Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and combine a trip to history and nature. On the southeastern outskirts of Seoul, about 25 km from the city centre, you'll come across a rather large fortification complex with the historic Namhansanseong Palace.

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The fortress is situated in a densely forested hilly terrain and served as a backup royal residence for the Joseon Dynasty in the event of an attack on Seoul. The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Forest palace an oasis of tranquillity

The complex is quite extensive, with individual small pavilions of the palace literally scattered in the forests around the 477-meter-high peak of Mount Namhansan. The fortified palace was mostly expanded between the 16th and 18th centuries during the ceaseless fighting.

However, many kings of the Joseon Dynasty would retreat to the palace even in times of peace for the extremely picturesque and peaceful setting.

A walk through the dense forest

Today, well-marked and well-maintained hiking trails have been built around Mount Namhansan and along the ramparts. Especially in autumn, the local dense forests are magical and play with all shades of colour.

Take a trip to Namhansanseong Fortress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Seoul for half a day.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The inner part of the palace and fortress is open from 10:00-18:00 daily except Mondays. Last entry is one hour before closing time.

Outdoor trails and treks along the walls are open all day.

Entrance is only to a small part of the complex, the Emergency Palace, where you pay 2 000 krw. The hiking trails along the walls are free of charge.

Transportation to Namhansanseong

The drive from central Seoul is quite long and will take you around an hour and a half. Depending on what part of Seoul you're in, hop on the green line 3, purple line 5 or gold line 9 subway and head towards the east of the city, where you'll transfer to the pink line 8.

Take this line to Sanseong station, where you can get off at exit 2. After about 20 metres you'll come to a bus stop where buses run directly to the main entrance of the palace and the starting point of most trails.

Use the 9 (the busiest, it takes 21 minutes) or the 9-1 and 52 (less frequent but a more direct route - only 11 minutes).