Part 1 to Namhansanseong is here. These pictures were uploaded via the old way, so they’re a little smaller on preview but wonderfully sized upon clicking.
As promised, I found my way back to Namhansanseong on a new day to find the fortress and the South gate, entrance to the area.
The climb to the fortress is a fairly tough / steep 1.5km, with no English signs along the way. You’ll pass a Buddhist temple along the way. The South Gate (남 문) is 370 meters above sea level, and is the biggest of the four gates to the fortress.
The path starts fairly easily at first…
Never underestimate the Korean’s ability to put up playground and exercise facilities no matter the place.
The entrance to 백렬사 (Baekryoersa) – a Buddhist temple along the way. It’s tempting… but I gotta keep going…
A stone structure built by Buddhists, though I’m not sure as to the purpose.
It’s a long way up…
…but finally, the hiking is worth it. The fortress is finally at hand!
Up close and looking up at 남문, the South Gate.
This place really was a fortress, and that’s one of your gate’s doors. Climb up the stairs to the side and meander around the 2nd floor lookout:
Looking left from the lookout up the hill.
Follow the fortress around for as long as you like – it’s not a tough climb, but a full lap would probably most of the day and be more of the same.
The macro setting is great.
Another Buddhist temple – this one either not open to the public or not open to the public today.
A well-laid out place, and a good place to hike / camp for as long as you have. There’s zero English climbing up or when looking at the trail maps along the way, so know how to read Korean or deduce the right way from the map itself.
Take line 8 of the Seoul subway system to the Namhansanseong station. Take exit 2 to street level, then look for bus 6, 51, 462, 720, 720-1, or 4419. These buses will turn or go around a roundabout close to the entrance. If you don’t want to climb to the fortress, bus #9 stops around the entrance to Namhansanseong and makes its way up the hill. Hang on TIGHT as the bus driver makes some hair-pin turns.
