The photo shows Seokchon Lake in Jamsil in Seoul's Songpa District, which has been added as new course for the Seoul Guided Walking Tour. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization added two new courses to its popular Seoul Guided Walking Tour program. The new routes that will open Wednesday explore hidden gems and cultural attractions in Jamsil, Songpa District and Huam-dong, Yongsan District.

The Seoul Guided Walking Tour offers participants a chance to explore the city's major tourist sites, such as Gyeongbok Palace and Seochon, accompanied by expert guides who provide free cultural and historical commentary.

Designed for both locals and international visitors, the program is available in seven languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian and Thai.

With the addition of the Jamsil and Huam-dong routes, the program now features a total of 50 courses across the city.

Jamsil, one of Seoul's most popular destinations, is home to well-known attractions such as Lotte World amusement park, Seokchon Lake and the Jamsil Sports Complex. It is also a desirable residential area, boasting large apartment complexes and department stores that provide conveniences.

However, few people realize that the Jamsil we know today was created just 50 years ago, transforming from what was once an island surrounded by rivers.

The newly introduced Jamsil walking tour highlights the area's hidden history, focusing on landmarks like Mongchon Lake.

Participants will learn about Seoul's rapid development, often referred to as the Miracle on the Han River, and explore locations linked to the 1988 Seoul Olympics, which played a key role in shaping the city.

The photo shows 108 stairs in Huam-dong in Seoul's Yongsan District. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Yongsan walking tour offers insights into the lives of refugees and displaced individuals in the aftermath of the Korean War.

Haebangchon and Huam-dong, both located in Yongsan District, are well-known for their unique alleyways and eclectic shops. However, these areas also hold significant historical weight, reflecting Korea's turbulent modern history.

The 108 stairs, a prominent landmark in Huam-dong, were originally built to honor the Gyeongseong Hokuk Shrine during the Japanese colonial period. Huam-dong was also the setting for a notable moment in history when patriotic martyr Kim Sang-ok engaged in a gunfight with more than 1,000 Japanese military and police forces.

The Seoul Guided Walking Tour operates twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays, with an additional session at 3 p.m. on weekends. The tours are free of charge, but participants must reserve a spot at least three days in advance through the official website.

"These new courses have been developed to uncover hidden stories across Seoul and turn them into valuable tourism assets, encouraging visitors to explore all corners of the city," said Kim Young-hwan, director general of the Tourism and Sports Bureau at the city government.

"We will continue our efforts to create new routes that showcase Seoul's diverse and rich history."