New tour invites visitors into Seoul’s gardens

“In the manicured expanse of Seoul Forest, the modern bustle of the Korean capital is being traded for the rhythmic pace of the Joseon Dynasty. Under the shade of sprawling oaks and meticulous flower beds, foreign visitors are increasingly seen donning gat — the iconic black-rimmed horsehair hats of Joseon Dynasty aristocrats — while following guides dressed as traditional noblemen and ladies. The "Seoul Garden Traveler" is an immersive docent program launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to introduce international residents and tourists to the distinct "pungnyu," or the traditional art of appreciating nature with leisure and poetic flair. The initiative, which returned this month following a highly successful pilot at Boramae Park last year, transforms a standard park stroll into a cultural time capsule. Through May 31, participants can join these English language tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The experience is designed to be tactile: Visitors choose between a gat or a baessi-meoritdi, a traditional embroidered headband, before winding through the highlights of th

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