Mount Nam's new garden offers guided walks into Seoul's quieter side

Amid Seoul's bustling metropolis, Mount Nam has long provided a much-needed green sanctuary, with its notable broadcast tower and shaded hiking paths. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is now offering residents a fresh method to unwind: guided walking tours through the recently renovated Korean Forest Garden. Starting August 21, the Jungbu Parks & Recreation Center will introduce a series of docent-led day and evening tours aimed at allowing visitors to experience the traditional scenery, indigenous flora, and seasonal patterns of the mountain's newest feature.

The 11-themed garden complex, located on the mountain's southern slope in Itaewon, is situated on the former site of the Mount Nam Outdoor Botanical Garden. The garden officially became accessible to the public in late June. The space is divided into three distinct areas: a cultural section showcasing modern interpretations of traditional pavilions and tranquil lotus ponds; an ecological zone displaying plum groves, moss beds, and bamboo thickets; and elevated rest areas offering sweeping views of the landscape.