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Inwangsan Mountain 인왕산 &
Seoul City Wall (Inwangsan Mountain Trail)
Open 24hrs and night hiking is permissible except,
Closed to all hiking on Mondays. If Monday is a Public Holiday, closed on Tuesday instead.
Free
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Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 1-5)
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Muakjae Station (line 3, exit 1/2)
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Hongje Station (line 3, exit 1)
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Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 1)
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Seodaemun Station (line 5, exit 3)
parks.seoul.go.kr, seoulcitywall.seoul.go.kr (Seoul City Wall), www.jongno.go.kr (Jongno-gu Office)
Topography of Inwangsan Mountain
Inwangsan is a rocky mountain with only one main hiking trail alongside Seoul City Wall on its ridges, ascending from one side of the mountain, passing through the summit (338.2m) and descending to the other side.
Seoul City Wall & its History
As hiking on Inwangsan Mountain is primarily along Seoul City Wall, it is good to know some background information on this historic city wall.
Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) of 18.6km long is designated as Historic Site No. 10. It was originally built in 1396, surrounding Hanyang (Seoul) to defend the capital during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).
Besides Inwangsan, Seoul City Wall also passes 3 other main mountains, namely Bugaksan, Naksan and Namsan.
💡The section of Seoul City Wall along Inwangsan Mt. (Inwangsan Mountain Trail) has been rebuilt and now appears fairly 'new'.
The Once Off-Limits Inwangsan Mountain
Access to Inwangsan Mountain was prohibited after a unit of the North Korean Special Forces infiltrated Cheongwadae (Blue House), the Presidential Office and Residence on 21 January 1968.
An old pine tree along Seoul City Wall (Baegak Mountain Trail) bears the traces of the 15 bullets from the incident.
Inwangsan was only re-opened to the public in 1993.
Unique Hiking Experience at Inwangsan Mt.
Hiking at Inwangsan Mountain is unlike other mountains in Seoul with many hiking trails weaving through the forest, valley or rivers to the open peak.
a) Unobstructed View of Seoul's Mountains
Due to its granite rocky ridges, Inwangsan Mountain hiking trail provides unprecedented unblocked views of Ansan Mountain on one side and Bukhansan Mountain, Bugaksan Mountain and Namsan Mountain on the other side.
b) View of Seoul's Key Attractions
Cheongwadae (Blue House) and Gyeongbokgung Palace can be seen from the Seoul City Wall as well.
c) Unique Rock Formations
Inwangsan Mountain is famous for its many interesting rock formations. There are Gichabawi (Train Rock), Chimabawi (Skirt Rock), Seonbawi (Rock of meditating monk), Buddha/Face Rock, Skeleton Rock, Snail Rock, Hat Rock, etc.
💡Among all, Gichabawi 기차바위 and Seonbawi 선바위 are the two more important rocks as there are signs leading to these rocks on certain sections of the hiking trail.
d) Inwangsan Mountain Summit (Altitude of 338.2m)
Enjoy panoramic view of Seoul at the peak of Inwangsan Mountain.
e) Signs & Mountain Rest Day (Every Monday)
Informational directional signs and no hiking on Mountain Rest Day every Monday (00:00 - 24:00) for nature conservation.
f) Night Hiking
Night hiking is permissible at Inwangsan, allowing hikers to witness the city lighting up brilliantly across the beautiful landscape. Bring along your headlight for safe hiking on nightfall!
💡If you are an early riser, why not hike up Inwangsan Mountain for the sunrise instead?
Scenic Autumn View at Inwangsan Mountain
Though you may not be walking under tall canopy trees at Inwangsan Mountain, you will be rewarded with magnificent autumn foliage view across multiple mountains (e.g. Ansan, Bugaksan) and Seoul city.
Inwangsan Mt. Crossing over 2 Districts in Seoul (Seodaemun-gu & Jongno-gu)
Inwangsan Mountain is located across two districts of Seodaemun-gu and Jongno-gu in Seoul. Tourism information of Inwangsan Mountain and access are primarily covered by Jongno-gu Office.
Nonetheless, Seodaemun-gu has the advantage of 3 nearby subway stations along subway line 3 (Dongnimmun, Muakjae and Hongje Stations) with interesting forest trails leading to various sections of Inwangsan Mountain and its summit. There is even a bridge, Muakjae Sky-Bridge that directly connects Inwangsan Mountain to Ansan Mountain across the road, allowing nature lovers to experience the beauty of 2 mountains easily.
The walk from Jongno-gu's nearest subway stations, Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3) and Seodaemun Station (line 5) takes double the walking time to reach Inwangsan Mountain compared to Seodaemun-gu's subway stations.
Inwangsan Full Hiking Course (7-Eleven/Donuimun Gate to Changuimun Gate)
The full hiking course through Inwangsan Mountain starts across the road from the 7-Eleven Convenience Store next to Korea Social Science Library 한국 사회 과학 도서관, passing through its Summit and ending at Changuimun Gate in Buam-dong. The course is about 3.1km long and takes about 2hrs 15mins.
