Hongneung Arboretum & Surrounds

Lonely Planet review

Winding footpaths turn this 38-hectare arboretum, established in 1922 and packed with many varieties of trees and plants, into a pleasant maze that is popular with dating couples, nature lovers and keen photographers. It is only open on Sunday and picnics are not allowed. On the right is the Forestry Museum which has an original design containing exhibits on native trees and their uses, but little English description.

From the subway exit take the first road on the right (Hoegiro), walk under the expressway and 600m from the subway exit is the Arboretum entrance on the left facing Hongneunggil.

Opposite the arboretum entrance is the rather neglected King Sejong Memorial Museum with galleries devoted to paintings, books, hangeul typewriters and musical instruments, but no English descriptions. In the garden are tomb statues and a huge slab of rock carved with praise of King Sejong and his primary wife, Queen Soheon.