Overlooking Seoul City: Seoul's San(Mountains)
Gunho LEE
joylee1998@naver.com
Introduction
Approximately 70% of the Korean Peninsula consists of mountainous terrain, which has significantly influenced Korea’s history and culture. For centuries, mountains have played an integral role in the daily lives and beliefs of Koreans. Beyond their natural beauty, mountains are also recognized for their historical, religious, and cultural significance.
During the early days of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the capital was newly established in what is now the present-day location of Seoul. The decision to settle here was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in the natural geography shaped by the surrounding mountains.
The mountains that overlap and encircle Seoul held both defensive significance and philosophical ideals. Symbolizing the four cardinal directions, a total of eight mountains formed the historical capital of Hanyang, the predecessor to today’s Seoul.
The four outer mountains marking the external boundaries are Yongmasan (east), Deogyangsan (west), Gwanaksan (south), and Bukhansan (north). Seoul National University is located at the foot of Gwanaksan, situated in the southern part of the city.
The four inner mountains represent the internal cardinal directions: Naksan (east), Inwangsan (west), Namsan(south), and Bugaksan(north). In this guide, we introduce selected walking routes on two of these inner mountains, Inwangsan and Namsan, which are easily accessible and particularly enjoyable during the summer months.
In this rapidly growing and densely populated metropolis, these mountains offer rare green spaces, serving as urban parks that provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation. They are not only places for hiking but also venues where visitors can simultaneously experience nature and history.
This guide highlights two of Seoul’s iconic mountains: Inwangsan and Namsan, both of which offer distinctive charm.
Inwangsan is famous for its rugged granite peaks and unique rock formations. Additionally, visitors can experience Seoul’s history spanning various eras along the path. Meanwhile, Namsan, located in the heart of Seoul, is easily accessible from popular tourist spots like Myeong-dong and Seoul Station. Known for its panoramic views, Namsan is beloved by locals for its walking trails and by foreign tourists for its breathtaking cityscapes. This guide introduces various routes, including the Namsan Cable Car and Namsan Tower.
Each section of the guide will provide a brief background of the mountain, helping visitors understand its historical and geographical importance. Detailed instructions on public transportation, walking routes, and nearby attractions are also included. While the suggested courses are designed for convenience, visitors are encouraged to adjust them based on their schedule and physical condition.
1. Inwangsan Trail
- Starting Point: Sajik Park
- Key Stops: Hwanghakjeong, Archery Range, Suseong-dong Valley, Mumudae Pavilion, Choso Book Cafe, Cheongun Literature Library
- End Point: Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum
- Course Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Mediate
Inwangsan, located in the western part of Seoul, stands at 338 meters above sea level and is an ideal place for walking along the Seoul City Wall. Known for its historical and cultural significance, it is one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks. The mountain’s defining features include its rugged granite formations and pine trees growing between the rocks, creating a quintessential image of Inwangsan.
The Inwangsan Trail introduced here starts from Seoul National University and includes a route with a total of eight key stops.

Detailed Course Guide:
1) From Seoul National University Entrance to Sajik Park
Take the blue 750A or 750B bus from the main gate of Seoul National University. After 39 minutes (21 stops), get off at Seodaemun Station. Transfer to the blue 171 bus, and after 3 minutes (3 stops), alight at Sajikdan. Cross the underpass to arrive at Sajik Park. The total fare is approximately 1,600 KRW, and the journey takes around 50 minutes.

2) From Sajik Park to Hwanghakjeong:
Sajik Park is home to Sajikdan, where the king once performed rites for the gods of grain and earth. Walking through the park for about 10 minutes leads to Hwanghakjeong, a traditional archery range. Here, visitors can experience Korea’s archery culture and view exhibits at the Archery Exhibition Hall. The hall is closed on Mondays and operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please maintain silence while passing to avoid disturbing archery practices.

Hwanghakjeong
3) From Hwanghakjeong to Suseong-dong Valley:
A 15-minute walk along the Inwangsan Trail leads to Suseong-dong Valley, a serene natural oasis within the city. This picturesque spot is perfect for a brief rest. During Seoul’s hot summers, visitors can cool off by dipping their feet in the stream created by rainwater flowing down the mountain.

Suseong-dong Valley
4) From Suseong-dong Valley to Mumudae Pavilion:
After a 10-minute climb, you will reach Mumudae Pavilion, offering a panoramic view of Seoul’s urban landscape. From here, you can see landmarks like the former presidential residence of Cheong Wa Dae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and even Lotte Tower on clear days. The pavilion is renowned for its night views but is equally rewarding during the day. At the end of this guide, we will briefly introduce how to visit the former presidential residence, Cheong Wa Dae.

