Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) Seoul
Walk through history along Seoul's ancient fortress walls, offering breathtaking city views and a unique blend of nature and heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) Seoul
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through history along Seoul's ancient fortress walls, offering breathtaking city views and a unique blend of nature and heritage.
"A must-do for history buffs and hikers seeking stunning cityscapes!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many sections involve stairs and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. Some parts of the trail have limited facilities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bugaksan Mountain Section
Bugaksan Mountain
Offers panoramic city views and a sense of historical grandeur. A must-see for photographers and history buffs.

Heunginji Gate (Dongdaemun)
Dongdaemun
A beautifully reconstructed gate, especially stunning when lit up at night. A popular starting or ending point.

Naksan Park Section
Naksan Park
A more accessible and relaxed part of the wall, perfect for a leisurely stroll with lovely city vistas.
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Seoul City Wall
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many sections involve stairs and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. Some parts of the trail have limited facilities.
🗺️ Download a Map
Info can be sparse on the trail. Having a map or offline navigation is highly recommended.
📸 Capture the Views
The Seoul City Wall offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
Seoul City Wall: Recommendation for Mountain and History Lovers
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many sections involve stairs and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. Some parts of the trail have limited facilities.
🗺️ Download a Map
Info can be sparse on the trail. Having a map or offline navigation is highly recommended.
📸 Capture the Views
The Seoul City Wall offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🏅 Earn a Certificate
Complete the full trail and take selfies at specific markers to earn a badge and certificate!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Seoul City Wall for its historical significance and stunning panoramic views, particularly from the Bugaksan section. The hike is described as rewarding, though some find certain parts challenging. The accessibility and beauty of sections like Naksan Park are also frequently highlighted.
"Amazing views of the city all along the trail. Not a ton of people some parts of the trail are less maintained than others so expect some uneven ground and dirt paths in some areas although many sections are paved. FREE and open all days of the week."
Victor Wang
"Had a wonderful time walking along this trail on a beautiful Sunday morning. The hike gets pretty steep near the top, but if you go at a slow pace on a mild day, it’s very doable. There are also some rest spots along the way. Make sure you bring water!"
Mi
"Beautiful place for a gentle sloping walk with breathtaking views of the city. Several cafes along the way so if you want to have a break, you can get tasty bread and drinks too."
Wing Yee Choo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access points vary by section. For Bugaksan, take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and then a bus. Dongdaemun (Heunginji Gate) is easily accessible via Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 & 4).
Yes, most sections are well-served by Seoul's extensive subway and bus network, making it easy to reach various starting points.
Yes, the entire Hanyangdoseong trail is walkable, though it's a significant undertaking. Many visitors choose to hike specific, scenic sections.
While not as common as for other attractions, some local tour operators offer guided walks focusing on the history and significance of the wall.
It depends on your interests. Bugaksan offers the best views, while Dongdaemun is iconic. Naksan Park is a good option for a more relaxed experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, walking along the Seoul City Wall itself is free. However, some specific areas or historical sites within the vicinity might have separate admission fees.
Opening hours vary by section, especially for mountain areas like Bugaksan, which has specific access times. Always check the official website or local information before visiting.
The Hanyangdoseong trail itself is free to access. You can walk along the wall without purchasing a ticket.
Yes, you can earn a certificate and badge by completing the entire trail and submitting proof (selfies at designated spots). Check the official Seoul City Wall website for details.
Some sections, particularly Bugaksan, may have security checkpoints or require identification. Always be aware of local regulations and opening times.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Walking the entire 18.6 km (11.6 miles) Hanyangdoseong trail can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Many visitors rave about the Bugaksan section for its stunning panoramic views of Seoul. The Naksan Park section is also highly praised for its city vistas.
Some sections are challenging with steep stairs and inclines, while others are more gentle. It's a moderate to challenging hike overall.
Facilities are available at major access points and some rest areas, but they can be sparse on certain stretches. It's best to be prepared.
Look for elevated points with clear city views, especially around Bugaksan and Naksan Park. The gates like Heunginji are also photogenic.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for cityscapes. Early mornings can provide a less crowded experience with soft light.
You can capture panoramic city views, historical architecture of the wall and gates, and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many parts of Seoul, especially near sensitive areas or historical sites. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for cityscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light shots.
The Bugaksan section is renowned for its breathtaking, sweeping views of Seoul. Naksan Park also offers excellent vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the full trail can be strenuous, breaking it down into manageable portions makes it feasible. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make it a treasure hunt by looking for historical markers or unique viewpoints. The certificate program for completing the full trail might be a fun motivator for older children.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Consider tackling the full trail if you have the time and fitness, as it's a rewarding experience that allows for deep immersion. The Hanyangdoseong Passport can add an extra layer of engagement, and you'll likely encounter other hikers and history enthusiasts along the way, making it a social yet independent adventure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different lenses to capture both the grand scale of the wall against the urban backdrop and the intricate details of its construction. Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide dramatic shadows and warm hues. Remember to check for any drone regulations if you plan on aerial photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hanyangdoseong
Today, walking along the Seoul City Wall offers a tangible connection to this rich past. Different sections of the wall showcase varying architectural styles and preservation levels, reflecting its long and complex history. The wall is divided into four main sections: Bugaksan, Namsan, Nakasan, and Ihwa. Each segment provides a unique perspective on Seoul's historical landscape and its evolution into a modern metropolis.
Exploring Hanyangdoseong is more than just a hike; it's an immersive journey through Seoul's heritage. The Hanyangdoseong Passport program, where visitors can collect stamps at various points, adds an interactive element, encouraging a deeper engagement with the historical significance of the wall.
Navigating the Seoul City Wall Trail
Naksan Park provides a more relaxed and accessible walking experience, with beautiful city vistas and a pleasant park atmosphere, making it ideal for a casual stroll. Ihwa connects Naksan to Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) and offers a mix of historical remnants and urban scenery. Many visitors opt to hike specific sections based on their interests and available time, rather than attempting the entire 18.6 km.
When planning your hike, consider the terrain and accessibility. Some parts involve steep stairs and uneven paths, requiring good physical condition and appropriate footwear. It's also advisable to check the opening hours for each section, particularly Bugaksan, which has specific access times and may require identification. Having a map or using a navigation app is highly recommended, as signage can be inconsistent in some areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit