Guide to Seoul Fortress Wall Night Walks – Where to Begin & Duration

If you want to see Seoul from a different angle, the Seoul Fortress Wall (낙산 성곽길) at night is the perfect escape. Here, Seoul’s glittering skyline meets ancient fortress walls. It offers a serene look to the otherwise busy city, which is bustling during the daytime. As the sun goes down and the city lights begin to twinkle, explore a whole new side of the capital at the Seoul Fortress Wall. This IVK guide explains everything about a Night Walk at this ancient site.

Also Read:

• Best 7 Places to Enjoy Seoul Night Views
• Top 6 Contemporary Art Museums in Seoul Every Traveler Should Visit
• Suwon Hwaseong Fortress 수원화성: Explore the Timeless Grandeur

🧱 Why Visit The Seoul Fortress Wall At Night?

• 📌 622-83 Changsin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 24 hours
• 🌐 https://seoulcitywall.seoul.go.kr/en/index.do

High above the bustling streets, the Seoul Fortress Wall stands tall, carrying centuries of legacy. Also known as Hanyang Doseong, the Seoul City Wall’s origin dates back to the Joseon Dynasty in the 14th century. King Taejo built it as a defensive wall to protect Joseon’s capital city of Hanseong. Completed in 1396, the fortress was named a historic site of South Korea in 1963.

Currently, the Seoul Fortress Wall is a popular hiking spot, particularly among night hikers. The 11-mile trail circling central Seoul offers a unique insight into the city. Although an ideal destination at any time of the day, we urge you to visit the Seoul Fortress Wall at night for:

• Magical Views: This cultural heritage site is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the illuminated city of Seoul. Walking its stone path after dark makes one feel like stepping into two worlds at once.
• Calmer Atmosphere: Compared to the noisy daytime crowds, exploring the fortress at night offers a cooler and more tranquil experience.
• Romantic Vibes: Did you know that the Seoul Fortress Wall is among the top dating spots in Seoul? It will be a romantic experience to hike along the wall, taking in the picturesque view of the city lights. Follow this up with a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe.
• A Safe Hiking Spot: The Seoul City Wall is among the top nighttime destinations thanks to its well-lit paths and safe environment.
• A Memorable Experience: Expect many photo opportunities, rest spots, and cultural landmarks along the trail—leading your night walk to become a memory you will reminisce about in the following days.

🛣️ Seoul Fortress Wall’s Trails

If you have decided to do a night walk at the Seoul Fortress Wall, first decide on which trail you want to follow. There are six trails to choose from, including Baegak Mountain Trail, Naksan Mountain Trail, Heunginjinmun Gate Trail, Namsan Mountain Trail, Sungnyemun Gate Trail, and Inwangsan Mountain Trail. Or, you can do the entire Seoul Fortress Wall Hike. Here is a brief information on each of them:

Trail	Section	Distance	Duration
Baegak Mountain Trail	Changuimun Gate ~ Hyehwamun Gate	4.7 km	3 hours
Naksan Mountain Trail	Hyehwamun Gate ~ Heunginjimun Gate	2.1 km	1 hour
Namsan (Mongmyeoksan) Mountain Trail	Jangchung Gymnasium ~ Baekbeom Square	4.2 km	3 hours
Inwangsan Mountain Trail	Site of Donuimun Gate ~ Changuimun Gate	4.0 km	2 hours and 30 minutes
Sungnyemun Gate Trail	Baekbeom Square ~ Site of Donuimun Gate	1.8 km	1 hour
Heunginjimun Gate Trail	Heunginjimun Gate ~ Jangchung Gymnasium	1.8 km	1 hour

🚇 How To Get To Seoul Fortress Wall?

Depending on the trail you choose, you can decide on transportation to access the Seoul Fortress Wall. Popular sections such as Naksan Park, Bukchon, or Namsan are easily accessible by subway or bus. Here are some quick tips on getting to each of the six trails:

• Baegak Mountain Trail: Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station→Exit 3→Green bus 7212, 7022, or 1020→Get off at Jahamungogae Ridge→2 minutes on foot
• Naksan Mountain Trail: Line 4 to Hansung Univ. Station→Exit 4→3 minutes on foot
• Namsan (Mongmyeoksan) Mountain Trail: Line 4 to Chungmuro Station→Exit 4→1 minute on foot
• Inwangsan Mountain Trail: Line 5 to Seodaemun Station→Exit 4→2 minutes on foot
• Sungnyemun Gate Trail: Line 1 to the City Hall Station→Exit 10→5 minutes on foot
• Heunginjimun Gate Trail: Line 1 to Dongdaemun Station→Exit 6 or 7→1 minute on foot

If your trail ends at Namsan, ride a cable car or use the Myeongdong exit. You can grab a late-night bite before heading home.

