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If China has the Great Wall of China, Seoul has Hanyangdoseong, also known as Seoul City Wall. Stretching a total distance of 18.6 km, Hanyangdoseong is a wall that was built in the early Joseon times to protect Hanyang, the former capital of Joseon, from the outside. The city wall has stood strong for almost 500 years. The wall is also the oldest site to have served as a place for capital functions. Walk along Hanyangdoseong, Seoul City Wall, to feel the 500-year-long history and culture, from the early Joseon times to the present. We’d like to introduce the four Hanyangdoseong courses for you to have a memorable visit in Seoul.

From Changuimun Gate to Hyehwamun Gate

Baegak Trai

The Baegak Trail stretches through Bugaksan Mountain, which is so beautiful that it is called the half-bloomed peony. Hanyangdoseong, Seoul City Wall, was constructed with Bugaksan (Baegaksan) Mountain as its starting point. The three-hour course starts at Changuimun Gate, where the only gatehouse from the Joseon Dynasty’s Four Small Gates of Hanyang still stands today, and passes by Sukjeongmun Gate, the great north gate of Hanyang, and finally reaching the northeastern gate of Hyehwamun Gate, for a tour of northern Seoul. Midway through the Baegak Trail is Bukchon Hanok Village, offering Korean cultural experiences among the traditional hanok, as well as the Exhibition & Visitor Center in Hyehwa-dong that provides visitors with a glimpse into the culture of old Hyehwa-dong!

From Jangchung Arena to Baekbeom Square

Mt. Namsan Trail

The Mt. Namsan Trail stretches from the back street of Jangchung Arena, passes by Mt. Namsan at the center of Seoul, and ends in Baekbeom Square. Walk along the Mt. Namsan Trail for just over three hours to see the Namsan Beacon Mound from the top of the palace, as well as the “Central Point of Seoul” sculpture that marks the geographical center of Seoul. The must-see Jamdubong Peak Photo Island, from which photos can be taken of N Seoul Tower and the night views of the beautiful concrete jungle. Here, the relaxing nature and passion of the city can both be felt, all at once. During your time in Seoul this fall, enjoy the Mt. Namsan Trail of Hanyangdoseong, Seoul City Wall.

From Baekbeom Square to the Site of Donuimun Gate

Sungnyemun Trail

The Sungnyemun Trail is a one-hour course that starts at Sungnyemun Gate - the pride of Seoul residents and National Treasure No. 1 - and arrives at the Site of Donuimun Gate, where Seodaemun Gate of Joseon’s capital city sits. It is a short section compared to the others, but it is a packed course that includes Sungnyemun Gate, a must-see attraction when in Seoul; Namdaemun Market, Korea’s first city market that is open year-round; and Chungdong Church, the first Methodist church in Korea, for an experience of Seoul’s historical heritage. The reasons to visit the Sungnyemun Trail and the nearby Deoksugung Palace is clear. We recommend that tourists in Seoul take a stroll along the Sungnyemun Trail!

From the Site of Donuimun Gate to Changuimun Gate

Inwangsan Trail

The Inwangsan Trail starts at the Site of Donuimun Gate and passes over Inwangsan Mountain, the white tiger (one of the four guardian gods) which is western god of Seoul that protected the capital in the past, and stretches over to Yun Dong-ju Hill. Along this section are sites that help reflect on the history of the Japanese Colonial Era. This course that explores Seoul’s modern history goes through the western Hanok Village built near Gyeongbokgung Palace and into Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum. If Namsan Mountain seemed like the only attraction in Seoul, we recommend heading over to Inwangsan Mountain for a breath of fresh air and places to make new memories!