Naksan Park covers a small hill (about 125 metres) on the eastern side of central Seoul, between Daehangno and Dongdaemun. The Seoul City Wall runs along its ridge, and the walk along the wall gives some of the best free views of the city, especially at sunset and after dark when the wall is lit.
Plan your visit to Naksan Park
- Entry: free
- Park and wall path open all day
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
History of Naksan Park
Naksan means “camel mountain”, after the shape of the hill. During the Joseon Dynasty it was one of the four inner guardian mountains around the capital, and the city wall built from 1396 ran along its ridge.
From the 1960s the slopes were covered with dense housing and apartment blocks. The city later cleared much of it and restored the area as a park, which opened in July 2002. Small historic sites remain on the hill, including Biudang, linked to the Joseon scholars Yu Gwan and Yi Su-gwang.
Attractions at Naksan Park
- Seoul City Wall: the Naksan section, about 2 kilometres long, runs from Hyehwamun Gate down to Heunginjimun Gate.
- Viewpoints and Naksanjeong Pavilion: views over central Seoul, Namsan and N Seoul Tower, and Bukhansan to the north.
- Naksan Park Exhibition Hall: a small exhibition about the hill’s history (check opening times).
- Ihwa Mural Village: on the hill’s slopes, a residential neighbourhood with remaining murals and art installations.
Things to Do at Naksan Park
- Walk the city wall: follow the wall from Hyehwa down to Dongdaemun (about 1–1.5 hours), or the other way uphill.
- Come for sunset: stay into the evening, when the wall and the city lights come on.
- Explore Ihwa quietly: people live in Ihwa Mural Village, so keep noise down and don’t photograph homes or residents.
- Combine with Daehangno: the nearby theatre district has small theatres, cafés and Marronnier Park.
Naksan Park – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Admission: free.
- Hours: the park and the wall path are open all day; the exhibition hall has its own hours.
- Tips: the paths include stairs and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes.
How Long to Spend at Naksan Park
Allow 1–2 hours for the park, the viewpoints and a walk along part of the wall, or around 2 hours for the full Hyehwa–Dongdaemun section with Ihwa Mural Village.
How to Get There
- Subway: Line 4 to Hyehwa Station, Exit 2, then walk about 15 minutes uphill through Daehangno to the park.
- From Dongdaemun: Line 1 or 4 to Dongdaemun Station and walk up the wall path from Heunginjimun Gate (about 20–30 minutes).
- Bus: small green village buses run up the hill from the Dongdaemun and Hyehwa areas, which saves the steepest climb.
Arriving at Incheon Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Naksan Park
- Daehangno: many casual restaurants and cafés near Hyehwa Station, popular with students and theatre-goers.
- Ihwa-dong and Naksan cafés: small cafés along the wall with city views.
- Dongdaemun: dakhanmari alley and Gwangjang Market are a short walk from the bottom of the wall.
Other Attractions Nearby Naksan Park
- Ihwa Mural Village: on the hill itself.
- Heunginjimun Gate: at the southern end of the wall path.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza: about 15 minutes on foot from Heunginjimun.
- Changgyeonggung Palace: about 15 minutes on foot from Hyehwa Station.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Seoul: Dongdaemun and Jongno are close to the wall walk.
- Get a South Korea eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Naksan Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in Seoul: a stroll along the old city wall with wide views, best at sunset. Visit Ihwa Mural Village on the way, quietly, as it is a residential area.
Walk down the wall to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or compare the view with the one from N Seoul Tower.
