Sprawling along the northern bank of the Han River, Guri is a charismatic city on the outskirts of Seoul. It’s home to the Heritage-listed Donggureung Royal Tombs and the open-air museum at Goguryeo Blacksmith Town, as well as the photogenic flower fields of Guri Hangang Park.

Things to do

Explore the atmospheric walking trails around the Donggureung Royal Tombs, which consist of nine royal mausoleums and 17 graves. They include the Geonwolleung tomb of the Joseon Dynasty’s founder, King Taejo, as well as a historically significant field of purple Eulalia reeds that were transplanted from his hometown in Hamheung.

Discover the industrial heritage of the region at Goguryeo Blacksmith Town, which boasts South Korea’s largest water mill. It was used as a filming location for the historical fantasy TV series “The Legend”, before being transformed into a folk village to showcase ancient ironware culture.

Learn about life in Korea during the Neolithic Age at the Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site, located just to the south of Guri. Wander through the exhibition halls featuring stone axes, arrows and recreated mud huts, together with ancient patterned earthenware that was excavated here.

Stroll through the colourful fields of blooming flowers at Guri Hangang Park where field mustard blossoms during May and cosmos flowers ignite in October. In addition to its themed gardens, wooden observation huts and stone bridges, the park is a popular destination for cycling, with a designated pathway winding along the Han River.

Getting around

Guri is a 30-minute train ride from the centre of Seoul and around two hours from Incheon International Airport. Buses travel throughout Guri and connect to neighbouring towns and cities.