Hiking Mountain Inwang (Inwangsan) for Immunity improvement (Seoul's best view)

 

(Prepared Gimpap to eat at the peak!)

 

At the end of every travel, I always stop by the tallest tower in the city or visit some places to appreciate beautiful view of the city which I visited. Because I can remind all facinated or, ridiculously fun memories, or even some mistkes that I did during a trip. Also I can memorize many landmarks by pointing them again at the peak. Besides seeing city's night view while drinking wines makes me feel wrapping up the whole journey perfectly.

That's why when I have a chance to recommend a particular spot to visit in Seoul, for foreign friends, this Inwang mountain always place at the top of my list.

I am certain that once you hike Inwangsan, the Mountain will give you the best view of Seoul, especially with a mind blowing night view as a picture that I attached, that you can get even better than the view of anyother places such as Seoul Tower (Namsan N tower) or Lotte World Tower. Furthermore, it's 100% FREE to access while other towers cost at least 15,000 Korean Won.

 

(Me at the peak of Inwang Mountain)

 

Against this COVID-19 backdrop, people are recommended by the Authority not to gather together in immensed places. Furthermore, the government keep saying that we should stay at home to prevent the spread of virus. However, already 4 or 5 weeks have passed since we were reqired to be at home, and NOW many people want to go out to get some fresh air. (BUT STLL, we have to follow the guideline and we should wear masks thoroughly and keep 2 meters away from others.)

For these reasons, I higly recommend you to hike Inwangsan (Inwang mountian) for this weekend!

From the top, you can see many of the main areas of the city such as the famous Gyeongbokung Palace, Namsan Park and Seoul Tower, the Han River leading towards the sea, Lotte World Tower (the tallest building in Korea), and event the Blue House (where the President resides in).

And it's not hard at all to get to the Inwangsan (Mount. Inwang)!. Since it's loacated in the middle of the Seoul city, there are so many transportation such as bus or subway to get to there. 

Then, How can I get to Mount. Inwang?

1. Take a metro line No. 3 (orange line) and take off at Gyeongbokgung Station.

2. Go out Exit No. 1 . Go straignt for 7-8 mins. until the second etrance of Sajikdan (an altar to the State deities).  Follow the line on the map that I marked with yellow pen on two photos below. For me, the second way is much better than the first one because I can enjoy Hanyangdoseong (the Seoul City wall) trail more. The trail is well managed by the municiple with many flowers and trees.

 

(1st recommend way to get to the entrane of Mountain Inwang)

(the Second recommed way to get to the entrance of Inwangsan)

 

3. Or put this address on your google map: 304-37 Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This spot is the address of the convenient store Seven Eleven, which is the right front of the entrance of Mountain Inwang. And you can see this store on the second recommend way marked with a purple circle.

4. Here are beautiful pictures that I took so far. 

 

(Inwangsan in early Spring)

(Mountain Inwang in Winter)

(the Seoul City wall)

 

For Information: Hanyangdoseong was built to safeguard Hanyang (present Seoul), the Capital of the Joseon Dynasty, and to demark the city's boundary. It served as a city wall for 514 years (1396-1910), longer than any other city walls in the world. Hanyangdoseong has four main gates and four samll gates.

 

(Inwangsan in sunset)

(Me with the wall)

(I love this moment)

(Appreciating sunset of Seoul)

(No worries with lights)

(tara!)

(I love this scene!)

 

And How do I come down the other side of the Mount Inwangsan?

After enjoying veiws at the peak, contiue descending toward the other side, following the wall. You can find a milestone on the road. Continue descending toward Suseong-dong Valley (수성동계곡) which is the opsite direction to Gichabawi Rock. (*Direction to Gichabawi Rock leads to Hongje Staion, which is far from Gyeongbokgung Staion. Please careful not to go Gichabawi direction.)

 

(Red line: Suseong-dong Valley route)

 

How long does it to take a round trip Mountain Inwang?

Distance to the peak is around 1.5km (0.9 miles) and if you enjoy views and take some rest while ascending or descending, it will take 2 hours and half. (Without stop, 30-40 mins. are enough, but you will be exhausted!)

Please prepare at least a bottle of water for your thirsty at the peak. And wear running shoes (hiking boots is the best since the peak is made of rocks) is recommended. And if you climb up the mount Inwang, don't forget to get a head lantern for safety. (Daiso sells this at 2,000-3,000 Korean Won)

There are many children whom I came accoss with, who climbed up Mountain Inwang with their parents. That means regardless of ages, any shapes, everyone can enjoy Inwangsan easily.

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Hope eveyone have beautiful memories in Seoul, Korea

Sincerely,