🚶 Popular Sections For A Night Walk in Seoul Fortress Wall

The Seoul Fortress Wall stretches over 18 km, making it challenging to cover the whole area in a single night. However, you don’t need to walk it all to experience its charm. Here, we present the top sections offering unique atmospheres and views:

Heunginjimun Gate

• 📌 288 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 24 hours
• 🌐 https://parks.seoul.go.kr/template/sub/naksan.do
• ☎️ +82 2-2148-1114
• 🌟 Ideal for First-time Visitors, Photographers

For a relaxed evening in Seoul, try the Naksan Mountain Trail starting at Dongdaemun (Heunginjimun Gate). This one-hour walk follows the restored fortress wall up toward Naksan Park, where the city lights sparkle below. Along the way, you’ll spot ancient gates, stone walls, and sweeping views of downtown Seoul.

The best part? You can pause at one of the cozy cafés along the trail, many with outdoor terraces overlooking the skyline—perfect for a coffee, or even a glass of wine or beer, before continuing your night walk. It’s an easy yet memorable way to enjoy both Seoul’s history and nightlife in one experience.

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How To Get There?

• Take Line 4 to Dongdaemun Station.
• Use Exit 1 or 6.
• Walk for 2 minutes towards the starting point of the Naksan Mountain Trail

Naksan Park

• 📌 23-3 Changsin 7-gil, Changsin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 24 hours
• 🌐 https://parks.seoul.go.kr/template/sub/naksan.do
• ☎️ +82 2-2148-1114
• 🌟 Ideal for First-time Visitors, Photographers

If it’s your first time doing a night walk at the Seoul Fortress Wall, it’s best to start from the Naksan Park entrance near Hyehwa Station. Also known as the Naksan Section, this path offers expansive, sweeping city views, making it an ideal destination for a scenic nighttime walk. First-time visitors or hikers should choose this trail as it is well-lit and easy to follow. If you enjoy photography, you will find many photo spots here. Likewise, there are many benches for short breaks whenever you feel tired.

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How To Get There?

• Take Line 4 to Hyehwa Station.
• Use Exit 2.
• Walk for ten minutes towards Naksan Park.

See these handpicked combo Namsan Park experiences:

Namsan Mountain Trail (Near N Seoul Tower)

• ⏱️ 2 hours
• 🌟 Ideal For Tourists who want to combine a fortress walk with another must-see landmark

If you think a night walk at the Seoul Fortress Wall sounds boring, how about adding an extra spot to your itinerary? Follow the Namsan Mountain Trail, one of the six main sections of the Seoul City Wall. Begin this 2-hour walking route near Jangchung Gymnasium or Hannam-dong, where the Seoul Fortress Wall remnants start. Follow the ridges of Namsan Mountains, pause at small viewpoints, take pictures, and eventually arrive at Namsan Seoul Tower Plaza. If it’s early, climb the N Seoul Tower to catch 360-degree views of Seoul.

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✨ 2-Hour Namsan Night Walk Route in a Nutshell

• 1. Enter Namsan Park & Fortress Walk Trail at Hannam-dong or Jangchung Gymnasium (15-20 minutes).
• 2. Walk along the fortress wall (20-30 minutes).
• 3. Reach N Seoul Tower and check out its Love Locks area (30-40 minutes). Optional: Climb the tower for breathtaking views.
• 4. Enjoy a scenic walk down following the Namsan Dulle-gil trail (20-30 minutes). Alternative: Ride the Namsan Cable Car for a quicker descent.

✨ Also Read: Things to Do in N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) – What to See & Eat

Check out these likely to sell out N Seoul Tower tickets:

Bukchon Hanok Village Area

• 📌 Gyedong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🌐 https://bukchon.seoul.go.kr/front/index.do
• ☎️ +82 2-2133-1371
• 🌟 Perfect for Travelers who love history and architecture

If you want a quieter walking destination than Naksan Park, then the Bukchon Hanok Village section is your stop. It takes visitors back to ancient Seoul with its traditional hanok houses and old ambiance. Start or end your walk by wandering through Bukchon’s narrow alleys. As you pass through hanok houses, you will strongly feel the contrast of Seoul’s neon-lit streets with Bukchon’s tiled rooftops. A night walk through this historic district will be a more serene, atmospheric experience with a strong cultural feel.

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How To Get There?

• Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station.
• Use Exit 1, 2, or 3.
• Bukchon Hanok Village is only a ten-minute walk away.