💡It is not recommended to walk the section between 7-Eleven convenience store and Donuimun Gate as a large part of the wall and the gate are no longer standing.
Orientation on hiking from nearest subway stations:
Base of the mountain: Dongnimmun Station, Gyeongbokgung Station & Seodaemun Station
Near summit: Muakjae Station
Past summit: Hongje Station
Entry & Exit Points to Inwangsan
If you are not doing the Full Inwangsan Hiking Course alongside Seoul City Wall, deciding where to enter and exit Inwangsan Mountain can be a difficult decision as there are quite a number of fabulous entry and exit points and each have their own attractiveness, ease of accessibility and fitness level requirements.
Nonetheless, it is good to know your options for your initial route planning. Also, you may come across direction signs to these places during your hike which will be handy in case you wish for any impromptu detour.
💡Not often, however, if you come across any Korean only sign, you can use Google Translate app by pointing your phone at the Korean signage🤳 and use the camera feature on the app for instant language translation.
▶ From Seodaemun-gu District:
1. Dongnimmun Station (exit 3), 9 mins walk: Inwangsan Park Entrance (opposite 7-Eleven)
Address of 7-Eleven Jongno Office 세븐일레븐 종로사직점:
서울 종로구 인왕산로1길 29 | 29, Inwangsan-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Course Perks:
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Easy walking distance to entrance.
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Gradual slope to entrance.
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Arrive at base of Seoul City Wall (Inwangsan Mountain Trail).
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 3).
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Turn left, take the stairs in front and continue to walk straight.
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Walk up the slope.
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At the spilt road, turn right and walk all the way to Inwangsan Entrance. You will see the 7-Eleven store across the entrance.
2. Dongnimmun Station (exit 2), 7 mins walk: Inwangsan Temple / Muak Park
Address of Inwangsan Temple 인왕사:
서울 종로구 통일로18가길 34 | 34 Tongil-ro 18ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Course Perks:
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Ascending road all the way to temple and uphill to Inwangsan.
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Seonbawi Rock near temple.
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Alternative scenic nature course to Inwangsan (& summit) via Muak Park with good view of several popular rocks.
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 2).
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Turn left to the small street in front of 7-Eleven and walk straight.
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Turn right at the fork road and up the stairs at the end of the road.
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At the top of the stairs, turn right and continue straight on the uphill walk all the way till the end of the road.
You will see Muak Park on your left (alternative course) and the entrance to the temple ahead. To take the temple course to Inwangsan, walk straight ahead and take the steep stairs up.
Inwangsan Temple Course:
Muak Park Course:
3. Dongnimmun Station (exit 1), 5 mins walk OR Muakjae Station (exit 2), 8 mins walk: Enter from Road
Course Perks:
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Easy, direct and short way to enter Inwangsan Mountain.
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Ascending hike up Inwangsan with scenic landscape.
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Opportunity to see Buddha Rock, Snail Rock & Hat Rock at good angles.
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 1) OR Muakjae (line 3, exit 2).
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Take the stairs at the side of residence's apartment block 101 up to Inwangsan Mountain.
4. Dongnimmun Station (exit 5), 6 mins walk: Muakjae Sky-Bridge
Course Perks:
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Easy and direct way to enter Inwangsan Mountain via Muakjae Sky-Bridge.
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Ascending hike up Inwangsan with scenic landscape.
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Opportunity to see Buddha Rock, Snail Rock & Hat Rock at good angles.
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 5).
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Take the wooden stairs on your left up to Muakjae Sky-Bridge.
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Walk across the bridge to reach Inwangsan Mountain.
5. Dongnimmun Station (exit 4/5) to Ansan Mountain/Ansan Jarak-gil Trail: Muakjae Sky-Bridge
Course Perks:
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Enjoy the best of 2 mountains connected via Muakjae Sky-Bridge.
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Ansan Jarak-gil course, an easy 7km trail on raised wooden deck that encircles Ansan Mountain with option to its summit (296m).
Walking Directions:
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Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 4/5).
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Take the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail course.
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From Ansan Mountain, walk towards Muakjae Sky-Bridge to cross over to Inwangsan Mountain.
6. Muakjae Station (exit 2), 5 mins walk: Tennis Court
Course Perks:
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Nearest walking route from subway.
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The shortest course to Inwangsang Summit (& Chimabawi Rock) with steep ascend.
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Scenic mountain hiking experience.
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Muakjae Station (line 3, exit 2).
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Turn left and walk straight uphill.
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Turn right at residence's apartment block 112 and walk along the road.
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Take the stairs on your left next to the tennis court, located on top.
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Follow the signs to Inwangsan Seongwak-gil (fortress road) 인왕산성곽길.
7. Muakjae Station (exit 1), 10 mins walk: Inwanggol Madang (Park) 인왕골마당
Address of nearest building to Inwanggol Madang (Park):
서울 서대문구 통일로34길 66 | 66 Tongil-ro 34-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Course Perks:
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Ascend on the other direction direct to Gichabawi (Train Rock) and onward to Inwangsan Summit.
