Namhansanseong - Mountain Fortress, Seoul

4 more images

Namhansanseong (남한산성) is one of my favorite places to hike in Korea. It combines nice hiking trails, with a historic fortress, massive gates, several Buddhist temples, a nice village, and some spectacular views of Seoul in the distance on a clear day. It is located 25 km southeast of Seoul and makes a wonderful day trip.

The first fortress on this site was completed around 672, and the present fortress was built in the early 1600s to defend Korea from the Manchus. Korean King Injo retreated to Namhansanseong when the Manchus invaded Korea in 1635, however he was forced to surrender after a few weeks under siege. The walls have a circumference of about 5 km, and many are as high as 10 meters. Of the nine original Buddhist temples, only one remains, called Changgyeongsa.

Namhansanseong was designated a national park in 1954, following the end of the Korean War.

To get to Namhansanseong, take subway line 8 to Namhansanseong Station in Seongnam and walk about 2 km east through the city, then through a park to the fortress walls, or take a city bus to the village. The walking route isn't too bad if you have a decent map. Once you get to the park, the trails are well marked...just go up the mountain side! Taxi is another option, and will probably cost less than 10,000 won.

Entry to the park used to be about 500 Won...it may be a little higher today.

This City walled Fortress back to the 1624
Joseon Dynasty King Injo builded.
don't miss to visit the Fortress.
Enter fee: 1000won ( app 1$ ).
Transportation:
Subway line8- Namhansansung Station( exit agte 2 ) Local bus ( no 15-1.9 ).