Published Date : Dec 21, 2022 / Edited Date : Oct 11, 2023
This trail boasts picturesque views of Seoul from quiet dirt trails through lush forests and over babbling brooks. The path is especially breathtaking in spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in summer with its lush greenery. This trail weaving between forest and city is a treat for the senses: a cool breeze, warm sun, and whispering sounds and scents of nature.
Hiking route
Sajikdan Altar Former Taekkyeon Training Grounds Suseong-dong Valley Haemaji Park–Gaon Bridge Ippalbawi Rock Cheongun Park Yoon Dong-ju Literature Museum
Total travel distance 2.9km Average travel time 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty average
COURSE MAP
INFORMATION
About the trail
· Inwangsan Forest Trail is a series of casual walking paths with numerous forks in the road. Follow the road signs to avoid getting lost. · The section between Haemaji Park and Gaon Bridge offers can’t-miss views. The stairs leading up and down from the bridge are quite steep so caution is urged to avoid slipping and falling.
Shelter and hiking tips
There are symbolic facilities and information panels related to the location between courses. The area is spacious and there are wooden chairs, making it a great place for sitting, resting, and snacking.
Transportation
The trail starts at the entrance to Sajikdan Altar 300m from Exit 1 of Gyeongbokgung Station, Seoul Metro Line 3.
SPOTS
Sajikdan Altar
A place to make offerings to the gods of the soil and grain, this altar was built around the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, alongside the palace and Jongmyo Shrine for the new capital. Rituals praying for rain or a good harvest were performed here, and offerings were made in times of national hardship.
Haemaji Park
As Inwangsan Mountain’s best spot to watch the sunrise, Haemaji Park is located on a mountain west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. In Korean geomancy, the west is associated with the tiger and the color white. Legend has it that Inwangsan’s white tiger basks in the morning sun here.
Gaon Bridge
This swinging bridge is found about midway through the trail. The term gaon is a pure Korean word referring to “middle” or “center.” The name thus suggests that visitors find physical and mental balance while crossing the swinging bridge.
MORE INFO
Sitting west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Inwangsan Mountain was originally called Seosan (West Mountain). The mountain was renamed "Inwang" after Geumgangshin, a guardian of Buddhism, to imply its symbolic importance as a protector of Joseon.
The narrow path between the swinging bridge and Ippalbawi Rock was a favorite practice spot for Jeong Yak- dae, the greatest daegeum player of the Joseon era. He is said to have placed a grain of sand in his shoe for each time he practiced and refused to descend the mountain until his shoe was full.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)