Naksan Park

Stunning views of Seoul can be seen from Naksan Park, set high above Daehangno on Mt. Naksan. A portion of the old fortress wall runs through the park. Naksan Park is sometimes called Nakta Park. The name of the park is a reference to its hump like appearance as “nakta” is the Korean word for camel. “San” means mountain.

Naksan, though only 100 meters (328 feet) in elevation, was designated a guardian mountain of the city during the Joseon Dynasty. Other guardian mountains were Bugaksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan.

Despite its modest scale, with a height of just over 100 meters, Naksan was one of the four guardian mountains, along with Bugaksan, Namsan, Inwangsan, of the capital of the Joseon Dynasty.

Yangban, members of the royal family, would visit this area often as they enjoyed the beauty and nature of the granite mountain, the wonderful views below, and the sunsets.

The Seoul Fortress Wall (Seoul Seonggwak) was also built during the Joseon Dynasty for protection against invaders and enemies. The wall now passes through the park as it stretches for 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from Hyehwamun Gate (Honghwamun Gate) to Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun Gate). The hike downhill towards Hyehwamun is well know by photographers and hikers for the views.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, much of the land was built upon leading to the demolition of the natural beauty of the area.

In order to preserve the green spaces and natural beauty of the land and granite mountain, the area was designated a park on June 10, 2002.

Today, Naksan Park features multiple facilities including an exhibition hall, a pavilion, a center for seniors, basketball courts, badminton courts, and many squares that offer wonderful views of the area below.

Reaching the park requires a moderate hike uphill from Hyehwa Station in Daehangno for about 450 meters.

Nearby Sights

Lock Museum

The Lock Museum displays antique locks, keys, and furniture from Korea and all over the world and conserves this disappearing art for future generations. The museum is located in the district of Daehangno (College Street) just northeast of Hyehwa Staiton. The Korean name of the museum is "seotdae" which means "a key."

Marronnier Park

Marronnier Park is a park located in the Daehangno district of Seoul named after the large marronnier (chestnut tree) growing in the center of the park. The Marronnier tree originates from Italy and France in the Mediterranean where in the spring, red and white flowers can be seen blooming.

Daehangno (College Street)

Daehangno, also known as College or University Street, is a popular youth culture area that is lined with small theaters. Seoul National University was once located here. This lively and youthful area is a great place to catch a show, have a nice dinner, or just wander around.

Daehangno Philippine Market

Daehangno Philippine Market is a unique Sunday street market in Hyehwa-dong that sells groceries, food, snacks, and other products from the Philippines. If you are looking for hard to find products of the Philippines, then this is your one stop spot in all of Seoul. There is nothing else like it in the city.

Daehan Hospital

This red brick building was once the main building of Daehan Hospital, the leading medical and hygiene institution during the Great Han Empire (1897-1910). The building is now located on the grounds of the Seoul National University Hospital. In August 1906, construction on Daehan Hospital began on the site of Hamchunwon, the former outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace.

Hyehwamun Gate (Honghwamun Gate)

Hyehwamun Gate is one four small gates found on the Fortress Wall that surrounds the city of Seoul. Hyehwamun literally means "Distribution of Wisdom Gate." When originally built during the reign of King Taejo in 1396, it was known as Honghwamun.

Last Updated on Mar 4, 2021