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

Korea's bustling capital city, Seoul, has long been home to the bustling urban landscape of Mount Nam. This green oasis, distinguished by its broadcast tower and shaded hiking trails, has provided city dwellers with a much-needed respite from the concrete jungle. However, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is now introducing a novel way for residents to unwind: guided walking tours through the newly renovated Korean Forest Garden.

Starting August 21, the Jungbu Parks & Recreation Center will inaugurate a series of docent-led day and evening tours, aimed at immersing visitors in the mountain's traditional landscapes, native ecology, and seasonal changes.

The 11-themed garden complex, formerly known as the Mount Nam Outdoor Botanical Garden, officially opened to the public in late June. The garden is divided into three distinct zones, each designed to mirror traditional forest landscapes from across the country. The cultural section features reinterpreted traditional pavilions and quiet lotus ponds, while the ecological zone showcases plum groves, moss beds, and bamboo thickets. Elevated rest areas provide visitors with panoramic views of the mountain's tranquil beauty.