For those seeking a serene morning experience by walking along the tranquil banks of Cheonggyecheon Stream and having breakfast at a popular place within Gwangjang Market before the bustling crowds in the afternoon, it is highly recommended to join the “Morning Walk in Seoul and Breakfast at the Market.” As you stroll with a professional guide who provides captivating stories of Seoul’s history and culture, it will be a morning filled with much joy and satisfaction. After the tour, indulging in a brunch of noodle soup at the market will warm your heart, and a traditional Korean herbal tea called “ssanghwacha” will provide the perfect aromatic finish to your morning walk.

At 08:00, we met CEO Park Sohyun of Local Contents Lab at Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5. She was wearing a bright pink T-shirt. It was interesting to listen to her narrating the historical and cultural details from the Joseon dynasty to modern times about Cheonggyecheon Stream while walking from Gwanghwamun to Gwangjang Market. She seemed to know everything about every bridge, mural, stone post, signboard, and even the little egret flying along the stream of Cheonggyecheon.

She introduces herself as a tourist guide, host of experience programs, tourist content developer, CEO of a women-led enterprise, and a mother to two lovely daughters. She said, “There are few places in Seoul where you can find beautiful and tranquil nature. Cheonggyecheon is such a place where the modern and classic intertwines harmoniously with nature and the city.”

“The route that starts from walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream, followed by a breakfast at the market, is something that I’ve been recommending to my foreign friends. On days when a group of foreigners who want to jog along Cheonggyecheon Stream makes a reservation, I also wear sportswear and enjoy running with them.” She smiled brightly, and the sight of foreigners jogging behind her was as fresh as the morning sun.

Francis from France, whom we met at Gwanghwamun Station today, threw a KRW 100 coin received from Mrs. Park into Palseokdam, a pond called “Coins of Luck,” in the Cheonggyecheon Stream and made a wish. A pair of mallard ducks and a little egret were having breakfast in the water.

Walking on the clean road is refreshing after the cleaners tended to Cheonggyecheon early in the morning. After the relaxing stroll while listening to the guide’s explanation about Cheonggyecheon Stream and sharing our experiences and information about Seoul, we found ourselves reaching Jongno 5-ga Street.

The morning ambiance at Gwangjang Market is as busy as the tourists. At the heart of the market, where many restaurants are gathered, people are busy preparing food. At one noodle soup eatery featured on Netflix, around three to four foreigners were eating mandu and noodle soup. Francis and Mrs. Park ordered “sliced rice cake and mandu soup” and “noodle soup.” The sight of handmade noodles being prepared right in front of the table is a unique experience you can only have in the market. For foreign visitors, the chewy noodles in clear anchovy broth is a popular delicacy.

Following the tour, some participants explored nearby palaces, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace, or visited museums. When bidding goodbye to the participants, Mrs. Park constantly invites them to seek her assistance during their stay in Korea. Sharing reliable information and nurturing positive relationships with others are the most rewarding experiences for Mrs. Park. After having the tour with her, some travelers visited Korea again with their friends or family.

Travelers from large cities such as New York or Paris harbor a profound appreciation for the beauty of Cheonggyecheon, nestled amid the urban forest. This is why we also recommend exploring Cheonggyecheon during the evening, because it will be an opportunity to immerse in the romantic atmosphere, with feet dipping into the water together with people in Seoul.

“The most memorable travelers for me were sisters from the United States, both in their 70s. Recently, there have been many older individual travelers because Korea is a safe country to visit. Beyond Seoul, other cities such as Daejeon, Daegu, and Jeonju, boasting well-structured transportation networks, are also popular. There are also travelers in small groups, including friends and couples. They come to Korea after studying extensively and often give me fresh perspectives and inspirations.”

“I would like to actively uncover the hidden gems of Seoul and create professional tours that facilitate a rediscovery of Seoul.” She wants to become the best guide in Korea by introducing diverse attractions and historical and cultural spots, along with other unique aspects of Korea.

* This column was written in September 2023. Please check the information before the trip, as it is subject to change.