Walking Seoul along the water. October 2024. Part 2. Yeouicheon Stream - Gyeonggi Province- Tancheon Stream (Sompa Trail).
Flowing with the water. More creeks, streams and rivers.
In mid-November I am doing my dream trip, the Orient Express. From Singapore to Malaysia, and back. Yes, I will post.
Part 1 is here.
Prescription.
Read this if you like walking along the rivers and streams while still relatively close to the comforts of the urban life, but still detached.
I’m getting more and more convinced that I can roam Seoul entirely along its creeks , streams and Hangang River. Today I’m trying a new route. From Seoul to the neighbouring (administratively) Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggido), then back to Seoul again.
Since I enjoyed a lot my new stream walk described in Part 1, I decided to walk the Yeouicheon stream again, but in the opposite direction, south or rather south-east. Again, starting from Orakai hotel. Google maps suggested that I can connect to another, Tancheon stream and then walk towards Hang River or catch a train from the route. So, basically the idea was to walk along the creeks and streams, then ending up in Seoul “somewhere-central”, closer to glitzy Jamsil, near the river.
After a while the stream became a thin creek, little farms and greenhouses, then eventually I had to join the main road.
In around one hour I am near Daewang Reservoir, although cannot get close to it, probably for security reasons.
Here I am actually leaving the Seocho district of Seoul behind and entering Gyeonggi Province, the city of Seongnam. A satellite city of Seoul, it is now the 4th largest in Korea (preceded by Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu).
Soon I am walking another promenade, the city looks very much laid back compared to Seoul and green again. I have not ventured into the central areas, but so far, the impression is very good. And I often don’t like “central “anyway.
This promenade (picture right) reminded me the Robertson Quay area of Singapore, but without the buzz of the restaurants. Now I walk along another creek staying faithful to my “along the water only” target. The creek starts near Yongil-Seoul highway. “What is the name of this stream?”, I am addressing a group of young office workers, presumably on their lunch break stroll. They all unholster their smartphones. “Does not say anything”, was the verdict.
These days I see more and more young people in Korea speaking good English. Not the case, say, 15 years ago, when I relied more on talking to elderly in Japanese (Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945) to get my directions. And I felt people were more cheerful and welcoming. Or maybe the effect of those golden autumn sunny days?
For example, I wanted to buy a 1$ cookie at a cafe, just one cookie . My card did not work. “I will pay cash”. - “We don’t accept cash”. Pause. Then the young guy at the counter says, “I was helped a lot by many people in US and Australia when travelling, so I will buy for you”. Well, I tried to resist, but at the end accepted this nice offer.
An elderly man looking at the stream and half- greeting me, “Is not it a nice day"?”. Nods to each other. Meant more than the words.
Walking and flipping through these memory pages, soon I am hitting another water source which later connects to Tancheon stream.
Pretty wide river. From here it is around 3 hours to walk to Lotte Tower. I can see it ahead.
There is a large military facility across the river. I hear the sounds of the shooting drills and multiple aircraft engines revving. And birds. Realities of Korea. Mechanical and nature birds coexist peacefully. So far.
In about one hour I am entering Seoul again. The part becomes separated, green for walkers, brown - for bikes.
The route so far does not have any shops or cafes unlike along Yeouicheon Stream, but I don’t mind, my tea is with me, and a couple of fruits in backpack will do.
Another hour and I reach the crossroads.
Looking straight, this is where I am coming from, behind me - the route towards Hangang River, and left is to Janggicheon stream I walked last year.
If you want a nice long walk within Seoul, and the proximity to urban pleasures, I recommend this area, which is also a part of Sompa Trail.
…I am on the road already 5 hours and not much energy left to continue to Hangang River. Besides I need to do some work. Suseo station is not far, I will take my train from here. Another nice day in Korea. And all along the water…
Next will be mountains and urban walks. Stay tuned.