[Harumanbo] New Year's New Resolution, As Expected, at Namsan

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Citizens are climbing Namsan in Seoul and looking at the distant mountains. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

How about climbing Namsan during lunch break or before and after work on the first day of the new year to set your resolutions? Although Namsan is only 270 meters above sea level, its historical significance is immense. It corresponds to Seoul’s Ansan (案山), and since the early Joseon Dynasty, a national shrine praying for the country’s peace and prosperity (國泰民安) was established on this mountain. At the summit, a beacon fire station was installed to signal border disturbances, allowing the palace to monitor them directly. In present-day Seoul, which encompasses both sides of the Han River, Namsan is located at the center.

The course starts from Gwanghuimun in front of Dongdaemun Stadium DDP, passing Jangchungdan Monument, Supyo Bridge, National Theater, Seokhojeong Pavilion, Namsangol Hanok Village, and climbs up to the Palgakjeong Pavilion.

King Taejo of Joseon regarded Namsan as Mokmyeokdaewang and allowed only national rituals praying for the country’s peace and prosperity (國泰民安) to be held on this mountain. During the First Republic, a pavilion resembling the Palgakjeong in Tapgol Park was built on the site of the original national shrine and named ‘Unamjeong’ after President Syngman Rhee’s pen name. After the April 19 Revolution, the name was changed to Palgakjeong. The distance from Gwanghwamun to Palgakjeong is 3.5 km, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Descending from Palgakjeong to Sungnyemun is less than 2 km. If you have more time, you can walk from Sungnyemun past the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jeongdong Church, the site of Soeumun Gate, Ewha Girls’ High School, and reach the site of Donuimun Gate, which takes about 30 minutes. Soeumun Gate, along with Gwanghuimun, was used to carry coffins out of the city walls. It was also used to escort death row prisoners to the execution grounds. Many Catholic martyrs were executed outside this gate, so among foreigners, it was also called the Gate of Martyrs. The Martyrs’ Memorial Tower located in Seosomun History Park is a monument related to this history.