[One Day Walk] From Botanical Garden to Performance Hall, the 'Sangjeonbyeokhae' Magok District... Balsan Station

Editor's NoteThe subway is a transportation method that anyone can easily access and travel safely, and it is also an important point for daily walking. We introduce walkable places around subway stations.

Today's introduction is the Magok district area in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The name Magok originates from the thriving hemp (麻) farming in this area. Although it was long restricted from development, large-scale urban development has taken place, with new apartment constructions continuing, and various companies' headquarters and research complexes relocating here. Just about 15 years ago, once you passed the Deungchon area on the way to Gimpo Airport, vast fields and farmlands stretched out, but now large green spaces, business districts, and residential areas have been established, showing a remarkable transformation.

The starting point today is Balsan Station on Seoul Subway Line 5. Although Magok Station on Line 5 and Magoknaru Station, served by Seoul Subway Line 9 and the Airport Railroad, are located in the heart of the Magok district, it is recommended to start from Balsan Station to take a comprehensive look in sequence.

The core attraction of the Magok district is undoubtedly the Seoul Botanic Park. Spanning an impressive 500,000㎡?equivalent to over 70 soccer fields?it is divided into four major zones: the Open Forest, Lakeside Garden, Wetlands, and Themed Gardens. Each zone has its unique characteristics, offering diverse scenery throughout the seasons. The highlight of Seoul Botanic Park is the exhibition greenhouse located in the Themed Gardens. Uniquely built in the shape of a concave dish, the greenhouse allows visitors to see plants native to 12 cities in tropical and Mediterranean climates, even in Seoul's temperate climate. The Open Forest, Lakeside Garden, and Wetlands are open year-round free of charge, but the greenhouse and Themed Gardens charge an admission fee of 5,000 KRW for adults and operate until 6 PM during regular seasons and 5 PM in winter.

LG Art Center

Another landmark in the Magok district is the LG Arts Center Seoul. This brand-new building opened in October last year. The LG Arts Center, previously located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, was entirely relocated here, filling the cultural and artistic infrastructure gap in the southwestern part of Seoul. The building is famous for being designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Constructed with exposed concrete, a hallmark of Ando's architecture, the interior features elements such as the 'Tube,' 'Step Atrium,' and 'Gate Arch,' vividly embodying the 'sequence' experience characteristic of Ando's designs as visitors walk through. It houses a large theater with 1,335 seats and a small theater with up to 365 seats, enabling a variety of performances. Additionally, the 'LG Discovery Lab' located on the west side offers various science education programs, including artificial intelligence (AI), targeted at youth.

Gangseo Agricultural and Marine Products Market, Gangseo-gu, Seoul [Photo by Seoul Institute]

Today's endpoint is the Gangseo Agricultural and Marine Products Market. Operated by the Seoul Agro-Fisheries & Food Corporation, this wholesale market handles the collection, supply, and distribution of agricultural and marine products for the southwestern region of Seoul. It is also a relatively new market, having opened in 2004. Besides the wholesale market, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives auction hall is also located here, making it a suitable place for a meal to conclude your outing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.