Korean food in Seoul, one of hottest restaurant, featured on KBS 2TV’s Live Info Show

 

Exploring the History of Eunpyeong:
Seoul’s Historic Gateway

Eunpyeong-gu, located in the northwestern part of Seoul, is a place that holds very interesting stories from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. To help foreign readers feel the charm of Eunpyeong, I will explain its history in an exciting way as "The Secret Gateway to Seoul," making it easy to understand without difficult terms.

The name "Eunpyeong" was created by taking the first syllables of two past districts: Eunjin-bang and Yeonpyeong-bang. For hundreds of years, this place has been a very important crossroad where people and culture met.

1. The Gateway to the Capital (Joseon Dynasty)

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), Eunpyeong was one of the most important gateways to Seoul (then called Hanyang). Specifically, it was located on the path leading to the northwest (towards Uiju), making it the mandatory passage for ambassadors coming from China.

• • The Rest Stop for Ambassadors: There were accommodations like 'Hongjewon' nearby, where Chinese ambassadors would change their clothes and prepare their manners before officially entering the capital.
• • A Place of Rest and Nature: Being situated at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, it boasted beautiful natural scenery where kings would often enjoy resting or hunting.

2. The Spiritual Soul of Eunpyeong (Ancient Temples)

Eunpyeong is home to many temples with over a thousand years of history. These are the best places for foreigners to understand Korea's spiritual roots.

• • Jingwansa Temple: Built during the Goryeo Dynasty (1011), King Sejong the Great of Joseon cherished this temple so much that he built a library here for scholars. Notably, a Korean Flag (Taegeukgi) hidden during the Korean War was discovered here, making it a sacred site symbolizing the Korean will for independence.
• • Suguksa Temple: Famous as the "Golden Temple" for being covered in dazzling gold, it was a royal prayer temple where people prayed for the well-being of the royal family.

3. A Place of Respect: The Tomb of Court Ladies

Eunpyeong has a very special historical site that is hard to find elsewhere: the burial grounds for eunuchs and court ladies.

Those who spent their entire lives in the palace serving the king were buried here in Eunpyeong, facing the direction of the palace. While not grand or flashy, it is a touching place where you can catch a glimpse of the lives of those who silently supported history.

4. Transformation into a Cultural Hub (Modern Times)

Modern-day Eunpyeong has completely transformed from an old residential area into a place where culture and art breathe.

• • Eunpyeong Hanok Village: Established in the 2010s, this village features a collection of modern Hanok houses against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain. It is perfectly harmonizing the past and the present. It is emerging as the best spot to take a "life-defining photo."
• • The City of Literature: Eunpyeong has also been a home for many literary writers. Today, it is a city of education and culture, filled with beautiful libraries with poetic names like the "Crossing the Stream to the Forest Library."

💡 Traveler’s Tip for Eunpyeong

"Old meets New" — When you visit Eunpyeong, experience a peaceful Temple Stay at Jingwansa in the morning, and in the afternoon, enjoy coffee while looking at Bukhansan Mountain from a trendy cafe in the Hanok Village. You can simultaneously encounter the relaxation felt by Joseon-era ambassadors and the trendiness of modern Seoul!

 “Cheongryu Pyeongyang Naengmyeon – Eunpyeong Hanok Village Branch A Pyeongyang cold noodle restaurant featured on KBS 2TV’s Live Info Show.”

The first restaurant I’d like to introduce is Cheongryu Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, a well‑known spot in Eunpyeong District located near Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Its biggest charm comes from the clear, deeply flavored broth made by simmering beef for over three hours to remove any gamy taste, along with tender slices of meat and a careful cooking process. Their signature dishes include Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, Bracken Perilla Oil Naengmyeon, and Eobok Jeongban.

Pyeongyang Naengmyeon

It looks simple on the outside, but the moment you take a bite, the flavor completely fills your mouth. 

Bracken Perilla Oil Naengmyeon 

The nutty aroma of perilla oil and the crunch of the pickled vegetables come together to fill your mouth with flavor. The noodles, made from a blend of buckwheat flour and starch, offer a soft yet pleasantly elastic texture.

Eobok Jeongban

This nourishing dish features a rich broth 

simmered for over three hours,

combined with sliced beef, cabbage, crown daisy, 

and other fresh vegetables.

It’s especially popular among families.

