One of the Six Sections of the Seoul City Wall

Seoul’s city wall wasn’t just one path — it once wrapped around the entire capital, protecting it for centuries. Today, you can explore six main sections of the wall, each offering a different view of the city and its history.

The most popular trails are along Namsan and Inwangsan. Out of the four guardian mountains of Seoul, Naksan is the lowest peak, making it one of the easiest sections to hike while still giving you those sweeping city views.

What to expect on the Naksan Hike

• This is not a loop trail. You can start from either side and end on the other.

• 1.3-mile (2.1 km) hiking trail that runs from Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) to Hyehwamun (Dongsomun)

• The trail takes one hour, but 2-3 hours if you stop for photos and cafes.

• Most people hike up the trail, but i think it's more enjoyable to start at the top and walk down.

How to Get to the Naksan Trailheads

Because the Naksan hike is not a loop, you will start at one trailhead and come out at another. This means that you also have two options where you can start your hike, from Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) or Hyehwamun (Dongsomun).

Directions

• Stop 1: Hyehwamun Gate (혜화문기념물) - https://naver.me/GUw9j0mY

• If you need a coffee, grab one here 369 Seonggwak Cafe (369마실차)

• Stop 2: Namsan park - https://naver.me/FHlgBwgC

  • At Namsan park -you get a panoramic sweep of the city. You’ll see Seoul Tower rising in the background with the winding stone wall stretching in front of you. It’s the shot everyone wants — don’t miss it.

    ✨ Pro tip: Come back here at sunset or after dark. The night view is incredible.
    

• Continue walking to Ihwa Mural Village 🎨☕

  • Naver map: https://naver.me/GzE92QXW

  • The trail will merge with Ihwa Mural Village.

  • Perfect spot for a coffee break before continuing.

  • The cafes usually have back doors, but they’re locked — so enter the village directly.

Cafes in Ihwa Mural Village

• cafe reading cat 책읽는고양이 - https://naver.me/FSw75po2

• Changsin Sungin Quarry Observatory 카페 낙타 - https://naver.me/5pwsxOkZ

• Continue to Heunginjimun Gate, you’ll need to decide: inner trail or outer trail?

  • 👉 My recommendation: take the inner trail.
    The outer trail mostly follows the street (aka cars, traffic, and not much greenery). The inner trail, on the other hand, runs through a park, sits higher up, and gives you those sweeping city views right from the start.

    You’ll eventually need to switch to the outer trail anyway since the inner one doesn’t run all the way. So if you start inside, you naturally get to enjoy both sides.

  • End at Dongdaemun Station (동대문), exit 1 https://naver.me/5zlfYyvN

  • You can also visit the Seoul City Wall Museum ( 한양도성박물관 ) if your interested in learning more about the city wall.