View from Bukhan mountain towards Seoul

The districts of Gangbuk (강북), Dobong (도봉), Eunpyeong (은평), Seongbuk (성북) and Nowon (노원) are in the northern part of Seoul. It is probably best known for the Bukhan mountain that offers nature and hiking close to the city.

It is the place where Jung-gu and Jongno-gu, downtown Seoul, are located, and it can be said to be the most important political and administrative area in the entire Republic of Korea where the Seoul Metropolitan Government Office, the Government Complex, and the Presidential Office are located. The embassies in Korea from major countries such as the U.S, China, Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan are also located in Gangbuk, making them diplomatically central.

History

During the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392)

The northern regions of modern-day Seoul were largely rural and mountainous, playing a role as buffer zones between the capital Gaegyeong (modern-day Gaeseong, North Korea) and surrounding provinces. While the southern areas of the Han River were more developed, the northern areas served as vital natural defense zones.

Temples like Doseonsa on Dobong Mountain date back to this era, showcasing the region’s importance in spiritual and cultural practices. Doseonsa was founded during the early Goryeo period and remains a significant historical landmark, reflecting the area's long-standing role in Korean Buddhism.

The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897): A Pivotal Era

When King Taejo established the Joseon Dynasty, he chose Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) as the new capital for its auspicious location based on geomantic principles (Feng Shui). The northern districts became integral to the capital's broader strategic, cultural, and spiritual framework.

End of the Joseon Period

As the Joseon Dynasty faced foreign invasions and internal strife in the late 19th century, the northern areas retained their traditional role as defensive and spiritual strongholds. However, they began to see shifts with the construction of modern infrastructure during the Daehanjaeguk (Korean Empire, 1897–1910) period, which laid the groundwork for later urban development.

Post-War Development

After the Korean War (1950–1953), much of northern Seoul remained underdeveloped compared to the southern districts. However, as Seoul expanded rapidly during the late 20th century, these districts became residential hubs for the growing urban population. Nowon, in particular, developed into a vibrant district due to its proximity to major universities like Korea University and the rapid construction of apartment complexes.

Modern Era

Today, the northern districts are a mix of urban and natural environments. While Seongbuk continues to reflect its artistic and scholarly heritage, Nowon thrives as a youthful hub. Eunpyeong, Dobong, and Gangbuk retain their connection to nature with access to Bukhansan National Park, providing a balance of cultural heritage and modern city life.

Climate

Seoul/North has a wide temperature difference between summer and winter and much precipitation in comparison with that of the Continent. Also, it has distinct monsoon wind, a rainy period from the East-Asian Monsoon locally called "Changma", typhoon, and while often heavy snowfalls in winter. It belongs to a relatively wet region due to much more precipitation than that of the world average.

Seoul/North
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       23     2 −7       22     5 −4       46     11 1       69     18 8       100     23 13       127     27 18       313     29 22       304     30 22       133     26 17       50     20 9       51     11 2       25     4 −4 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Korea Meteorological Administration
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.9     36 19       0.9     41 25       1.8     52 34       2.7     64 46       3.9     73 55       5     81 64       12     84 72       12     86 72       5.2     79 63       1.9     68 48       2     52 36       1     39 25 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

By Metro

• Dobong is accessible though Metro lines 1, 4 and 7
• Eunpyeong is accessible through Metro lines 3 and 6
• Gangbuk is accessible via Metro line 4
• Nowon is accessible through Metro line 1, 4, 6 and 7