Reference Youtube 

🔗 Cheongryu Restaurant 🔗 Cafe Novelty 🔗 Eunpyeong Hanok Village 🔗 Eunpyeong Hanok Village

 Cheongryu Pyeongyang Naengmyeon Restaurant

Address: 219-11, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul 

Business Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM 

Phone: +82-2-356-5556

View on Google Maps

Other Must-Eats Place in Eunpyeong Gu

1) Gayamil Naengmyeon & Seafood Kalguksu Main Branch

36 Daeseomun-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

📍 Open Gayamil Naengmyeon & Seafood Kalguksu on Google Maps

2) Chai Monster

334 Bulgwangcheon-gil, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea

📍 Open Chai Monster on Google Maps

3) Haekkadeuk Bibimbap Eungam Branch

119 Eunpyeong-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

📍 Open Haekkadeuk Bibimbap Eungam Branch on Google Maps

4) 1in1jan Cafe

534 Yeonseo-ro, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

📍 Open 1in1jan Cafe on Google Maps

The Ultimate Guide: Key Attractions Near Eunpyeong Hanok Village

1) Jingwansa Temple (진관사)

A 1,000-year-old temple offering temple-stay programs. Features beautiful forest paths that connect naturally to the Hanok Village; excellent photo spots for a peaceful walk.

📍 Open Jingwansa Temple on Google Maps

📍 Address: 73, Jingwan-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

⏰ Opening Hours: Open daily (Temple grounds usually accessible from sunrise to sunset)

🚀 How to Get There: 10–15 minutes on foot from Eunpyeong Hanok Village or 3–5 minutes by car.

2) Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum

Exhibitions on hanok architecture and traditional Korean culture. It is a perfect companion stop when visiting the Hanok Village and suitable for any weather.

📍 Open Eunpyeong Historical Hanok Museum on Google Maps

📍 Address: 8, Yeonseo-ro 50-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

🚀 How to Get There: Located at the heart of the village. A 5-minute walk from most points in Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

3) Seoul Trail Section 8 (Bukhansan Course)

The longest and most scenic section of the Seoul Trail (34.5 km), offering a full-day hiking experience with beautiful mountain views and varied terrain.

📍 Open Seoul Dullegil Course 8 on Google Maps

📍 Entrance Point: Accessible near the 'Eunpyeong History & Hanok Museum' or Jingwansa entrance.

🕒 Estimated Time: Approximately 10–12 hours for the full section.

🚀 How to Get There: Start your hike from the trail entrance next to the museum or the trail leading to Jingwansa.

4) Han Culture Experience Center

Offers interactive cultural activities like Hanbok experience, traditional games, and craft workshops. Very popular among families and children.

📍 Open Han Culture Experience Center on Google Maps

📍 Address: 125, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu

⏰ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Hours may vary by program)

🚀 How to Get There: 10-minute walk from the museum; located within the village area.

5) Geumseongdang (Historic Site)

A quiet historic site preserving the late-Joseon architectural style. It matches the traditional and serene atmosphere of the nearby Hanok Village.

📍 Open Geumseongdang on Google Maps

📍 Address: 175-836, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

6) Bulgwang Park

An urban neighborhood park focused on exercise. Features wide walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment, and beautiful cherry blossom paths in spring.

📍 Open [Bulgwang Park] on Google Maps

📍 Address: Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (Near Bulgwang Station area)

🚀 How to Get There: 20–25 minutes on foot or a short bus ride (Bus 7720/7733) from the village.

7) Jangheung Hanok Swimming Pool

A unique outdoor swimming pool with traditional hanok-style design, surrounded by beautiful mountain views. Family-friendly and scenic.

📍 Open Jangheung Hanok Swimming Pool on Google Maps

📍 Address: 322-60, Gwon-yul-ro, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

⏰ Opening Hours: 09:30 AM – 05:30 PM (Operating during summer season only)

🚀 How to Get There: Approximately 25–30 minutes by car from Eunpyeong Hanok Village.

Hiking Guide: Bukhansan & Baekryeonsan

1) Bukhansan National Park (Jingwan Entrance)

Bukhansan is the most iconic mountain in Seoul. The Jingwan Entrance is the most accessible point from the village, offering stunning granite peaks and valley courses.

📍 Open Bukhansan on Google Maps

📍 Address: San 1-1, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

⏰ Opening Hours: Open daily (Entry restricted after sunset for safety; usually 04:00 AM – 05:00 PM)

🚀 How to Get There: Walk about 15 minutes from the Hanok Village center towards Jingwansa Temple to find the hiking trail start point.

2) Baekryeonsan (Baekryeon Mountain)

A beginner-friendly hiking trail (approx. 216m high) with gentle slopes and well-maintained forest paths. Perfect for casual walkers and quiet relaxation.

📍 Open Baekryeonsan on Google Maps

📍 Address: Eungam-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

🚀 How to Get There: 15-min walk from Eungam Station (Line 6) or take Bus 7019/7021 and get off at 'Baekryeonsan Hill'.