Naksan Park — Attraction in Seoul

Nestled just east of Seoul's bustling university district, Daehangno, Naksan Park offers a serene and breathtaking escape that beautifully marries history, art, and one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. More than just a patch of green, it's an experience, especially as the sun begins to set. ​The park's main artery is a beautifully preserved section of the ancient Seoul Fortress Wall, the Hanyangdoseong. Walking along this historic stone structure, which once protected the Joseon Dynasty's capital, feels like stepping back in time. By day, the wall snakes its way up and down the gentle slope of Naksan Mountain (often called "Camel Mountain" for its shape), offering a tangible connection to Seoul's rich past. ​However, it's as dusk falls that Naksan Park truly reveals its magic. The entire length of the wall becomes illuminated, casting a warm, golden glow that creates an incredibly romantic and photogenic atmosphere. From the various lookout points, the sprawling metropolis of Seoul unfolds below you. The city lights twinkle to life, from the distant glow of the N Seoul Tower to the ceaseless activity in Dongdaemun. It is, without a doubt, one of the premier spots in the city for night photography and quiet contemplation. ​The journey to the park is part of the adventure. The steep, winding streets leading up from Hyehwa or Dongdaemun station are home to the famous Ihwa Mural Village. While tourism has led to some of the murals being removed to protect residents' privacy, the area still retains a quirky, artistic charm with colourful installations, tiny galleries, and trendy cafes tucked into its alleyways. A word of caution: this is a residential neighbourhood, so it's crucial to be quiet and respectful of the people...

Me and my friends came here in the afternoon, on a lovely sunny day. It was a good activity after 3 days of raining.. all the frustration from the previous rainy days was gone after arriving at the top. You will see beautiful view of city of Seoul from up the hill from 3 observation points... along with ample beautiful photo shoot opportunities. Definitely stress relieving . However, to get up here you have to do a bit of a hike. To me, the hike is not long, just a short 15 minutes hike but the paths were very steep at some points. Oh yes, before arriving at the entrance of this park, you have to hike up through the villages first , and here is very steep roads. So overall total time to reach the peak , for a non-fit potato like myself took around 45 minutes with lots of stops for photos. Wear suitable clothing as you will get sweaty, suitable shoes also for your dear...

My boyfriend and I walked along the Seoul Fortress wall, and the small hike was great, even in the middle of winter. The view of the city was magnificent, showing patches of green and brown where untouched, and a variety of colours from rooftops and buildings. The park was easy to navigate with the help of the signs (written in Korean and English) pitched throughout. There are also maps in a handful of languages (Korean, English, Mandarin, and others I cannot remember) available at the central plaza (middle of the park).

There is a lot of uphill and downhill, with and without stairs (sometimes uneven steps), so be prepared for a walk. There are some fun little stops, like the Mural Village, where you can appreciate some local art. The park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and presents some atmospheric views at all...