The wall walk
Stones from the 14th century.
Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han) — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jjw — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Motoko C. K. — CC BY 4.0 · Motoko C. K. — CC BY 4.0
A small hill, 125 metres high, east of central Seoul; its name means «camel mountain», because its outline resembles a camel's hump. A preserved stretch of Seoul's old city wall, built in the late fourteenth century to ring the capital, runs over the top, and visitors walk beside it among trees and small gates. The area became a park in 2002. From the top there is a wide view over the city centre, N Seoul Tower and Bukhansan, one of the finest night views in Seoul, when the wall is lit and the city glitters below. Walking along the wall from here towards Hyehwamun gate or down to Dongdaemun makes a lovely stroll after sunset. On the southern slope is Ihwa village, an old quarter once set for demolition, where about seventy artists painted murals and installed artworks in 2006 as part of a public art project. People live here, and some residents grew so tired of the crowds that they painted over a few of the famous murals in 2016, so walk quietly and do not photograph into homes. The park and the village are free. Start from Hyehwa Station, climb through the village by day, then stay on the wall until the city lights come on.
Stones from the 14th century.
Central Seoul in lights.
Public art on the slope.
Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu; Hyehwa Station (Line 4), exit 2, then a 15-minute climb
Changgyeonggung PalaceA quiet palace adjoining Changdeokgung on its east side; the two were once known14 minutes walk4.6
Gwangjang MarketOne of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea, set up by Korean mer17 minutes walk4.1
Jongmyo ShrineA royal Confucian shrine built to commemorate the kings and queens of the Joseon17 minutes walk4.6
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret GardenThe best preserved of Seoul's royal palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site sin18 minutes walk4.5
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)Seoul's leading landmark of modern architecture, a silver, curving building with20 minutes walk4.5From Hyehwa Station on Line 4, exit 2, then a climb of about a quarter of an hour through Marronnier Park and Ihwa village.