[K-TRAVEL (16)] Walking the Seoul Namsan Loop Trail: A Secret Forest in the Autumn Cityscape

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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[K-TRAVEL⑯] Seoul Namsan Loop Trail

The most perfect way to fully breathe in the autumn of Seoul is to walk into the embrace of Namsan. Having served as an unchanging landmark throughout the four seasons amidst the urban forest of buildings, Seoul’s Namsan changes its attire into vibrant and deep hues of red and yellow around this time of year. Requiring no long journey, one can reach it by simply exiting a subway station and walking a short distance. The Namsan Loop Trail, where tunnels of colorful autumn foliage unfold at every step, is an urban autumn travel destination that offers the easiest and most perfect way to savor the atmosphere of autumn amidst a busy daily life.

With numerous large and small hotels located in Myeong-dong, Chungmuro, and other areas surrounding Namsan, foreign tourists staying in these accommodations can easily visit the mountain in casual attire on at least one occasion. In particular, this year’s autumn foliage in central Seoul is expected to reach its peak period, with more than 80 percent of the mountainside turning color by early next month, around November 4. Namsan has now completed its preparations for a magnificent finale and is ready to radiate the deepest hues of autumn.

Walking the Namsan Loop Trail: A Secret Forest in the Heart of the City

For Seoul residents, Namsan is a familiar space. However, surprisingly few people have walked the Namsan Loop Trail, which gently wraps around the mountainside, rather than taking the steep path to the summit where N Seoul Tower stands. The Namsan Loop Trail is a premium trekking course created by connecting the existing North Circular Road and South Promenade into five organic courses: the Natural Ecology Trail, the Wildflower Garden Trail, and the Forest Literature Trail, among others.

The reason the Namsan loop trail is special at its peak in early November is that the entire mountain transforms into a massive maple leaf tunnel. Stepping away from the cold asphalt and walking on the rustling fallen leaves clears the mind, filling the body with the deep earthy scent and phytoncides emanating from the autumn mountain.

Access to parts of the forest trail and loop trail leading into Sowol-ro is currently restricted due to gondola construction work. As a result, visitors must use safe detours in accordance with on-site signage and guidance instructions, which may take slightly longer than usual.

Five Major Courses of the Namsan Loop Trail and the Newly Established "Sky Forest Path," Experienced Through All Five Senses

The Namsan Loop Trail offers unique charm regardless of the direction from which one enters, but this article examines representative courses that allow visitors to enjoy the peak of autumn in early November in the most cozy and leisurely manner.

The Namsan Loop Trail offers a distinct autumn landscape on each of its courses. The Northern Circulation Road (3,420 meters, approximately one hour) is the longest and widest route, serving as a pedestrian-only road that stretches from the foot of the National Theater to the Namsan Cable Car boarding station. The entire section is paved with elastic surfacing, allowing people with mobility impairments to walk safely. When the peak season arrives in early November, royal cherry trees and maple trees create a crimson autumn tunnel overhead, offering a breathtaking view.

The Wildflower Garden Trail (930m, approximately 15 minutes), which enters from the Hannam-dong direction, is a flat and charming course. It features red autumn foliage alongside diverse wildflowers, silver pampas grass, and aquatic plants, making it one of Namsan's top photo spots. The Forest Literature Trail (910m, approximately 15 minutes) passes by the Namsan Library and the stone monuments of poets Cho Ji-hoon and So-wol, offering a path where visitors can savor a literary atmosphere. It is ideal for strolling along a road adorned with yellow ginkgo trees and red autumn leaves while contemplating the poetic verses carved into rocks. The History and Culture Trail (590m, approximately 10 minutes), filled with historical resonance, connects the foot of the Hanyang Fortress walls to Baekbeom Plaza. It presents a scene that is both traditional and exotic, blending the Joseon Dynasty fortress walls, the city skyline, and colorful autumn foliage.

The Namsan Sky Forest Trail (1,450m), a recently developed barrier-free path that has gained great popularity, is a deck trail connecting the Namsan Library to the area near the Namsan Badminton Court in Hoam-dong. With no stairs and a gentle slope of less than 8%, it allows strollers, wheelchair users, and the elderly to enjoy the autumn foliage forest without any restrictions. Walking along the elegantly extended wooden deck that preserves the existing trees gives one the feeling of floating right in the middle of the maple forest. In particular, the Sunset Observation Deck located midway along the course features transparent glass railings, making it a premier spot where visitors can take in the city skyline, red autumn leaves, and beautiful sunset all at once.

The majestic N Seoul Tower peeking through the tree branches

As you walk along the loop trail, the NSeoul Tower peeking through the branches constantly stirs a sense of excitement. The tower’s diverse appearance, which changes depending on the angle from which it is viewed, sometimes looks awe-inspiring. The tower stands 236.7 meters tall by its own height, equivalent to about 79 floors if an average building floor height is assumed to be roughly 3 meters, boasting a commanding presence. Furthermore, when including Namsan’s elevation above sea level, it reaches approximately 480 meters, standing proudly as the heart of Seoul, visible from anywhere in the city.

The moment one sets foot atop Namsan, sweat turns into a sense of accomplishment carried by the cool breeze. The "Love Locks" in the romantic square, where countless couples' memories have accumulated layer upon layer, hang densely and profusely. Traditional cultural performances and busking occasionally held in the tower's front courtyard also offer visual appeal. This place is a vibrant space where travelers from around the world gather, creating an atmosphere of energy as diverse languages from across the globe can be heard.

From the summit of Namsan Mountain, visitors are treated to a commanding view that encompasses the Han River, Lotte World Tower, and Bukhansan Mountain all at once. In particular, one can witness the moving moment when the red sunset gradually transforms into the lights of the city skyline.

