I was browsing places to visit for my return trip to Seoul, I chanced upon Namhansanseong Fortress. I read more about it and found out it was an easy day hike accessible by public transportation. So I decided to go during my last full day in Korea.
Find out how to go to Namhansanseong Fortress and my experience in it.
Guide
It was my last full day in Seoul before I fly back to Manila. My legs felt better after getting some sleep and rest. I wouldn't have gone to Namhansanseong if I didn't feel better after the hike up Baegundae in Bukhansan National Park. The metro ride to Sanseong Station was long but uneventful. I easily found the stop going to the fortress and just waited for a few minutes for bus 9-1. There were a lot of people going because it was a beautiful Sunday morning.
The trip to the fortress wasn't supposed to take almost 2 hours, but it did. The traffic was terrible and a I dozed off a few times. I eventually got to the fortress along with the few remaining passengers.
Namhansanseong Fortress is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. It was used as a final stronghold of the Joseon Dynasty. Its length is around 12km and protects a massive area that can be used as a capital in the event of emergencies. Its location and topography are strategic and provides ample defense for those that use it. There are also ancient but restored structures in the fortress area.
There was a short performance (I couldn't understand anything, it was in Korean) within the palace walls.
After walking around the palace complex, I decided to follow some of the trails.
The trails were scenic and provided bird's eye views of the city below, I could see parts of Gangnam from where I was standing.
The trails led to some old gates and ancient structures.
Despite the traffic it was a good day out. I managed to squeeze in a stop at the Starfield Library and Gangnam before I went back to the hostel and left for the airport.
Recommended Day Trip from Seoul
You might also want to visit Bukhansan National Park while in the city. Click here for the guide:how to go to Bukhansan National Park.
How to Go to Namhansanseong Fortress
This UNESCO-listed destination is easily accessible by public transportation. I took the metro and a bus to reach it. Get off at Sanseong Station and follow the directions telling you which exit to take for the bus stop to the fortress. The stop is a few meters away from the exit and you'll see many people wearing colorful jackets on their way to Namhansanseong. Take bus 9-1 to the fortress. The distance isn't very far, but when I decided to go on a Sunday the traffic was terrible. It took around 2 hours to reach my stop for just 4km! After the hike, it took only 15 minutes to reach the metro stop.
There's a KRW2000 entrance fee to enter the palace, but the hiking trails are free.
Tips for Namhansanseong
- Bring some snacks and drinks for the leisurely hike.
- Try going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
- Autumn's a good time to visit because of the cool temperatures and colorful autumn foliage.
