as well as the Uiwang Bird Ecology Science Museum for those interested in a bit of education along with their adventure. Note that the Railroad Museum and Bird Ecology Science Museum both have separate entry fees, but they are reasonably priced, so there’s no need to worry.
If you’re planning to ride the rail bike, be sure to inquire about discount options, as they are often available for same-day riders.
Tips for Uiwang Rail Bike
The Uiwang Rail Bike is especially popular among couples and families with children, so it’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. Weekday tickets are also cheaper than weekend rates, making this a budget-friendly option.
• Rates:
2-seater: ₩28,000 (weekday) / ₩30,000 (weekend)
4-seater: ₩36,000 (weekday) / ₩40,000 (weekend)
• Operating Hours:
Morning: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30
Afternoon: 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
Reservations are recommended for your planned time slot. You can purchase tickets online or at the site, with 50% of tickets reserved for online sales and the other 50% available on-site. However, note that online reservations are not available for same-day bookings.
For more details on the rail bike course, Wangsong Lake, and the surrounding attractions, visit the official website here. Although the website is only available in Korean, you can use a translation tool to navigate it with ease.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Miss the Sunset
Wangsong Lake offers stunning sunset views. Check the sunset time in advance and plan your visit accordingly for a truly memorable trip.
I’m confident that this itinerary will make for a rewarding journey.