Key takeaways
First-time visitors to Gongneung-dong and the Gyeongchun Line Forest Path notice the forest walking path built on a decommissioned rail line before anything else. But this neighborhood's name comes from Taereung, the tomb of Queen Munjeong, second queen consort of King Jungjong of the Joseon dynasty. Fact In 1966, the Taereung National Training Center — which trained generations of Korea's Olympic and national athletes — was built here, Fact and the Korea Military Academy still stands on this same land today. Fact The Taereung National Training Center transferred its athlete-training functions when the Jincheon National Training Center opened in 2017. Fact And in July 2026, the government announced plans to merge the army, navy, and air force academies and relocate the combined institution to Jaun-dae in Daejeon — a proposal that has drawn strong pushback from alumni associations. Fact
FIT TRIP reads this neighborhood as land where the state repeatedly builds an institution, relocates its function elsewhere, and then repurposes the site all over again. Budget three to four hours from the Hwarangdae Station History Hall to the outer edge of the Korea Military Academy, and you can trace a throughline from the Joseon royal family to today's defense-policy debates.
What the postcard image misses
"A walk along the Gyeongchun Line Forest Path" only shows half this neighborhood's story. FIT TRIP asks the sharper question: why do state institutions like royal tombs, an athlete training center, and a military academy keep arriving here — and leaving? The answer isn't coincidence — it's a history in which spacious land on Seoul's outer edge repeatedly attracted state institutions.
✅ Before you go
- Debate over the Korea Military Academy's relocation is an actively ongoing issue as of July 2026 — check the latest news before your visit
- Taereung and Gangneung are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — observe proper visiting etiquette
- Check the Hwarangdae Station History Hall's opening hours in advance
- The area around the Korea Military Academy includes restricted security zones — don't attempt to enter without authorization
FAQ
Q: Is the Taereung National Training Center still operating?
A: All national athlete training functions were transferred to the Jincheon National Training Center in 2017. Fact Current use of the old site should be checked separately.
Q: Is the Korea Military Academy relocating soon?
A: In July 2026, the government announced a plan to relocate a merged national military academy to Jaun-dae in Daejeon, but alumni associations from the army, navy, and air force academies have pushed back, so nothing is settled yet. Fact Verify