Inwangsan
Mountains
Inwangsan has a very distinct feel relative to other mountains in Seoul. Military surveillance posts, a fortress-like wall, mountain dwellers, views of major landmarks, and graffiti all contribute to the uniqueness of Inwangsan.
The Scouting Report
Standing at only 338 meters, Inwangsan is not too imposing regarding its elevation. It is high enough to provide great views in many directions, though.
Parts of Inwangsan sport a local arts scene. Some of the small villages flanking the mountain have great murals on various walls and doors. Too, because of its natural beauty, Suseong-dong Valley on Inwangsan was the inspiration for a very well-known artist during the Joseon Dynasty.
Other parts of Inwangsan sport a local sports scene. There is a park on the eastern face of the mountain that provides things like an archery range. What else could you want?
Inwangsan has served a major role in the defense of Seoul both in the past and today. Seoul Fortress Wall runs along its spine, and the military regularly patrols the mountain.
Seoul City Wall---going down
Seoul City Wall---going up
YouTube
Hiking up Inwangsan - by Hana Chrisanty Jioe
Things to Do
- Archery
- Badminton
- Cycling
- Hiking
- To Peak - From Muakje Station
- Seoul City Wall (Seoul Fortress)
- Suseong-dong Valley
- Looking at Soldiers
Elsewhere on the Web
- Inwangsan: A Hike Like None Other - by Steve Miller on The Korea Blog
- Peace and Nature in the Heart of Seoul: Hiking Inwangsan Mountain - by Around The World in KT Days
- Hiking Mt. Inwangsan and Seoul's Old Fortress Walls - by Travel Caffeine
- Mt. Inwangsan | Hiking in Seoul - by Hermit Hideaways
- Day 20: Attempting to Climb Mt. Inwangsan via the Shamanist Hillside Walk - by 화이팅 hwaiting andy
- Mt. Inwangsan and Beyond - by The Marmot's Hole
- Hiking Inwangsan (인왕산) - Seoul Fortress Wall - by Currently Exploring
- Inwangsan: Detours and Sunsets - by Elle Crook
Nearby Mountains
Extra Info
There are a number of "No-Photo" zones along the top of Inwangsan. The Korean military does not like you taking pictures of things they don't want you taking pictures of.
Gallery
Check out the Inwangsan photo album for more pictures of Inwangsan.
How To Get There
Where: Seoul-si, Jongno-gu
From Line 3 - Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역):
-Exit 1 or 2
From Line 3 - Dongninmun Station(독닙문역):
-Exit 1, 2, or 3
From Line 3 - Muakje Station(무악재역):
-Exit 2
That's no problem though. Just keep heading in the direction of the mountain, and you will easily get there. It's not that hard.
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Originally posted January 11, 2014
Updated December 5, 2015