Inwangsan Mountain

The ritual grounds of King Taejo and Muhakdaesa and the castle wall built on the outer skirts of Seoul, stretching from the Sajik Tunnel to Jahamun, can still be found on the grounds of Mt. Inwang. Many people enjoy hiking from path that begins at the Sajik Tunnel and leads to the peak of the mountain then walk along the castle wall and finally arrive at Buamdong. The hiking course is also connected to the road situated before Cheongwadae so hikers can walk to historical locations such as Palpan road, Hyoja road, and Gyeongbok Palace. The hiking path located behind Sajik Park leads to Hwanghakjeong, where archers from the Joseon Dynasty once honed their marksmanship. The Hwanghakjeong was originally located in the Gyeongbok Palace but was relocated to the mountain. From the top, a panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the Gyeongbok Palace in the center, spreads as far as Mt. Nak, Mt. Nam, and Mt. Baegaksan.

The hiking route along the caste wall is popular for the beautiful scenery hikers enjoy while climbing the mountain. When following the path located inside the caste wall, a set of stone steps will appear after passing Changuimun. After climbing the steps the path branches out to the outer part of the walls. The path stretches for 200m and leads to a set of rocks that were once used for building castles during the regimes of King Taejo, Sejong, and Sukjong. The thick dark-colored moss on the stones is a sign that indicates the long history of Seoul. The path also leads to the Tangchundae Castle. The castle was built with the purpose of reinforcing the capital’s defenses after the Japanese invasion in 1952 and the Manchu war of 1636.

Mt. Inwang stands at a x_height of 338.2m and the mountain covers Honghedong, located in Seodaemungu, and Muakdong, Nusangdong, Ogindong, and Buamdong, located in Jongnogu. The unique and colossal rock formations and the view of Seoul and Cheongwadae are only a few of the many charms of Mt. Inwang.

Course 1: Gyeongbokgung Station - Inwangsan-gil - Inwangcheon Yaksu - Summit - Gicha Bawi Rock - Muakjae Station

Course 2: Dongnimmun Station - Guksadang - Summit - Bukdongneung - Inwangsan-gil - Gyeongbokgung Station

Course 3: Muakjae Station - Playground - Summit - Bukdongneung - Inwangsan-gil - Gyeongbokgung Station

※ Sections of Courses 2 and 3 will be closed until December 2011 as part of the Seoul Fortress restoration project.