Seoul Fortress Wall

Seoul Fortress Wall is one of our favorite hikes in Seoul.  The original wall was built in the late 1390's, during the Joseon Dynasty, to protect and define the boundaries of the city.  The wall was about 18km long, and although most of the wall was destroyed during the Japanese invasion and the Korean war, you can still hike/walk the original wall path, much of which is now surrounded by the city.  But the best part of the hike is through the mountains where some of the original wall remains and the views are amazing.  The wall contained eight gates that follow the four cardinal and four intermediate directions of the compass.  Six of the eight gates remain or have been rebuilt. 

 

 

 

Of course you can't hike in the Seoul area without also finding
some outdoor exercise equipment to play on!

These kids have way too much energy!

Hyrum found a quiet spot to get in touch with his inner-self. 
(You have to do that occasionally when you have 3 sisters.)

Joy only gets 1/2 credit!

We found a little bit of shade for a picnic.

In the distance, you can see Namsan (named the south
mountain because it was one of the southern boundaries
of the original city).  The wall goes up and over that mountain.
Now the mountain is in the north part of the city where
we live.  Times have sure changed!

One of the "great gates".



Even Joy was willing to take a turn
carrying the backpack!