See

• 1 April 19t National Memorial Cemetery (국립 4.19민주묘지), San 9-1, Suyu 4-dong, Gangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 2-996-0419. everyday 06:00-18:00. Dedicated to the tragic events in 1960 which are now considered the roots of modern Korean democracy. 224 people were killed during the April 19 Movement, and were buried in this cemetery. It became a national cemetery in 1995. This place has a museum, several statues, and a mausoleum. It is a popular park to learn about culture and heritage. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Dream Forest Park (북서울 꿈의 숲), 173, Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk 서울특별시 강북구 월계로 173 (번동) (Line 4, Mia Samgeori Station, Exit 1), ☏ +82 2 2289-4001. 24 hours. Dream Forest, one of the largest parks in northern Seoul, spans 660,000 square meters and features various attractions, including a lake, art galleries, and an observatory offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The park was built on the former site of Dreamland, an amusement park, and is designed to provide a blend of natural and cultural spaces for visitors. Its highlights include the Wolgwang Waterfall, a deer park, and themed gardens, making it a popular spot for families and tourists. You can enter there for free. (updated Nov 2024)
• 3 Korea Furniture Museum (한국가구박물관), 121 Daesagwan-ro (Seongbuk), ☏ +82 02-745-0181. Tours in English Tu-Sa 14:00 and 16:00. 2,000 pieces of traditional furniture and ten traditional Korean houses on display. Visits by guided tour only, which has to be booked beforehand. You can get there by bus 02 after getting off at Hansung University Station using Line 4. ₩20,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 4 Dooly Museum (둘리뮤지엄), 6 Shiroubong-ro 1-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 990-2200. 10:00-18:00, It's closed on Mondays. It is a museum that exhibits Korean famous cartoon Dooly. ₩4,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 5 Nowon Mathematics Culture Center (노원수학문화관), 28, Hangeulbiseok-ro 19-gil, Nowon-gu, ☏ +82 2-2116-2181. 10:00–17:30 (It is closed on Mondays). Nowon Mathematics Culture Center is an experience-oriented cultural center, and has a variety of contents to help you easily and enjoy math away from problem-solving math learning. Free. (updated Oct 2024)
• 6 Kimsuyoung Literary Museum (김수영문학관), 80, Haedeung-ro 32-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 02-3494-1127. 09:00 ~ 18:00. It was built in Dobong-gu, the former residence of Korean poet Kim Suyoung, and contains his main house, tomb, and monument. The Dobong Public Literary Center was established by the Dobong District Office in Seoul to honor the legacy of poet Kim Soo-young, who lived and worked in the area. Located on Haedong-ro 32-gil, the center displays handwritten manuscripts, poetry collections, translations, and a bust of Kim, as well as a reconstruction of his study. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
• 7 Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을), 127-25 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 02-351-8523. 09:00 - 18:00 (17:00 admission closed) - Closed every Monday, January 1, Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays ※ Closed on Tuesdays if Mondays are public holidays. It is a modern hanok village. There are Bukhansan Mountain and Jingwansa Temple near the hanok village. Since it is a private area where residents live, noise activities should be refrained from during the night after sunset. Admission fee · Adult: ₩7,000 · ₩5,000 for youth & children (5-19 years old). (updated Nov 2024)

Do

The northern part of the river is more natural than other areas. Especially, there are many mountains, so hikers often visit me every weekend.

• 1 Bukhansan (북한산) (Gireum Station (Subway Line 4), Exit 3. Take Bus 110B or 143, and get off at the last bus stop.). 2 hours before sunrise to sunset. The highest peak in Seoul, at 836.5 m. Close to the summit, standing above Seoul, is one of the starkest nature/urban divides in the world. These hiking trails are the most visited of the world, with friendly local hikers. (updated May 2015)
• 2 Surak San (수락산), Sanggye 1-dong. This is a mountain that connects Dobongsan Mountain and Bukhansan Mountain. If you want a simple climb, it's the right one. Free. (updated Dec 2019)
• 3 Dobongsan (도봉산), Dobong 1-dong, ☏ +82 2 954-2566. This is a stone mountain. Many professional hikers visit the mountain and it is quite famous among the mountains of Korea. (updated Dec 2019)
• 4 Jungrangcheon (중랑천), Dobong-gu. The stream is connected from Uijeongbu to the Han River and is connected to other areas in the middle. There are bicycle roads and exercise equipment. There are also many life and plants. The scenery is lovely. (updated Dec 2019)
• 5 BuramSan (불암산), 73, Deongneung-ro 94-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 02-950-3395. The mountain itself is monotonous, but the combination of huge rock walls, cliffs, and lush trees gives it a beautiful scenery. There are many people who visit to see the sunrise as well. (updated Sep 2024)