✨ Also Read: Best Things to Do in Bukchon Hanok Village

Explore These Bukchon Hanok Village Activities:

Sukjeongmun Gate Section 숙정문

• 📌 South Korea, Seoul, Seongbuk District, 성북동
• 🕛 24 hours
• ☎️ +82 70-8780-6754
• 🌟 Perfect for Couples and Solo Travelers

Finally, Sukjeongmun Gate is one of the six main sections of Seoul Fortress Wall and one of the Four Great Gates of the Hanyangdoseong. This centuries-old stone gate is situated on forested Bukhan Mountain on the northern side of the fortress wall. Expect a 2 to 3-hour hike on a darker, more forested, and less crowded trail. It will be a mystical and tranquil experience as you breathe in the quiet evening air. The Sukjeongmun Gate section is ideal for those seeking solitude or a reflective walk. It is also a great dating location, where couples can enjoy a quiet escape.

How To Get To The North Gate?

• Take the Line 4 to Hansung University Station.
• Use Exit 6.
• Take Bus 1111 or 2112 to Jongjeom Stop.
• Get off the bus and walk along Seongbuk-ro for ten minutes.
• Turn left onto Daesagwan-ro at the first intersection and walk for ten more minutes.
• As a large tunnel appears in front of you, turn right and climb the stairs to reach the checkpoint.

🎬 Seoul Fortress Wall K-Drama

Did you know that the Seoul Fortress Wall has been featured in many K-dramas? Its sections, particularly the stretch between the Seoul City Wall Museum and Naksan Park, are frequently captured in film shots.

Featured In K-pop Demon Hunters

The K-pop Demon Hunters have taken the world by storm with its anime-inspired visuals, catchy soundtrack, compelling story, relatable themes, and influence of K-pop. Unsurprisingly, many of the Netflix anime’s scenes feature real-life locations in Seoul. These include the Seoul Fortress Wall’s Naksan Park Trail. If you haven’t watched the movie yet, then spoiler alert ahead! Huntrix leader Rumi and Saja Boys leader Jinu had their secret meetup on this real-life mountain trail.

Rumi and Jinu’s emotional reunion happened at night on the Naksan Park Fortress trail. Its stone pathways and historic gates were the perfect backdrop to their meetup. The scene also features a beautiful night view, reminiscent of the Huntrix vs. demons battle.

✨ Also Read: K-Pop Demon Hunters Seoul Tour: Top 10 Real-Life Locations from the Netflix Anime

Seoul Fortress Wall Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class was a massive hit when it aired in 2020 and remains a beloved K-drama among fans. Its compelling storyline features the journey of Park Sae-ro-yi from being an ex-convict to opening a bar in Itaewon. The series’s many filming locations were in Seoul, including the city wall. Saeroyi visited the wall at least five times, including the occasion when he met Soo Ah and took a walk with her. It happened on a section of the wall near Baekbeom Plaza in Namsan Park. Saeroyi also frequently jogged along the wall in this section of the fortress. Relive your Itaewon Class memory and snap pictures at this iconic destination.

Aside from K-pop Demon Hunters and Itaewon Class, the Seoul Fortress Wall was shown in Touch, Second Husband, Shining Inheritance, Because This Is My First Life, and My First First Love.

🌃 Tips For A Night Walk

A night walk through the Seoul City Wall will be a mix of old stone walls and neon city lights. If you are uncertain of where to start or what to do at this hidden gem, we’ve got you covered.

Helpful tips for your night expedition:

👟 1. Dress & Footwear

• Comfort Matters: Since you will be walking a lot, comfortable shoes are a must. Bring hiking shoes or sneakers that can handle steep, stone-paved, and uneven paths.
• Dress in Layers: Wear a cardigan or a lightweight jacket, as nights in Seoul can get quite cool.

💡 2. Safety & Lighting

• Stick to Main Sections: Walk through main sections like Naksan and Namsan, which are well-lit and monitored.
• Carry a Flashlight: If you are heading to quieter areas, such as Sukjeongmun Gate, bring a flashlight or use your phone’s torch.

🕰️ 3. Timing

• Ideal Time: Start your night walk before sunset to watch the sky turn golden, then transition into the city lights.
• Check Closing Hours: Be aware of the closing times for gates and sections of the city wall.

🥤 4. Bring Water & Snacks

• Carry A Water Bottle: Bring water to stay hydrated throughout your walk.
• Light Snacks: Pack food from home or buy gimbap and rice balls from convenience stores near entry points.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 5. Who It’s Best For

• Couples: Romantic city lights and quiet spots
• Solo Travelers: Reflective walk, safe, and peaceful
• Casual Walkers: Beginner-friendly trails
• Photographers: Endless angles of Seoul’s skyline, wide shots, and many photo spots

🗯️ Extra Pointers

• Avoid very late hours, especially in quieter sections.
• Don’t litter or climb the wall.
• Respect the Seoul City Wall as a historic monument.

The Seoul Fortress Wall is more than a destination—it is a cultural heritage site wrapped in history. In addition to getting stunning night views, a night walk through these ancient walls will leave you with a serene feeling. Next time you are in Seoul, skip the overhyped tourist spots and crowded bars; walk the stone path of the wall and see the city shine in a whole new way.