Avoid The Crowds Of Namsan Tower And Hike This Scenic Trail For Views Of Seoul's Skyline

Seoul is a stunning, culture-rich city you need to see in your lifetime, and a trip to the South Korean capital isn't complete without getting a glimpse of Namsan Tower. Namsan Tower (also known as N Seoul Tower) is one of the most popular tourist spots in the entire city and boasts impressive 360-degree views. The architectural marvel offers a cable car, dining and shopping facilities, and colorful interiors. However, if you think it sounds like the perfect place to spend some time and soak up views of the city, you're not the only one. Lines to visit Namsan Tower can get long, and crowds are practically a given on the weekends and during the evenings.

The good news is that the iconic tower isn't the only way to see Seoul's skyline. To avoid the crowds and experience a calmer side of the city, consider hiking the Seoul City Wall Trail instead. You'll be treated to beautiful scenery — including gorgeous views of Namsan Tower itself — and flowers and greenery along the way.

The Seoul City Wall has become an attractive site for hikers, but the path has a story that runs much deeper than that. The wall was first constructed in the late 1300s to protect the capital during the early days of the Joseon Dynasty. Portions of the stone border have been damaged and reconstructed over the years, and, interestingly, visitors today can find the different stone patterns in the wall to discover when each section was built.

To hike one of the most gorgeous walled cities in the world, you don't have to go far from central Seoul. You'll find multiple entrance points to the Seoul City Wall trail in easily accessible neighborhoods, though do note that the entire trail forms a near-12-mile loop, which can take hours to complete. If top-notch views are your main goal, consider sticking to a shorter section of the trail, located between Hyehwamun Gate (near Hansung University Station) and Heunginjimun Gate (near Dongdaemun Station). This portion will take only about an hour to complete.

The hiking trail is open 24 hours a day and is well-lit at night. Visiting during the day offers clear views of Seoul's buildings and mountains, while an evening hike reveals a breathtaking illuminated scene. Regardless of when you head to the trail, check the weather and air quality forecast first. The hike can be challenging on extremely hot or cold days, and if you're unlucky, South Korea's signature haze can hamper visibility.

The trail is conveniently situated next to a developed road, with restaurants and cafés nearby. There are also covered benches along the path to stop and take a break if you get tired or need to refuel. Additionally, toilets and water fountains are available to hikers.

In its entirety, the Seoul City Wall hike is so long and varied that it truly offers something for everyone. You could hike one section one day and a different portion on another, getting completely different views and a fresh challenge each time. However, the City Wall Trail isn't the only hike in Seoul, so you'll never run out of options.

For a relatively easy trek, head to the peak of Inwangsan, a mountain situated along the Seoul City Wall. The hike takes two to three hours from start to finish, but you'll probably want to devote extra time to the postcard-worthy panoramic city views. If you can handle more difficulty, consider climbing Bukhansan instead. There, you'll find expert-level routes with few visitors, so you can snap as many photos as you want without other hikers crowding your view. Just make sure to come prepared with proper hiking boots and gear.

If you have time to take a day trip from Seoul, head to Suwon and hike around Hwaseong Fortress. Like the Seoul City Wall, the Hwaseong Fortress lines the perimeter of Suwon and makes for an exciting trek with unparalleled views. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a great place to learn more about Korea's history and traditional architecture.