Jewel-like tourist attractions nestled at the foot of Namsan Mountain

There are nearby attractions that can be combined with a trek on the Namsan Loop Trail before or after the hike to multiply the density of your travel experience several times over. First, the Namsangol Hanok Village is well connected to Exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station (Lines 3 and 4), offering excellent accessibility. It is a space created by relocating and restoring five hanok buildings designated as Seoul City folk cultural assets. In autumn, the tiled roofs, red persimmon trees, and maples blend together to create scenery reminiscent of an ink-wash painting with color. The traditional garden in the rear courtyard, the valley, and the area around Cheonu-gak are ideal for a quiet stroll, making it an optimal course to visit either before entering the northern loop route or after descending the mountain.

Jangchungdan Park is located directly in front of Exit 6 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Line 3). The park was established on the site of a shrine built by King Gojong to honor the soldiers who died for their country during the Imo Incident. Clear streams and old trees dyed in five colors create a cozy atmosphere. It is pleasant for walking while viewing historical cultural assets such as the Jangchungdan Stele and Suhyo Bridge, and it naturally connects with the National Theater direction, which serves as the eastern entrance to the loop path.

Baekbeom Square is located a 10-minute walk from Hyeon Station (Line 4) in the direction of Namsan. It is characterized by its expansive lawn and the restored section of the Hanyang Fortress wall that follows gentle ridgelines. In autumn, the pampas grass and autumn foliage blend with the fortress walls to create a picturesque atmosphere, while the view of the summit of Namsan and N Seoul Tower from this spot is considered one of Seoul's premier photo spots.

How to reach the summit of Namsan by bus or cable car

When climbing to the summit, which is a highlight of Namsan, the most convenient way to ascend is by using the eco-friendly circular bus, one of Namsan’s representative public transportation options. These buses, featuring a yellow exterior adorned with the cute Seoul city mascot character Hachi, quietly transport visitors to the top without emitting any exhaust fumes. Key route information is as follows.

The 01A circular bus runs to the top of NamsanSeoul Tower, passing through Chungmuro Station (Exit 2) and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Exit 6). The headway is approximately nine minutes, with operating hours from 06:30 to 23:00. It is the most convenient route for boarding after visiting Namsan Korean Traditional House Village or Jangchungdan Park on previous courses. Similarly, the 01B circular bus operates with Chungmuro Station and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station as its main hubs, with a headway of approximately 14 minutes. Its operating hours are the same as those of the 01A route.

The fare for the circular bus is 1,500 won when paid by card. As you enjoy the dim mountain scenery passing by outside the bus window, before you know it, you will have arrived at the top of NamsanSeoul Tower. As darkness deepens, one by one, the lights come on in Seoul, and with the city’s dazzling night view as a finale, you can wrap up a perfect day in Namsan.

There is also a way to reach the summit in just three minutes by taking the Namsan Cable Car. Exit through Gate 3 or 4 of Myeong-dong Station on Subway Line 4, and walk uphill toward Namsan for about five to ten minutes to arrive at the boarding area for the Namsan Oreumi, an unmanned inclined elevator. This free elevator provides a comfortable ride to the cable car boarding station. The cable car fare is 15,000 won for a round trip and 12,000 won for a one-way ticket per adult, with service operating from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Once aboard the cable car, the urban landscape of the Hyeon-dong area below and the distant skyline of high-rise buildings come into full view. The panoramic view of Seoul enjoyed through the glass windows on all sides during the approximately 600-meter ride is the highlight of the cable car journey.

Gourmet delights after the autumn foliage: The perfect way to end a fall day

When it comes to Namsan, one cannot overlook the "Namsan Tonkatsu." Near the Namsan Cable Car boarding area, there is a cluster of tonkatsu specialty restaurants boasting decades of history. Pairing a large, crispy-fried king tonkatsu with warm soup provides a hearty meal that can satisfy the slight hunger piqued by walking through forest paths.

After finishing the walk, it is recommended to follow the newly opened Haneul Forest Trail down toward the alleys of Hoam-dong or in the direction of Haebangchon. A warm cup of coffee sipped while gazing out the window of a cafe converted from an old house, taking in the colorful autumn scenery of Namsan and the N Seoul Tower, leaves a lasting impression.

A good autumn for this very moment, without having to go far

When people think of autumn foliage trips, they often first picture themselves mustering the courage to travel long distances to famous mountains or national parks in far-off regions. However, after enduring severe traffic congestion and crowds that persist every weekend, a trip taken for healing can sometimes end up returning as fatigue instead.

The Namsan Loop Trail, the newly opened Sky Forest Path, and hidden gems such as the Namsangol Hanok Village nestled along the slopes are spaces where one can enjoy the gifts of autumn in the most accessible and immersive way possible. In particular, early next month, in early November, when the autumn foliage is at its peak, represents a single week each year when Namsan shines with its most brilliant splendor.

Without any grand plans, simply put on a comfortable pair of shoes and head to Namsan using the subway and the circular bus. It is recommended that you walk through the autumn in Namsan at its peak, listening to the rustling song of fallen leaves.

Meanwhile, Seoul City will hold the "2026 Namsan Trail Autumn Picnic" event at the Namsan Park area for the entire month of November. The park photo exhibition "Namsan Trail Gallery" will be operated on the North Circular Road and the Korean Forest Garden Walking Path. On the 7th and 8, events including a "Nature and History Tour" where participants walk while listening to old stories about Namsan, an exploration of bird ecology titled "Exploring Namsan's Bird Families," and knitting experience programs will take place. On the 14th, a traditional archery competition will be held at Seokho Pavilion in Namsan Park. Participants can showcase their skills by aiming at targets located 145 meters away, with a dense pine forest as the backdrop.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original