SEOUL CITY WALL

GRC - The Seoul City Wall was originally built in 1396, surrounding Hanyang (present-day Seoul) during the Joseon Period (1392-1987). The wall stretches for 18.6km along the ranges of Bugaksan (Mt.), Naksan (Mt.), Namsan (Mt.), and Inwangsan(Mt.), and stands at average height of 7~8m.
The Seoul City wall consisted of eight gates which were originally built between 1396-1398, but only six remain today. The North, South, East, and West gates of the wall are known as the “Four Great Gates” (Sukjeongmun, Heunginjimun, Sungnyemun, Dongeuimun), while the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southwest gates are known as the “Four Small Gates” (Changuimun, Hyehwamun, Gwanghwamun, Soeuimun).

Bugaksan (Mt.)

◆Section: Changuimun~Hyehwamun
◆Distance: 4.7km
◆Duration: 3 hours

This section of the of the Seoul City Wall stretches from Changuimun to Hyehwamun along the Bugaksan (Mt.). At 342m, Bugaksan (Mt.) is the tallest of the four mountains. Since the unsuccessful attempt to raid the Blue House by North Korean commandos in 1968, Bugaksan (Mt.) was closed to the public until it reopened in 2007.

Naksan (Mt.)

◆Section: Hyehwamun~ Heunginjimun
◆Distance: 2.1km
◆Duration: 1 hour

This section stretches from Hyehwamun to Heunginjimuna along Naksan (Mt.). At just 126m, Naksan(Mt.) is the is the shortest of the four mountains. Naksan (Mt.) gets its name from its camel hump-like appearance (‘nakta’ in Korean means camel). This section is great for a quick and easy stroll along the Seoul City Wall.

Heunginjimun

◆Section: Heunginjimun ~ Jangchung Gymnasium
◆Distance: 1.8km
◆Duraction:1 hour

Namsan (Mt.)

◆Section: Jangchung Gymnasium ~ Baekbeom Square
◆Distance: 4.2km
◆Duration: 3 hours

The section from Jangchung Gymnasium to Baekbeom Square is situated on Namsan (Mt.), which is considered as the geographical center of the city. Much of the wall along Namsan (Mt.) was destroyed during the 1920s, but has nearly been restored to its former glory.

Sungnyemun

◆Section: Baekbeom Square ~ Doneuimun site
◆Distance: 1.8km
◆Duration: 1 hour

Inwangsan (Mt.)

◆Section: Doneuimun site ~ Changuimun
◆Distance: 4km
◆Duration: 2 hours 30 min.

Inwangsan (Mt.) is a rocky mountain that stands at 338m and is considered as one of Korea’s most sacred mountains. Like Bugaksan (Mt.), Inwangsan (Mt.) was also closed to the public following the 1968 North Korean raid. The mountain was reopened to the public in 1993.