Seoul City announced that it will operate a total of 16 courses, including the new course ‘Seobinggo-gil’, in the ‘Hangang History Exploration’ program, which allows participants to experience the history and culture of the Hangang River on foot, starting from April 4.
The Hangang History Exploration consists of eight historical and geographical courses on the north side of the Hangang River and eight on the south side, operated twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participation is free for all courses, and a minimum of two and a maximum of 15 people can apply per session.
The newly added ‘Seobinggo-gil’ is a 3.8km walking course following the history of ice distribution during the Joseon Dynasty and the changes and cultural heritage of the Ichon area, passing through landmarks such as the Seobinggo marker stone, Bugundang, Ichon Hangang Art Park, and natural bank revetments.
The entire exploration is conducted by 22 Hangang guides who have completed professional training. They are volunteers selected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Hangang Headquarters and explain the historical and cultural background of each course.
Main courses include Gwangnarugil, Gyeomjaejeongseongil, Gosanjangil, Maponarugil, and from this year, a ‘Stamp Certification’ system will be introduced to encourage participation. Stamps can be collected in a physical or online stamp book, engraved with symbols of each course, and participants who complete more than 15 courses will receive a souvenir. Physical stamp books will be distributed free on a first-come, first-served basis to 2000 people on site.
The ‘Visiting Hangang History Classroom’ is also operated for citizens who have difficulty visiting the site, such as people with disabilities and seniors. Professional instructors visit applying institutions to conduct lectures and experiential activities, and only public institutions or non-profit organizations with at least 20 people can apply.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from March 28 on the ‘Hangang Story Journey’ website, and participants must apply at least five days before the desired date. Some paid cultural facilities require separate admission, interpreters need to be arranged for foreigners, and persons with disabilities need to be accompanied by a guardian or assistant.