Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From Changuimun, the north-west gate, climb the long flight of steps inside the wall to Baegakmaru, the summit of Bugaksan (북악산), also called Baegaksan. The trail follows the wall east past Cheongundae, with a view over Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae, and out along the bastion that bulges north before dropping to Sukjeongmun, the North Gate. Beyond Malbawi and Waryong Park the wall leads down through the lanes of Seongbuk-dong and Hyehwa-dong to Hyehwamun.
It is 5 km one way with 191 m of ascent and 266 m of descent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: many stone steps at the start, then a gentler wall-side path and city lanes.
The trail is free and open 24 hours; Seoul suggests walking it in daylight, between about 07:00 and 18:00 in spring and autumn. Cheong Wa Dae, just below, is again the presidential office, and guards patrol the wall: keep to the path and follow their instructions. Information posts have reopened at Changuimun, Cheongundae, Sukjeongmun and Malbawi. A short stretch of the boardwalk steps above Changuimun was under repair in September 2026: follow any diversion signs.
Buses 7212, 1020 and 7022 run from Gyeongbokgung station on Line 3 to the Jahamun Pass stop by Changuimun. Hyehwamun is a few minutes from Hansung University station on Line 4.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Bugaksan, also called Baegaksan, 342 m, is the hill behind Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae
- This part of the Seoul City Wall was closed for nearly 40 years after a 1968 raid and opened to walkers in 2007
- Changuimun, rebuilt in 1741, is the only one of the old city's four small gates whose gatehouse survives from the Joseon era
- Sukjeongmun is the North Gate of the walled city
Summits on the way
- Bugaksan 342 m · passed close by
- Cheongundae 293 m · passed close by
- Malbawi 208 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Changuimun gate. 37.59261, 126.96652
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps KakaoMap Naver Map
To Muakjae station: KakaoMap · Naver Map
KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
By train: Muakjae station is 1.8 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Muakjae: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.