Located about 25 km from Seoul, in the midst of Namhansan, stands Namhansanseong—a fortress enclosed by walls. Together with Bukhansanseong, which towers over Seoul on Bukhansan, this historic fortress has long protected the capital.
Once cherished as a provincial park of Gyeonggi-do and a beloved retreat for local citizens, Namhansanseong was designated a World Heritage Site in 2014. Its convenient access from central Seoul via the subway makes it a popular destination on weekends for hiking and picnicking.
Below, we introduce the highlights of the world heritage site Namhansanseong located on the outskirts of Seoul!
What is Namhansanseong?
Namhansanseong was built by linking several mountains—Namhansan, Cheongnyangsan, Yeonjubong, and Manwolbong, which reach elevations of around 500 m—with an 11.7-km-long wall. Along this extensive wall lie approximately 200 historic remains, including four main gates reminiscent of royal palaces (positioned at the four cardinal directions), 16 secret gates, and command posts that once served as military headquarters.
While its origins remain uncertain—with theories suggesting it was built during the ancient Baekje period or the Silla period—the oldest historical record dates back to 1626 during the Joseon Dynasty, when it was constructed to protect the capital from enemy forces. Although the fortress suffered a severe blow in a war against the Qing in 1636—just about 10 years after its construction—it was repeatedly repaired to preserve its former glory.
Namhansanseong is an ideal location for enjoying a hike. There are mainly five hiking courses, with the most scenic Course 1 being the most popular. The course is about 4 km long, so even beginners can easily manage it!
You should be able to walk it in roughly 90 minutes. While there are other world heritage sites where you can enjoy nature, Namhansanseong, with its excellent access from Seoul, is especially recommended.
Name: Namhansanseong
Address: 158-1 Namhansanseong-ro, Gyeonggi-do, Gwangju City, Republic of Korea
Official/Related Site URL: http://www.gg.go.kr/namhansansung-2
How to Access Namhansanseong
Namhansanseong can be reached by using the subway and bus from within Seoul. Get off at Sanseong Station on Subway Line 8 and exit from Exit 2. From the bus stop right in front, take bus No. 9 or 52. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the final stop, "Namhansanseong."
Although there is a station named “Namhansanseong Ipgu” on Line 8, its access to the actual site is inconvenient. For this reason, it is recommended to get off at Sanseong Station instead.
Since the number of tourists has sharply increased after its World Heritage designation, traffic congestion has become a serious issue—especially on weekends when buses may barely move and the return flow to Seoul causes further delays. If you plan to visit on a weekend, be sure to allow plenty of extra time in your schedule.
Recommended Highlights of Namhansanseong
◆ The Fortress Walls
The main allure of Namhansanseong is undoubtedly its long, impressive fortress walls. Although conquering the entire 11.7 km of wall is a formidable challenge, you can choose a beginner-friendly course along the wall that offers views of surrounding urban areas and mountains.
Enjoy a landscape reminiscent of China’s World Heritage "Great Wall," with stone walls topped by traditional Korean tiled roofs that speak of its long history. While the walls are impressive up close, the real highlight is the distant view—winding and stretching endlessly to create a majestic panorama.
◆ Gates and Command Posts
As you explore the hiking trails of Namhansanseong, you’ll encounter many historic relics such as gates and command posts. These range from simple stone structures built by stacking rocks to vibrantly colored buildings reminiscent of the Joseon Dynasty. Among these, the Suojangdae—a command post originally built for reconnaissance—stands out not only for its imposing structure but also for the breathtaking view it offers of the entire Seoul metropolitan area.
Constructed in 1751, the Suojangdae is the only remaining command post out of the original five. Regarded as the most magnificent and splendid structure within Namhansanseong, it provides a panoramic view of Seoul from the top of Cheongnyangsan.
Although climbing to it can be somewhat challenging, the spectacular scenery will surely make the effort worthwhile.
The gates, named according to the cardinal directions, serve as key landmarks and starting points for various courses.
For instance, the West Gate is closest to Machon Station on the subway, while the North Gate is near the “Namhansanseong” bus stop. Because Namhansanseong spans multiple districts—Gwangju, Henan, and Seongnam—you can begin your tour from any of these areas.
Tips for Visiting Namhansanseong
Since Namhansanseong is primarily a hiking course, be sure to dress appropriately. At higher elevations—up to about 500 m—even in summer it can feel chilly, so be sure to bring a long-sleeved jacket.
In addition to warmth, long pants are recommended not only for insulation but also as a protection against insects.
◎ Summary
The World Heritage Site Namhansanseong is a refreshing scenic spot just 30 minutes from central Seoul. Walking along its historic walls, passing by gates and command posts, and enjoying the panoramic views will make your hike pass by in no time—an ideal way to combat a sedentary lifestyle.
Though it was only designated a World Heritage Site in 2014, it has also served as a filming location for popular Korean dramas such as "Embracing the Sun," "Deep Roots," and "Chuno." A must-visit for all Hallyu fans!