In celebration of spring, I walked the trail around Namhansanseong with a long-time friend in Hanam. It was a delightful experience, not only during previous gatherings with friends but also on this occasion, as the place always brings a sense of clarity to the mind.
The blue sky was exceptionally beautiful on this spring day at Namhansanseong. The hike was even more enjoyable with good company. It seems I am more of a social person, preferring company over solitude.
There are several public parking lots near Namhansanseong, mostly charging 5,000 won per day on weekends. As public parking lots, they offer some discounts, but there may be wait times on weekends, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes on average.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available, but it’s essential to be considerate and vacate the spot once charging is complete.
Starting the hike from Namhansanseong South Gate parking lot, you can follow a slightly uphill path that leads to restaurants and cafes. The trail follows the fortress wall.
The trail is generally gentle, making it comfortable for all age groups, except for some steep sections on the path to the east from the North Gate. It’s recommended to follow the cemented paths for a smoother walk.
Throughout the hike, you can catch glimpses of the Hanam cityscape, as well as distant mountains like Geumdan Mountain and Palgak Yeobong Mountain.
The fortress walls are well-preserved, and there are both easy and challenging paths, so choose wisely. The route from the North Gate to the South Gate offers additional attractions, such as the Sign Language Observatory.
There are options for steep staircases if you want to enjoy better views, but there are also gentler alternative routes.
The hike includes landmarks like Ammun Gate and an unofficial back gate, reminiscent of a secret passage during wartime.
To withstand the cold, there are charcoal braziers, a necessity in the past when heating facilities were not available.
Guard posts, called “Gungpoji,” were strategically placed to protect the fortress. While there were originally 125 of them, none remain today.
There’s a view of the second Lotte World from afar, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Han River.
The entire Namhansanseong trail is mostly gentle, but be cautious of steeper sections when heading from the North Gate to the East Gate.
The Sign Language Observatory is a gazebo built for signaling and observation purposes.
Taking a break on the stone steps of the observatory, I enjoyed the refreshing breeze and the beauty of the blue sky. This experience added to the overall joy of the hike.
Descending towards the palace direction, you’ll see the parking lot in the vicinity of Namhansanseong South Gate Rotary. There are several public parking lots around the rotary, but they may have waiting times due to the high weekend traffic.
The descent includes stone steps, completing the course for the Namhansanseong Circular Trail 1. The entire journey took approximately two hours.
This trail offers a brief yet fulfilling experience, including a relaxing walk and the possibility of a meal. For those using public transportation, taking a bus from Sanseong Station in Seongnam is an option. If using a car, access is available from both Gwangju and Seongnam.
✔ Namhansanseong Public Parking: 5,000 won per day (Discounts applicable for certain vehicles).
✔ Suitable for all ages, the Namhansanseong Circular Trail 1-2 is recommended for a comfortable walk.
✔ Be aware of potential parking wait times on weekends. The route from Gwangju is generally more accessible than the one from Seongnam, which may pose challenges for beginners.