[Cultural Excursion] Wood, Water, and Stone in Western Seoul

THEME: 'Wood, Water, and Stone in Western Seoul'

LEADER: Matt VanVolkenburg

DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2026. 1:00pm to 5:00pm

DESTINATION: Western Seoul

COST: 25,000 won for members; 30,000 won for non-members

MEETING POINT: At the top of Exit #1 of Gayang Sation (가양역, Subway Line 9), at 1:00PM.

Now located in western Seoul, Yangcheon was once its own prefecture during the Joseon era and was known for its natural beauty. At the center of the prefecture was a government complex that included Yangcheon Hyanggyo, a state-run Confucian shrine and academy. Other remnants of not only the Baekje and Joseon era, but also the colonial period can be found in the area, especially around Mt. Gungsan. Two museums commemorate famous figures who lived in the area in centuries past.

Starting from Gayang Station, we will make our way to the Heo Jun Museum to learn about the Joseon Dynasty’s greatest physician, who lived in this area, and who compiled the Dongui Bogam, or “Mirror of Eastern Medicine,” which is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme. From there we will move to Guam Park to see Gwangjubawui, scenic rock formations rising from a pond that drew painters hundreds of years ago. After taking in a view of the Han River, we will visit Heogabawui, a cave associated with Heo Jun’s family, before taking a bus to our next destination.

After arriving, we will visit a 430-year-old gingko tree before making our way to Yangcheon Hyanggyo, which was established in 1411 and which is the only Confucian shrine still remaining in Seoul. From there we will ascend Gungsan, a low mountain that is home to Soakru Pavilion, rebuilt 30 years ago to commemorate an 18th century pavilion visited by literati of days gone by, and, Seonghwangsa, which houses a spirit tablet of the local village protective spirit. Next, we will visit a museum space showcasing a Japanese-built military tunnel excavated in the 1940s but only rediscovered two decades ago.

From there we will visit Gyeomjae Jeong Seon Memorial Museum and learn about Jeong Seon (1676–1759), also known by his pen name Gyeomjae, the innovative painter who served as a magistrate in Yangcheon in the 1740s and who is known for painting its landscapes. The excursion will end with a visit to Magok Cultural Center, a former agricultural pumping station constructed in the 1920s restored as an art space. From there we will walk across a Lake Park to the nearest subway station.

This walking excursion will set off at 1:00 pm from exit 1 of Gayang Station (가양역, subway line 9). Though Gungsan is a low (75 meter high) hill, we will be doing around 4.5 kilometers of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. We will finish at Magongnaru Station (마곡나루역, subway line 9 and AREX).

REGISTRATION: [RSVP](https://forms.gle/mxtRPG7gh3FMzuE69) by September 17 (Thursday) with payment of the fee via bank transfer.

Please register one RSVP at a time RSVP: [https://forms.gle/mxtRPG7gh3FMzuE69](https://forms.gle/mxtRPG7gh3FMzuE69) ☞Payment to be remitted to the following account: SHINHAN BANK ACCOUNT # 100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)

**Reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received by RAS Korea in advance of the event.*