Mumudae Pavilion
5) From Mumudae Pavilion to Choso Book Cafe:
Continuing for another 10 minutes, you will arrive at Choso Book Cafe, a repurposed military guard post turned into a charming book cafe. Visitors can relax with a drink in this unique architectural space, which has received multiple design awards. The cafe operates daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Choso Book Cafe
6) From Choso Bookshop to Cheongun Literature Library:
A 5-minute descent brings you to Cheongun Literature Library, a hanok-style building known for its traditional architecture. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of waterfalls and bamboo forests while relaxing in this tranquil space. The library is closed on Mondays and operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Cheongun Literature Library
7) From Cheongun Literature Library to Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum:
Another 5-minute walk takes you to the Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Yun Dong-ju, a poet and symbol of Korea’s fight for independence during the colonial period. Originally a water facility, the space has been transformed into a cultural site. The museum is closed on Mondays and operates from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a lunch break from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM.

Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum
8) From Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum to Seoul National University Main Gate:
From the bus stop in front of the Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum, take the green bus 7022. After 22 minutes (9 stops), get off at Seoul Station. From the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center, board the blue bus 501, which will take you to Seoul National University in 40 minutes (21 stops).
** Good Things to Know!
1. How to visit Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House)
Additionally, I will explain how to visit Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential residence that can be viewed from Mumudae. Foreign visitors can apply for on-site admission or make a reservation through the link below. It operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays. Visitors are required to bring identification, and bags will be inspected for security purposes.
https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/eng

The Blue House, the former presidential residence (Cheong Wa Dae)
2. Be aware of this when you go to the Inwangsan Trail!
The Inwangsan Trail is a unique walking route where visitors can enjoy both nature and history in the heart of the city. However, due to stairs and forest paths along the trail, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Compared to the Namsan route introduced later, this trail is more challenging. Since the trail includes stops at libraries, literature museums, and archery ranges, loud conversations along the way may not be appropriate. Walk quietly and take in the sounds of wind, birds, and flowing water as you go.
If you plan to have dinner after completing the course, it is recommended to walk the trail in reverse. Starting from Sajik Park or Suseong-dong Valley and heading toward Gyeongbokgung Station allows you to visit Seochon. In Seochon, you can enjoy delicious traditional Korean food in hanok buildings. However, note that walking in reverse involves more uphill paths than downhill.

Inwangsan Trail
2. Namsan Highlights
- Starting Point: Myeong-dong Station (Exit 4)
- Key Stops: Namsan Ormi Elevator, Namsan Cable Car, Namsan Tower, Palgakjeong, Seoul City Wall Museum, Baekbeom Plaza, Namdaemun Market
- End Point: Seoul Station
- Course Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Namsan, spanning the Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu districts, is centrally located in Seoul and rises to 271 meters above sea level. It features landmarks such as Namsan Tower and Palgakjeong Pavilion. This route is particularly suitable for evening visits, as the illuminated paths and structures create a safe and vibrant atmosphere. The course includes a route that passes through a total of nine key stops around Namsan and its surroundings before returning to the main gate of Seoul National University.
This course starts from the route between Seoul National University and Myeong-dong Station, passes through Namsan Tower and the Seoul City Wall Museum, and concludes by returning to Seoul National University via Seoul Station.

Namsan
Detailed Course Guide:
1) From Seoul National University to Myeong-dong Station (Exit 4)
: Take the blue 501, 750A, or 750B bus and travel for 40 minutes (19 stops) to Galwol-dong. Transfer to the blue 421 bus, and after 8 minutes (3 stops), get off at Myeong-dong Station. The fare is 1,600 KRW, and the total travel time is about 52 minutes.

2) From Myeong-dong Station to Namsan Ormi Elevator:
Walk for 10 minutes to reach the Namsan Ormi, a free inclined elevator that takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station. Operating daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, it occasionally undergoes maintenance on Monday mornings.


Namsan Ormi Elevator
3) From Namsan Ormi to Namsan Tower:
There are three ways to get from Namsan Ormi to Namsan Tower: walking, taking the cable car, or using the shuttle bus. This guide focuses on the option of using the Namsan Cable Car.
After disembarking at Namsan Ormi, you will see the Namsan Cable Car building right in front of you. Reservations are not available for the cable car, so tickets must be purchased on-site, and you may need to wait your turn. The cable car operates daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though services may be suspended on particularly windy days. However, strong winds that would halt operations are rare during Seoul’s summer, so there is generally no need to worry.
The fare is 15,000 KRW for a round trip and 12,000 KRW for a one-way trip. Based on the course introduced in this guide, purchasing a one-way ticket should suffice. However, if you plan to return to Myeong-dong after exploring Namsan Tower and Palgakjeong Pavilion, it is recommended to buy a round-trip ticket. The cable car takes you directly to the front of Namsan Tower in one ride, offering panoramic views of Seoul’s cityscape below as you ascend.

