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Seoul · Mysteries & legends

Secret Seoul: Royal Escapes, Guardian Beasts and Cursed Stones

As evening falls, the Jeong-dong neighbourhood and the Cheonggyecheon stream tell of another Seoul: one of palace intrigue, urban superstition and revenge carved in stone. At every stop we carefully separate what the records say from what tradition tells, so you can enjoy the mystery without mistaking it for history.

  • 5 stops
  • 2.7 km
  • 1 h 55 min
  • Free
Start with GPS Read about this stop 1
Stone statue of a haechi, a lion-like mythical animal, on a pedestal in front of the palace's white wall

The route

Stop by stop

  1. 1 Daehanmun Gate, Deoksugung PalaceThe gate of a palace where an emperor died in 1919 amid rumours that set a country alight.
  2. 2 Deoksugung Stone Wall RoadSeoul's most romantic stroll comes with a superstition: couples who walk it end up breaking up.
  3. 3 Old Russian LegationA lone white tower keeps alive the memory of the night Korea's king fled his own palace.
  4. 4 The Haechi of GwanghwamunTwo horned stone beasts that, according to popular belief, guard the palace against fire.
  5. 5 Gwangtonggyo BridgeA king used stones from his stepmother's tomb to build a bridge the whole city would walk over.

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Start with GPS

Guide mode

Walk it with GPS.

Open guide mode on your phone: you’ll see your position and the distance to each stop, and we’ll let you know when you arrive. Then read or listen.

Start with GPS

  1. Turn on your location

  2. Walk to the spot

  3. Check the photo and listen

What you’ll discover

Secret Seoul: Royal Escapes, Guardian Beasts and Cursed Stones

Intrigue at the end of Joseon

A murdered queen, a king sheltering in a foreign legation and an emperor's death surrounded by suspicion.

Superstitions with an address

A path that splits couples up and a stone creature that, so people believe, keeps fire at bay.

Revenge in stone

The slabs of a royal tomb laid in a bridge so the whole city would walk over them.

Keep exploring

More routes in Seoul

Back to Seoul
HistorySix Centuries of Seoul: From Joseon Kings to the Streets MixedPalaces, Hanok Alleys and Tea in Insadong

Itineraries

How many days do you have in Seoul?

We’ve planned it day by day for you: which routes to walk and in what order, what else to see and where to eat.

1

Seoul in 1 day

All three routes in one full day: the highlights, the history and the legends at dusk.

See the itinerary 2

Seoul in 2 days

A gentler pace: the three routes over two days, plus extra sights and where to eat.

See the itinerary 3

Seoul in 3 days

The city in depth: one route a day, extra museums and neighbourhoods, and a day for good food.

See the itinerary