If I were to recommend one place for first-time visitors to Seoul, it would undoubtedly be the Seokchon Lake walking course. This peaceful trail offers one of the gentlest ways to understand the quieter side of the city. After completing the walk, you can enjoy a relaxing brunch at a lake-view cafe, followed by a flavorful Korean dinner in Jamsil.
This one-day route is simple, efficient, and allows you to enjoy Seoul travel, Seoul cafe culture, and Seoul restaurant experiences all in a single day.
1, Experiences You Should Not Miss at Seokchon Lake
• The calm and gentle atmosphere around Seokchon Lake
Although Seoul is known for its fast rhythm, the Seokchon Lake walking course reveals a completely different side of the city. Each time I visit, the still water and soft breeze help quiet my thoughts. Even in the early hours, you will find locals walking peacefully or sitting on a bench to enjoy the morning sunlight.
The trail is flat and easy for all ages. Even if you are not used to walking long distances, the Seokchon Lake walking course is comfortable enough to complete in about an hour. For visitors who want to gently begin their Seoul travel, this is a wonderful starting point.
• Beautiful photo spots and the harmony of nature and skyline
What I enjoy the most about the Seokchon Lake walking course is the scenery that changes as you continue walking. One of my favorite moments is when the Lotte Tower reflects softly on the lake’s surface, creating a beautiful balance between nature and the city skyline.
During spring, cherry blossoms line the walkway, moving gracefully with the breeze. In autumn, the trees turn warm shades of red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the blue water. Even without taking photos, the scenery itself feels like a gift.
For first-time visitors, I always recommend including the Seokchon Lake walking course in your itinerary. It’s a peaceful and visually rich experience that represents Seoul in a very unique way.
• A pleasant route that leads naturally to Seoul’s cafes and restaurants
Another charm of the Seokchon Lake walking course is how naturally the next destinations follow after the walk. Just a short distance from the lake are several brunch cafes and dessert cafes, making it easy to continue your day in a calm and comfortable way. When I visited, I stopped by Cafe Drawing, where I enjoyed a quiet meal by the window with a view of the lake. It felt like the emotions from the walk continued seamlessly into the cafe.
After brunch, moving to Jamsil for dinner is also very convenient. With just one subway stop, you can enjoy flavorful Korean dishes at one of the well-known Seoul restaurant spots. This route allows you to enjoy Seoul travel, a relaxing Seoul cafe experience, and delicious local food—all within a single day.
2, Lake-View Brunch at Cafe Drawing Seokchon Lake
Cafe Drawing is located right in front of Seokchon Lake, making it a natural follow-up after completing the Seokchon Lake walking course. The cafe is filled with natural light, thanks to its large windows, and the soft wood-tone interior creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
I ordered the French toast and an iced Americano. The toast was pleasantly sweet and fluffy, and the coffee had a clean finish that matched well with the meal. It’s a spot I often recommend to travelers who want to experience the quieter side of Seoul cafe culture.
How to get there (Seokchon Lake → Cafe Drawing)
Walking distance: 5 minutes
The cafe is located along the lakeside path and is easy to find even for first-time visitors.
Price Information
| Menu | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Americano (HOT/ICE) | 5,900 |
| Drawing French Toast | 21,900 |
| Original Omelette | 25,500 |
3, Dinner in Jamsil: Spicy Jjukkumi at Daehongjip
To wrap up the day after enjoying the Seokchon Lake walking course, I visited Daehongjip Jamsil Saenae Main Branch, known for its spicy jjukkumi (stir-fried baby octopus). This restaurant is an excellent choice for visitors who want to try Korean-style spicy flavors in a comfortable and friendly environment.
The interior is clean and spacious, making it suitable for both small groups and larger gatherings. Their most popular dishes are the “Snow Cheese Jjukkumi” and the classic “Daehong Jjukkumi.” I chose the snow cheese version, which offered a satisfying balance of spice and creaminess. Even travelers who are not used to spicy food will find this dish approachable and enjoyable.
Many guests finish the meal with the self-fried rice option, where rice, seaweed flakes, and egg are mixed on the hot pan. This step adds a fun experience and brings out the deeper, richer flavors of the remaining sauce.
How to get there (Cafe Drawing → Daehongjip)
- Take Subway Line 8 from Seokchon Station → Jamsil Saenae Station (1 stop, 3 minutes)
- Walk for 6–7 minutes to reach the restaurant
Price Information
| Menu | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Daehong Jjukkumi (per person) | 16,900 |
| Snow Cheese Jjukkumi (per person) | 18,900 |
| Self Fried Rice | 3,000 |
| Cheese Kimchi Pancake | 13,800 |
4, Most Efficient One-Day Course
① Seokchon Lake walking course
A gentle 1-hour walk filled with peaceful scenery.
→ 5-minute walk
② Cafe Drawing Seokchon Lake
A quiet brunch with a lake-view atmosphere.
→ Subway Line 8 (1 stop)
③ Daehongjip Jamsil Saenae Branch
Korean-style spicy jjukkumi to complete your day.
< Source, Naver Map >
✓ The total distance from Seokchon Lake to Cafe Drawing Seokchon Lake Branch and then to Daehongjip is approximately 2.6 km. It takes about 43 minutes on foot, and around 20 minutes if you use public transportation.
This route is ideal for travelers who wish to enjoy nature, cafe culture, and Korean cuisine all in one day—an easy and memorable experience that begins with the peaceful Seokchon Lake walking course and offers a gentle introduction to Seoul.
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