Inwangsan

Inwangsan · 338m

A 338 m fortress mountain touching downtown Seoul — the Hanyangdoseong city wall runs its ridge, with the whole city opening from the top.
Inwangsan Playbook

Inwangsan Hiking Playbook

A 338 m fortress mountain touching downtown Seoul — the Hanyangdoseong city wall runs its ridge, with the whole city opening from the top.

Photo by Ping Onganankun / Unsplash
Beginner
Hongjimun–Tangchundaeseong Trail
~2 km · ~1 h 20 m
Distance ~2 km
Time ~1 h 20 m
Summit 338m
Difficulty
Mt. ✓
Permit N/A

Course Flow

홍지문→탕춘대성→인왕산 능선

Elevation Profile

약 338m

The official VisitSeoul walk: a short, clear line from Hongjimun up the Tangchundaeseong path to the ridge.

Route by Section

1
From Hongjimun
0.5km 15분
⌄

The walk starts at Hongjimun into forest, signposted toward the old spring site.

Gyeongbokgong Station line 3 then a short walk — check the route before you go.
2
Tangchundaeseong path
1km 40~50분
⌄

A steep fortified path — watch for ice in winter.

Crampons are recommended when icy.
3
Inwangsan ridge
0.5km 15~20분
⌄

The ridge opens the city panorama and meets the city-wall trail.

Check whether the wall section is open before visiting.

Gear

  • Sneakers and water — a short walk.

Entry

  • No reservation; just check wall-section openings.

Cautions

  • Steep path ices over in winter.

Concept Map

홍지문능선홍지문 코스

Checkpoints

1
Hongjimun Trailhead
해발 약 60m 0km
Amenities: Limited parking; subway access
2
Tangchundaeseong Waypoint
해발 약 200m 0.5km
Amenities: None
3
Ridge Waypoint
해발 약 300m 2km
Amenities: Viewpoint
Intermediate
Hanyangdoseong Inwang Section
4.0 km · ~2.5 h
Distance 4.0 km
Time ~2.5 h
Summit 338m
Difficulty
Mt. ✓
Permit N/A

Course Flow

돈의문터→인왕산 정상→윤동주 시인의 언덕→창의문

Elevation Profile

338m

The official Seoul City Wall Inwang section: 4.0 km and about 2.5 hours from Donuimun site to Changuimun over the 338 m summit.

Route by Section

1
Donuimun → summit
1.5km 1시간
⌄

Along the wall to the 338 m summit — the heart of the city panorama.

Follow detour notices if the summit is closed.
2
Summit → Yun Dong-ju hill
1.5km 50분
⌄

Down the wall ridge to the poet's hill.

Protected wall — never lean on or climb it.
3
Poet's hill → Changuimun
1km 40분
⌄

The wall descends through Buam-don streets to finish.

Buses and taxis connect at Changuimun.

Gear

  • Walking shoes, half a liter of water — an urban hike.

Entry

  • Free; check official wall opening hours.

Cautions

  • Weekend crowds; some sections close at night.

Concept Map

돈의문터창의문한양도성 인왕구간

Checkpoints

1
Donuimun site Trailhead
해발 약 40m 0km
Amenities: Near Gwanghwamun
2
Inwangsan Summit
338m 1.5km
Amenities: City panorama
3
Yun Dong-ju hill Waypoint
해발 약 150m 3km
Amenities: Memorial spot
4
Changuimun Finish
해발 약 80m 4km
Amenities: Bus stop
Advanced
Sajik–Inwangsan–Waryong Traverse
~9 km · ~4 h
Distance ~9 km
Time ~4 h
Summit 338m
Difficulty
Mt. ✓
Permit N/A

Course Flow

사직공원→전망대→인왕산 정상→창의문→숙정문→와룡공원

Elevation Profile

338m

The full Inwangsan ridge in about 4 hours: Sajik Park past the lookout and summit, over Changuimun, Sukjeongmun and Malbawi to Waryong Park.

Route by Section

1
Sajik → lookout
2km 50분
⌄

Up the ridge above Sajik Tunnel with views toward Mokgye Pass.

Sajik parking is tight — use transit.
2
Lookout → summit → Changuimun
3km 1시간 20분
⌄

Rolling ridge to the 338 m summit and along the wall.

Single file on the wall sections.
3
Changuimun → Sukjeongmun → Malbawi
2.5km 1시간
⌄

The ridge continues toward Bukhansan to the Malbawi viewpoint.

Malbawi rock is slippery when wet.
4
Malbawi → descent
1.5km 50분
⌄

Descend to Waryong Park near Sungshin Women's University.

Subway line 4 connects at Sungshin Women's Univ. Station.

Gear

  • Boots, 1 L water — a long urban ridge.

Entry

  • Free, no reservation.

Cautions

  • Some wall and ridge sections may close; check notices.

Concept Map

사직공원와룡공원인왕산 능선 종주

Checkpoints

1
Sajik Park Trailhead
해발 약 60m 0km
Amenities: Parking, restrooms
2
Inwangsan Summit
338m 3.5km
Amenities: Panorama
3
Sukjeongmun Waypoint
해발 약 200m 6km
Amenities: Gate
4
Malbawi Waypoint
해발 약 280m 7.5km
Amenities: Rock viewpoint
5
Waryong Park Finish
해발 약 80m 9km
Amenities: Subway access