[One Day Walk] Pungnap Fortress and Mongchon Fortress Embracing the Spirit of Hanseong Baekje

Editor's NoteAsia Economy provides walking course recommendations for subscribers of the ‘One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Day Thousand Characters’ newsletter. The One Day Ten Thousand Steps content is organized by daily and monthly themes, featuring courses recommended by Asia Economy, the government, local authorities, experts, and subscribers.

Panoramic view of Pungnap Toseong.
Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Today's recommended course is a walking path connecting Pungnap Toseong, Mongchon Toseong, and the Olympic Park Hanseong Baekje Museum. It is a place where you can experience the Hanseong Baekje era, which flourished with the brilliant Baekje culture from 18 BC to AD 475.

Start at the entrance of Pungnap Toseong in front of Exit 10 of Cheonho Station, a transfer station for Subway Lines 5 and 8. Inside the well-maintained park, you will see a small windmill, which makes a convenient starting point. Looking up at the earthen fortress towering well above adult height, entering Pungnap Market reveals delicious food and enjoyable attractions.

Walking about 500 meters down from Pungnap Market, you will find the Pungnap Toseong Gyeongdang District and Pungnap Baekje Cultural Park. The Gyeongdang District is the central area of Pungnap Toseong, where many important artifacts such as pottery and animal bones have been excavated. Pungnap Baekje Cultural Park, opened in 2015, features replicas of Hanseong Baekje roads, building remains, and fortress walls within Pungnap Toseong, making it a worthwhile visit.

Mongchontoseong Fortress Trail. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Continuing along Pungnap Toseong, you will be greeted by Seoul Asan Medical Center, the largest hospital in the country. Facing the hospital, walk left along the main road, and you will see Olympic Park, the largest urban park in Seoul. The park is about half the size of Yeouido, making it quite large. Nearly half of it is occupied by Mongchon Toseong.

Passing through the Mongchon History Hall, where you can learn about the history of Mongchon Toseong, head toward Mangwolbong to find the famous ‘Nahollonamu’ (Lonely Tree), which boasts truly spectacular scenery. Walking down the path with a refreshing breeze, you will arrive at the Hanseong Baekje Museum. Opened in 2012, the museum houses artifacts excavated from Pungnap Toseong, Mongchon Toseong, Seokchon-dong Burial Mounds, and offers a precious glimpse into Seoul’s 2,000-year history.

If you feel something is missing, feel free to explore more of Olympic Park. Strolling around the park’s landmarks such as the ‘World Peace Gate,’ the Sculpture Park exhibiting various sculptures, and the Rose Plaza that blooms beautifully every spring and autumn, you can fully enjoy the urban atmosphere.