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Interesting trail and views along the way.
Walking Directions:
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Walk straight from Muakjae Station (line 3, exit 1).
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Turn right to Tongil-ro 34-gil.
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Walk straight till the end of the road to Inwanggol Mandang (Park) 인왕골마당. Get on the wooden deck and walk straight across the park with stairs leading up to the road.
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Turn left at the road and walk straight.
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Get up the wooden deck on your left to Inwangsan Mountain.
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Follow the signs to Gichabawi (Train Rock) 기차바위. From Train Rock, the course will lead you to Inwangsan Summit.
8. Hongje Station (exit 1), 11 mins bus ride: Hongje-dong Gaemi Village 홍제동 개미마을
Address of nearest building to Inwangsan Trail Entrance at village:
서울특별시 서대문구 세검정로4길 151(홍제동) | 151, Segeomjeong-ro 4-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Course Perks:
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Ascend on the other direction direct to Gichabawi (Train Rock) and onward to Inwangsan Summit.
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Direct to Inwangsan Trail Entrance by bus with ease.
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Forest trail with scenic views.
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Visit the photo hot spot, Gaemi Village.
Walking Directions:
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U-turn upon exit from Hongje Station (line 3, exit 1).
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Take bus #7 at the bus stop ahead, 11 mins bus ride.
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Alight at Gaemi Village 개미마을, entrance to Inwangsan Trail.
💡Bus #7 runs between Gaemi Village & Hongje Station, 6:00-00:00, 11 mins interval.
Hongje-dong Gaemi Village:
Inwangwan Trail from Hongje-dong Gaemi Village:
▶ From Jongno-gu District:
1. Gyeongbokgung Station (exit 1), 23 mins walk: Inwangsan Park Entrance (near tiger statue)
This is a long walk along the road to get to the entrance of Inwangwan Mountain. There are many signs and maps along the way upon exit from the subway station.
2. Gyeongbokgung Station (exit 1): Inwangwan Jarak-gil Trail & Forest Trail
Both Inwangsan Jarak-gil Trail and Forest Trail are easy walking trails. Follow the trail above and there will be signs along the way to Inwangwan Jarak-gil Trail & Forest Trail.
Inwangsan Jarak-gil Trail involved walking alongside the road passing by Sajikdan Altar, Hwanghakeong Archery Range, Hwanghakjeong Archery Gallery, Mumudee Observatory, Poet's Hill and Yoon Dong-ju Literary Museum.
Inwangsan Forest Trail (Sup-gil Trail) is more interesting with various nature scenes and trails at Inwangsan Mountain foothill. The 2.5km trail starts from Taekkyeon Training Center, Suseongdong Valley, Sunrise Hill, Gaon Bridge, Ippalbawi (Teeth) Rock and end at Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum (1hr 40mins).
3. Gyeongbokgung Station (exit 3), 7 mins bus ride: Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum / Changuimun Gate / Cheongun Park
Entry:
From Gyeongbokgung Station (exit 3), walk straight (140m) to the 2nd bus stop (near 7-Eleven). Take bus #1020/#7022/#7212 and alight at Jahamun Gogae / Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum stop, 7 mins. This is also the bus stop for Seoul City Wall (Changuimun Gate).
To get to Inwangsan Mountain, cross the road directly to Yung Dong-ju Literary Museum and walk 150m along the road (i.e. Jahamun-ro 35-gil) of gentle slope in front of the museum to Cheongun Park's entrance. There will be signs to Inwangsan Trails.
Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum
Exit:
In fact, this is a popular exit point for hikers from Inwangsan Mountain, Inwangwan Jarak-gil Trail and Forest Trail. There are signs on the trails that leads to this exit as well.
Upon exiting to the main road (i.e. Jahamun-ro), your options include:
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Take bus #1020/#7022/#7212 on the same side of the road to the nearest subway station (i.e. Gyeongbokgung Station).
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For those who wish to continue your hike along Seoul City Wall (Baegak Mountain Trail), cross the road and enter the path leading to Changuimun Gate.
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For some nice food and cafes, cross the road and turn left to walk towards Buamdong, a quaint town.
4. Seodaemun Station (exit 3), 16 mins walk OR 9 mins bus ride: Inwangsan Park Entrance (7-Eleven)
Again, another long walk from the nearest subway station of Jongno-gu District to Inwangsan Mountain.
Alternatively, you can take bus #05 from Seodaemun Station (exit 3) and alight at Korea Social Science Archive 한국사회과학자료원 stop, 9 mins. The bus stop is next to 7-Eleven convenience store and Inwangsan Park Entrance is just across the road.
Inwangan Mountain, with its close proximity to the Seoul city center, ease of accessibility, multiple interesting entry/exit trails, fantastic day and night views, is certainly worth coming back over several trips to explore alone or with your family and hiking buddies.
Map of Inwangsan Mountain Trail
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