From Korea's First Stations to a Greenbelt Housing District: The Complete Half-Day Route

A three-to-four-hour route tracing the arc from 120-plus-year-old Oryu-dong Station to the Hangdong district, built by releasing protected greenbelt land — following the trajectory of industrial rail and urban development.

The core route

1. Oryu-dong Station — Confirm the history of one of Korea's first railway stations, now more than 120 years old.

2. The former Samcheolli Coal Briquettes site and the Samcheolli Apartments — Take in the traces of the coal-briquette industry.

3. The Oryu Line / Hangdong Railway section — Walk it while keeping in mind that this is "suspended," not "abandoned."

4. The old tavern district and the Ryu Sun-jeong / Ryu Hong tomb — Confirm the remnants of the old Gyeongin Road era.

5. The Seoul Botanic Park — Take in the ecological space blended with the Hangdong Reservoir.

6. The Hangdong public housing district — Finish by confirming the housing district built on released greenbelt land.

Backup routes for different situations

If it's raining heavily

Extend your time at the Seoul Botanic Park's indoor facilities
→ Move quickly through the railway section, with an umbrella
→ Save the old tavern district and tomb visit for a future trip

If photographer crowds are heavy

Move quickly through the congested railway section, and put your visit to the relatively quiet arboretum and tomb site earlier in your route.

If walking is difficult, or accessibility is a concern

Limit your visit to Oryu-dong Station and the Seoul Botanic Park, and save the railway section and tomb visit for a future trip.

✅ Final check before you leave

Access restrictions in ongoing redevelopment zones
Opening hours and closed days for the Seoul Botanic Park
The latest safety guidance for the Hangdong Railway (regarding walking on active rail property)
Whether the Ryu Sun-jeong / Ryu Hong tomb is open to visitors
Weekend photographer crowd levels