Buy

• 1 VIC market (VIC 마켓), Lotte Mart Dobong Branch 645 in Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 2289-2500. 10:00-00:00. VIC Market is similar to Costco. It can be purchased cheaply on a membership basis. (updated Dec 2019)
• 2 Lotte Department Store Nowon Branch (롯데백화점 노원점), Lotte Department Store Nowon Branch 1414 Dongil-gu, ☏ +82 2 950-2500. 10:30~20:00. It is a department store with movie theaters and restaurants. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Suyu market (수유시장), 71-gil Dobong-ro 71-gil, Kangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 2-989-4730. Weekdays(M/Tu/W/Th/F) 08:00-21:00 / Weekends(Sa/Su) 10:00-21:00. The Suyu market is a traditional market. Inside, they sell various food ingredients and snacks. They sell not only food but also clothes. (updated Nov 2024)
• 4 2001 Outlet (2001 아울렛), 46, Dongil-ro 204ga-gil, Nowon-gu, ☏ +82 2-948-2001. Monday-Thursday 10:30-21:00, Friday-Sunday 10:30-22:00. Fashion, furniture, and Kim's Club. (updated Dec 2022)
• 5 Homeplus (홈플러스), 12, Dongil-ro 204ga-gil, Nowon-gu, ☏ +82 2-986-2080. Daily 10:00-24:00 (Closed regularly on the 2nd and 4th Sunday). (updated Dec 2022)

Eat

• 1 Suyeon Sanbang (수연산방), 8, Seongbuk-ro 26-gil (walk or take bus 1111 from Hansung University station), ☏ +82 2-764-1736. 11:30-22:00. A tea house located in an old traditional wooden house which used to be the home of the writer Lee Tae-Jun. Try the jujube (red dates) tea and the pumpkin desserts while admiring the picturesque garden. There are only very few tables available, so it pays off to come early to get one of the good tables at the window. This place is quite expensive and having a tea for two with dessert will cost you around ₩20,000. (updated Nov 2016)
• 2 Foodieshill (푸디스힐), Dobong-gu Banghak-ro, 3-gil 6, ☏ +82 2 6954-1110. 12:00-22:00. This is a buffet. Japanese food, Chinese food, Korean food, dessert, and so on. You'd better make a reservation because there are many waiting guests. Lunch ₩19,900, dinner ₩31,900. (updated Nov 2024)
• 3 May dining (메이 다이닝), 208 Dobong-ro 169-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 955-7722. 11:30-22:00. The restaurant needs to go deeper into view. This place looks like a very fine restaurant. There is a garden and a nice building and you can eat course food. The feel can be shared. (updated Nov 2024)
• 4 Musuok (무수옥), Dobong-ro 165-gil, Dobong-gu (Located 295m from Dobong Station on Line 1), ☏ +82 2 954-6292. Everyday 10:00-22:00. It is a representative restaurant in Dobong-gu. It was introduced very much on TV. Seolleongtang is a good restaurant. Seolleongtang is a Korean traditional food. Suggest. Lunch, Dinner ￦10,000-50,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 5 Matsumura Tonkatsu Main Store (마쯔무라돈까스 본점), 84 Nohae-ro 63-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 990-9801. Tu-Sa 10:00-19:00 / closed on Sunday and Monday. It's a pork cutlet restaurant. Word of mouth, second and third stores have sprung up. Handmade pork cutlet and the amount for one day is fixed. ₩10,000-20,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 6 Little Bangkok (리틀방콕), 22 Dobong-ro 114-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 900-6355. Everyday 12:00-22:00. It is a place where you can eat Thai food such as Pad Thai. ₩10,000-12,000. (updated Nov 2024)

Drink

Café

• 1 Kkulsodam (꿀소담), 67 Haedong-ro 16-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 10-9092-1512. 11:00-22:00. They sell a wide variety of desserts as well as delicious drinks. In addition, there is a cooking class. below ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 2 Saetbeol Bakery (샛별제과), 23 Sanggye 9-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 10-7768-1196. 12:00-21:00 (It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). The cafe sells various desserts. Dacuaz is the most popular dessert in this cafe. Prices vary from time to time. (updated Oct 2024)

• 3 Onion Mia (어니언 미아), 55 Solmaero 50-gil, Kangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 70-7816-2714. Everyday 10:00-22:00. It is a type of cafe that cannot be seen abroad. Furniture arrangement and lighting are very interesting and emotional. ₩2,500-10,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 4 CafeBanghak (카페방학), 30-6 Dodang-ro 6-gil, Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 70-4117-9055. Everyday 11:00-21:00. It is a very quiet cafe next to Banghakcheon. Also, the space is small and comfortable. ₩3,500-10,000. (updated Nov 2024)

