Insider Tip: Hiking Entire Seoul City Wall

Encircles the center of Seoul: Breathtaking Seoul Fortress Wall.

There are many famous, beautiful hikes for nature lovers in Seoul. Walking up Namsan or hiking challenging Bukhansan are two of the most well-known examples. While being at those or other famous spots in the center of Seoul, there’s one thing that you just can’t miss: The Seoul Fortress Wall (or Seoul City Wall), Hanyangdoseong (한양도성) encircling the heart of South Koreas capital.

Insider Tip: You Can Walk It All

While popular, recommended trails in Seoul include partly routes along the City Wall, not many know that you can hike along the whole wall in one go - at least this inexperience most likely counts for tourists like me. That’s because the path isn’t found on regular maps. You have to come up with the idea first, then go into search mode for this in particular, so you can look up certain trail maps. You’ll find out, Seoul Fortress Wall is stretching over round about 19 kilometers. It includes the slopes of four mountains (Namsan, Naksan, Baegaksan, Inwangsan), many stairs and hilly paths along breathtaking views, which makes it not the easiest route to be honest. But if you feel ready for it, then go on this journey exploring the entire Fortress Wall on foot, uncovering the beauty of this iconic landmark.

And that’s what I did: I hiked around the center of Seoul, following the walls that surround the inner part of the city.
Well, more or less. xD If your sense of direction is as bad as mine, you may get off-track from time to time, haha.
Anyways, I encircled the whole thing in one go, so come and follow me around. :)

1. Mongmyeoksan (Namsan) Mountain Trail (3 hours; 4,2km)
   The Seoul Fortress Wall Hike is divided into six trails. I started at Sungnyemun Gate so that the first part of the route would lead me right into the well-known Namsan park. For me it was encouraging to start the trail along a direction I’ve already known. It was easier to get into walking and not having to stop all the time just at the beginning to check if I’m walking the correct way. ^^ Passing through the park and getting closer to Namsan was a nice feeling and the hike started off with a notion of success. :)
   

2. Heunginjimun Gate Trail (1 hour; 1,8km)
   After continously going upwards Namsan waving “hello” to N Seoul Tower, it’s time to catch a little breath, what this part of the trail is perfect for. The pathway leads downwards, more and more houses bringing back urban vibes until you find yourself in downtown again. Hve a little stop at popular Dongdaemun Design Plaza, taking in the surroundings of this famous sight. Keep on going, leaving the skyscrapers behind and you’ll find yourself at a big street intersection. On the direct opposite you can’t miss it: the Heunginjimun Gate. It marks the end of this part of the trail. Walk past it, and you’ll launch into the next one.
   

3. Naksan Mountain Trail (1 hour; 2,1km)
   Behind Heunginjimun Gate it’s time to go up again… and up, and up, and up. ^^ Following the stairs with the Seoul City Wall right next to you, you’re going to walk uphill through the admired neighborhood Ihwa-Dong. Its mural village marks it an artistic landmark worth strolling through. Go further on and you’ll reach the top of Naksan. I recommend you take a short break enjoying the view from up here. :) Afterwards you have to keep on walking a little bit downward again. Make sure to not follow people into Naksan park but rather cross the wall which is on your right at the moment so that you kinda get to its other side. Now you’re walking gentle slopes downhill into the city again while Seoul Fortress wall extends high on your left.
   

4. Baegaksan Mountain Trail (3 hours; 4,7 km)
   This way you’ll now get to Hyehwamun Gate which marks the starting point for the next trail section - the Baegaksan Mountain Trail. This one develops into one of the more challenging trails. At the same time you find yourself in the northern part of City Wall now. In my opinion, nature views are especially beautiful in this area. As you move along, it gets less urban again and nature takes over the path. The wall itself gives you good help with directions. You’ll eventually reach another gate, the Sukjeongmun Gate. It’s not far from here to the top of Baegaksan. It gets a little exhausting, but the views are definitely worth it. Baegaksan marks the third mountain of your Seoul City Fortress Trail adventure and with 342m, its peak is the highest one. Congratulations when you made it! :) <3 The end of this path will be at Changuimun Gate. Here you should take a well deserved break.
   

5. Inwangsan Mountain Trail (2,5 hours; 4,0km)
   With having managed Baegaksan you made it past the highest mountain of your hike, nevertheless this trail section is kinda demanding, as well. I already hiked Inwangsan before, only in the opposite direction. I was grateful for having it the other way around this time, and I’ll let you know why that is later on.
   Please remember, even though this trail can make you feel worn out a little, take your time to enjoy nature and the views. It’s really special here. :) Getting to the top of Inwangsan (the fourth and last mountain of this route) is something I’ll always remember: This mountain is characterized by unusual rock formations, offering charming views over Seoul. You should find a place to sit and rest a little while truly taking in Seouls beauty from up here. If you feel ready to get up on your feet again, prepare yourself for a steep way down the mountain. The good thing now is: You’ll walk downwards stairs only. That’s why I’m happy to walk it in this direction this time. ^^ I remember vividly when I once climbed these stairs to get to the peak of Inwangsan and it was one of the most merciless things I’ve ever experienced, haha xD. That’s why while walking down happily, I felt sorry for the people who came towards me on their way up. >.>
   

6. Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Trail (1 hour; 1,8km)
   Enjoy the last one of the trail sections. This one keeps on going downhill further and further into the city again, so it’s quite relaxing. While walking, the Seoul Fortress Wall will be a loyal companion on your right. When I did so, the sun started to set changing the sky in soft orange and pink bit by bit. That warmed my heart so much. :)
   In the end, you walked full circle getting back to the starting point: Sungnyemun Gate. That was truly one of the best experiences I had so far in Seoul.

   Now imagine: Hopping into a small, local restaurant after an entire day of walking and hiking, getting some kind of stew into your tummy (for me it was Kimchi Jjigae), having a refreshing shower at home and then just falling into your bed, getting one of the deepest, most peaceful sleeps ever.. Uhhh I get goosebumps only by thinking about it again, haha. ^^
   

Honestly: I’d Do It Again

Walking the entire Seoul City Wall is more than a hike - it's a journey which offers a unique perspective on the city's history. From the beauty of Naksan to the rocky terrain of Inwangsan and the bustling streets of downtown Seoul in between - the route encompasses diverse landscapes, neighborhoods and landmarks with the Seoul Fortress Wall being by your side (almost) all the time.

So lace up your shoes, charge your phone for taking beautiful pictures, pack some snacks and embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Seoul City Wall, where every step tells a story worth discovering. :)

(The location on the map is where you can find Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun). At least for me, that was a nice starting point for walking along Seoul Fortress Wall.)