Hiking Inwangsan: A Seoul Escape With a Soulful View

I never really plan these things in detail. Sometimes, a good hike just starts with a feeling — that itch to get out, breathe different air, and walk somewhere that clears your head. That’s how I ended up on the trails of Inwangsan Mountain, right in the middle of Seoul. If you’re ever in the city and feeling a little boxed in by glass buildings and the hum of traffic, Inwangsan is like an old friend who takes you by the hand and whispers, “Come on, let’s get above it all.” The Start: City to Stone Getting there was surprisingly simple. I hopped on Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, then took a short bus ride (bus 1020, 7022, or 7212) to Jahamungogae stop. From there, you’ll spot signs leading to the trail. What struck me right away was how quickly the city faded — buildings behind me, trees ahead, and the old Seoul City Wall rising like something out of a Ghibli film. I started early, around 6:30 AM. That’s the sweet spot: just me, the birds, and the city still stretching its limbs. The Trail: Where History Meets Sky The trail isn’t too long — around 1.9 km round-trip — but it packs a punch. Stone steps wind up along the ancient wall, leading to a rocky ridge that feels like it’s suspended above the city. Every now and then, I paused, not because I was tired, but because I couldn’t believe the views. Gyeongbokgung Palace peeking out from the trees, the Han River glittering in the distance, and Namsan Tower standing tall on the other side like a sentinel. I passed just a handful of locals — mostly hikers my age or older, quietly nodding as they passed. No tourist buzz here. Just the rhythm of footsteps and the occasional wind chime sound of birdsong. The Summit: Quiet Reflections At the top, it’s not about a grand viewing platform or shops. It’s raw and real — granite rocks, a wide-open sky, and the whole of Seoul laid out like a living map. I sat there for a while, water bottle in hand, letting the city breathe below me while I caught my breath above it. There’s something humbling about being in a place that has seen kings, wars, and centuries pass by — and yet it still offers you peace without asking anything in return. Why I’d Do It Again Inwangsan isn’t just a hike. It’s a reset. A reminder that beauty doesn’t always come with a ticket or a tour group. Sometimes, it’s just a mountain, a path, and a moment to remember who you are. So if you ever find yourself in Seoul, skip the shopping malls for a morning, lace up your shoes, and take that walk up Inwangsan. You might not find souvenirs, but you’ll definitely take something with you.