This Is Seoul's Best Secret Park And It's Captivating

Not often found in a guide book of Seoul, Dongdaemun City Wall Park is one of the best hidden places in Seoul. This area offers spectacular photography opportunities by day and night. It is also the perfect place for a picnic in the warmer months of the year.

1. Heunginjimun Gate

Dongdaemun City Wall Park lies to the north of Korea’s national treasure no. 1, Heunginjimun Gate. One of Seoul’s most important landmarks, tourists often visit the gate but are unaware that just a few meters across the road lies a spectacular viewpoint of Seoul’s Dongdaemun area. In ancient Korea, this gate was one of eight main gates along Seoul’s city wall. Heunginjimun Gate is situated on the east side of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress. The main function of this structure was to protect important government buildings.

288 Jong-ro, Jongno 5(o).6(yuk)ga-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Heunginjimun Gate | © Linda Dunsmore

2. Dongdaemun City Wall Park

Museum, Park

Heavy traffic means you need to cross the street by using the underground subway tunnels from Heunginjimun Gate. Once on the other side, continue walking up the hill and when you turn around, you will be rewarded with one of Seoul’s most precious views. Come here in the early evening to enjoy the sunset and stay longer to embrace Dongdaemun’s bustling atmosphere. On top of that, the combination of old and new buildings perfectly represents Seoul and, indeed, Korean culture.

283 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dongdaemun City Wall Park | © Linda Dunsmore

3. Seoul City Wall

Museum, Park

There are a total of six different trails along Seoul’s fortress wall, ranging from 1.8 km (1.1 miles) to 4.7 km (2.9 miles) in length and covering a total length of 18.6 km (11.5 miles). The wall stretches along many of Seoul’s mountains making a beautiful trail for the more advanced hiker.

283 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hanyang Doseong, the Seoul City Wall © Kyle Magnuson / Flickr

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