Namsan Cable Car
4) Exploring Namsan Tower and Palgakjeong Pavilion:
After taking the Namsan Cable Car, you will arrive in front of a towering structure and a traditional octagonal pavilion built in Korean architectural style. Namsan Tower, located at the summit of Namsan Mountain at a height of 236.7m, is one of Seoul’s iconic landmarks. To access the observatory, visitors need to purchase tickets, with admission priced at 21,000 KRW for adults. The observatory provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul. It operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with the last ticket sales ending at 10:00 PM. For the best experience, consider bringing a high-quality camera to capture the detailed cityscapes.

Palgakjeong Pavilion
Palgakjeong Pavilion, located next to Namsan Tower, is a traditional resting place and a fantastic spot for taking photos. This area is free to enter and is famous as a nighttime viewing spot. Additionally, don’t miss the "Locks of Love" area nearby, where visitors attach padlocks as a symbol of everlasting love. Be sure to visit these attractions when you explore Namsan.

Namsan Tower
5) From Namsan Tower to Seoul City Wall Museum:
Once you have enjoyed the summit of Namsan, it’s time to head downhill towards the heart of Seoul. As mentioned earlier, we recommend taking the cable car back down if you are returning to Myeong-dong. From here, you can embark on a course that leads past Sungnyemun Gate and towards Seoul Station. The descending trail has a gentle slope, allowing you to leisurely walk alongside the Seoul City Wall, enjoying the sights. This 900-meter route takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall
The Seoul City Wall Museum, situated along the path, provides detailed insights into the history of the Seoul City Wall and its construction over centuries. The museum is closed on Mondays and operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free of charge.

The Seoul City Wall Museum
6) From Seoul City Wall Museum to Baekbeom Plaza:
A short 5-minute descent from the museum will bring you to Baekbeom Plaza, a memorial square dedicated to the independence activist Baekbeom Kim Koo. This historical site features a statue commemorating his legacy. Take a moment to reflect on the significance of his contributions while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the park. During the summer, it’s a great spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Seoul.

Baekbeom Plaza
7) From Baekbeom Plaza to Namdaemun Market:
From Baekbeom Plaza, it is a short 6-minute walk to Namdaemun Market, Korea’s largest traditional market. With a history spanning over 600 years, the market offers a wide variety of goods and local foods, such as braised hairtail, hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Indulge in the vibrant flavors and unique atmosphere of this bustling marketplace.

Korean Foods in Namdaemun Market
8) From Namdaemun Market to Seoul Station:
After exploring Namdaemun Market, a 10-minute walk will take you to Seoul Station. While this guide suggests returning to Seoul National University from here, feel free to explore other areas in central Seoul based on your preferences. As a major transportation hub, Seoul Station provides easy access to subway and bus networks, allowing you to reach other key destinations like Yongsan, City Hall, Jongno, or Sinchon.

9) From Seoul Station to Seoul National University Entrance:
To return to Seoul National University, take the blue 750A or 750B bus from the Seoul Station transfer hub. The ride takes approximately 41 minutes (21 stops), and you will arrive at the university entrance. Before heading back, take one last look at Namsan Tower, visible from Seoul Station, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the day.

** Ending Remarks for Namsan Trails
The starting point of this course in Myeong-dong and the practical endpoint at Namdaemun Market are both among Seoul’s most famous tourist destinations. These areas are also packed with culinary delights. While it’s best not to overeat, this course is easy enough to walk even with a full stomach. Depending on your approach to sightseeing, exploring this course in the evening is highly recommended. The route is especially designed to be comfortable for foreign tourists, with clear English signage throughout. If you have any questions during your walk, look for the tour guides dressed in red uniforms—they will provide you with helpful and friendly assistance, answering all your inquiries and even offering additional relevant information.

Tour guides with red clothes will help you!
** Last Tips!
Although this guide does not introduce hiking trails leading to mountain summits, it offers visitors a way to comfortably enjoy Seoul’s natural beauty through urban trails designed like parks.
For those attending the SEAA event in Seoul this July, be prepared for hot and humid weather. Bring plenty of water and light snacks to stay refreshed during your visit. Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are also highly recommended based on the time of day.
For more detailed information about Seoul’s mountains, refer to the English-language websites listed below. We hope this guide helps you experience Seoul’s nature and history, making your visit truly unforgettable. Enjoy your journey in Seoul!


Seoul Tourism Brochure (English and More) PDF Download Page
https://english.visitseoul.net/map-guide-book