Bar

• 5 1943 Suyu (1943 수유점), 42 Hancheon-ro 139-gil, Kangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 70-8835-1943. Everyday 17:00-05:00. This is a hot bar for young people in Korea these days. It is a bar run by YouTubers and has a luxurious interior environment.However, Anju is cheap, so you can feel a good atmosphere in the pub at a low price. ₩6,900-20,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 6 Osulcha Suyu station branch (오술차 수유역점), 14 Dobong-ro 87-gil, Kangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 2 990-3515. Everyday 18:00-05:00. It is a place where you can drink alone and have a cheap snack. Above ₩6,500. (updated Nov 2024)
• 7 Hanas, 15 Dobong-ro 8-gil, Gangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 2 986-6969. Everyday 18:00-04:00. This bar is the Isakaya House. Anju sells Japanese-inspired snacks such as Sashimi and Denpura. ₩16,000-39,000. (updated Nov 2024)
• Craft Hans (크래프트 한스), 235, Hangeulbiseok-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 70-8810-8800. 16:00-02:00. This is a bar which is located in Junggye-dong. You can enjoy various sort of beer like German draft beer or Czchia craft beer. You can eat food like fried chicken or Italian pizza as well. each different. (updated Nov 2024)
• 8 Season Nowon (시선 노원점), 12-4 1st floor, Nohae-ro 81-gil, Nowon-gu (Nearby Nowon station on line 4 and 7), ☏ +82 507-1310-2067. Everyday 17:00-05:00. Japanese izakaya gaze is located around Nowon Station, where many restaurants and bars are gathered. You can enjoy raw fish such as flatfish and yellowtail sashimi, as well as fresh flatfish and yellowtail sashimi. In addition to raw fish, beef sukiyagi, fish cake soup, and spicy seafood noodle soup are also prepared. It has a good atmosphere and sells a variety of alcohol. I highly recommend it. ₩10,900-37,900. (updated Nov 2024)
• Whales pub (웨일스 펍), 22 Gongneung-ro 35-gil, Nowon-gu (674 meters from Taerung Entrance Station Exit 4), ☏ +82 070-4647-0210. F/Sa/Su 18:00-03:00 / M 19:00 - 01:00 / Tu/W 18:00-02:00. The pub in Wales is located on the street of a hot spot in Gongneung-dong called Gongtral Park and Gongridan-gil. It sells more than 100 kinds of cocktails, high balls, whiskey, and wine, so you can enjoy a variety of liquor. The Gambas is especially delicious. What is interesting is that it runs a special day every Monday, allowing all outside food to be brought in. It catering to customers who simply want to eat cocktails or enjoy a wider variety of foods and cocktails. about ₩20,000. (updated Nov 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Bay204 (호텔베이204), 15 Dobong-ro 8-gil Dobong-gu, ☏ +82 2 955-7400. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. It is located in Dobong-gu, just outside of Seoul. Dobongsan Mountain and Suraksan Mountain are close, and there is a vacation station right in front of you, so it is close to Seoul. ₩70,000. (updated Dec 2019)
• 2 Victoria Hotel (빅토리아 호텔), 42-8 Mia-dong Gangbuk-gu (Subway: Exit 3 of Mia-Sa-Gori Station on Line 4; Bus:- Branch line: 1165 and 1128. - Blue: 101, 102, 106, 107, 108, 130, 140, 141, 142, 144, 151, 153, 160, 710 - Wide-area buses: 8153, 8111). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Victoria Hotel is 10 minutes away from the center of the city and Miassa Street Station (Gu-Mia Samgeori Station) is located next to the subway line No. 4, making it easy to move to the downtown areas such as heaven of shopping, Dongdaemun, and Myeongdong ₩65,000. (updated Dec 2019)
• 3 Paraspara Seoul (파라스파라 서울), 689 Samyang-ro, Gangbuk-gu, ☏ +82 2 3408 5000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. (updated Dec 2023)

Go next

There are various subway lines in Gang-bok. Lines 1, 4, 7, etc. are various and you can go anywhere you want.

Routes through North

END ←	W  E	→ Myeongdonh → Suyu
END ←	W  E	→ Seoulstation → Dobongsan