Buam-dong, The Hidden Gem of Seoul
Featured in the ACADEMY AWARD® Winning Film “Parasite”
Discover Seoul’s Hidden Charms and Rich History in the Tranquil Hills of This Surreal Neighborhood
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Discover a side of Seoul that’s rarely seen by tourists. Join Jon on a 2.5-hour walking tour through Buam-dong, a peaceful neighborhood tucked in the hills, where you’ll experience a perfect mix of natural beauty, artistic spirit, and fascinating history. From historical landmarks to hidden filming locations, this tour will leave you with a deeper connection to Seoul’s unique charm.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Buam-dong, a hidden gem full of artistic history and breathtaking mountain views.
- Visit the Choi Gyu-sik Memorial Statue, a site of Cold War significance.
- See the Cheongun Literature Library, Seoul’s first Hanok library.
- Learn about Korean poetry and literature at the Hill of Poet Yoon Dong-ju.
- Visit a hidden filming location from ‘Parasite’.
- Enjoy a stop at Mugyewon, a cultural space with traditional Hanok architecture.
- Optional food and drink add-on: Enjoy Korean pancakes, noodles, and makgeolli at a traditional restaurant.
DETAILS
- Tuesday & Thursday
- Start time: 2 p.m.
- Tour length: 2.5 hours
TICKETS ($ USD)
- 1 Adult: $40
- 2 Adults: $35/each
- 3+ Adults: $30/each
- Youth (13-18 years old): $20/each
- Minimum age 13
- Food & drink add-on: $30 (Adult), $20 (Youth)
Buam-dong: The Hidden Gem of Seoul
Most tourists stampede into Myeongdong to buy the same face cream they could’ve picked up at duty free. Meanwhile, Buam-dong quietly sits in the hills, stubbornly authentic. It isn’t plastered on every K-drama itinerary. That’s a good thing. This neighborhood actually has a pulse. You get fortress walls, Cold War scars, poetry, and views that don’t need neon signs to sell themselves.
And yes, part of Parasite was filmed here. Unlike the fake French villages and alpaca petting zoos, Buam-dong doesn’t have to dress up to impress.
What You’ll See
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Choi Gyu-sik Memorial Statue — a reminder of the Blue House Raid and Seoul’s Cold War frontline
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Cheongun Literature Library — Seoul’s first hanok library with real books, not a fake Instagram prop
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Hill of Poet Yoon Dong-ju — a place where Korea’s most beloved poet wrestled with words under colonial censorship
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Mountain viewpoints — Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Bukhansan. Three peaks. A skyline. No bus tours in sight
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Seoul City Wall and Changuimun Gate — fortifications that still tower over the city
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Parasite filming location — yes, the real one. No gimmicks
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Mugyewon — a hanok cultural space once home to a Joseon prince
Tour Details
Duration: 2.5 hours
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m.
Meeting Point: Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 3 (short bus ride into Buam-dong)
Group Size: Maximum 16
Language: English
Why This Tour
Because it isn’t a sales pitch. While other tours march you through cosmetic shops and cardboard K-pop cutouts, this one gives you a neighborhood that lived through invasions, produced poets, and still hasn’t sold its soul. You’ll leave with stories, not shopping bags.
FAQ
Do I need to know Korean history to enjoy this?
No. You’ll get the context you need without the textbook jargon.
Is this really a Parasite filming spot?
Yes. It’s the actual location from the Academy Award–winning film.
What makes this different from other tours?
It’s authentic. No staged photo ops. No fake villages. Just a local neighborhood with scars, poetry, and stories worth telling.
Is this tour good for groups?
Yes. With a cap at 16 people, it’s small enough to stay personal without feeling crowded.
