[One Day Walk] History and Modernity Close to the City Center... Namsan Fortress Wall

Today's walking course takes you to the Namsan Fortress Wall. Here, you can see everything at once, from the Joseon Dynasty relic Bongsudae to Namsan Tower, which represents modern-day Seoul, and Namsangol Hanok Village, where you can experience traditional culture.

The course starts at Exit 6 of Dongdaemun Station and heads toward Jangchungdan Park. Jangchungdan Park, located on the northeastern foothills of Namsan, was established by Emperor Gojong to honor loyal subjects and martyrs who died during the Eulmi Incident, in which Empress Myeongseong was assassinated. After the Japan-Korea Annexation, the Japanese authorities closed Jangchungdan and transformed the area into a Japanese-style park, but after liberation, the Japanese-built facilities were demolished. The park remained but had deteriorated over time, leading to renovations and its reopening in 2010 as an eco-friendly ecological park. At Jangchungdan Park, you can see the Jangchungdan Monument and Supyogyo Bridge.

The next destination is the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall). Built to surround Hanyang, the capital of Joseon, the wall preserves its traditional charm and appearance well. After King Taejo Yi Seong-gye founded Joseon and moved the capital to Hanyang in 1396, the wall was constructed to defend the palace and city. The four main gates, including Sungnyemun, are part of the Hanyangdoseong. Walking along the stone path on the Hanyangdoseong Trail offers a panoramic view of Seoul and a chance to appreciate the construction techniques of the Joseon era.

Next, head to the National Theater of Korea. Officially named the National Theater of Korea, it was established in 1950 and holds the distinction of being Asia's first national theater. The National Theater houses four theaters: Haerum Theater, Dalum Theater, Byeolum Theater, and Haneul Theater. It serves as a representative performance venue of Korea, playing a cradle role for traditional cultural arts by presenting highly artistic works based on Korean traditions.

Then, visit Namsan Bongsudae and Namsan Seoul Tower. The Namsan Bongsudae, located alongside Namsan Seoul Tower, functioned as the central beacon station for nationwide signal fires during the Joseon Dynasty. Completed in 1975, Namsan Seoul Tower serves as a landmark of Seoul and attracts numerous international tourists every year. Originally built as a metropolitan broadcasting transmission center consolidating several scattered transmission towers, the tower did not have an observation deck at first, but one was added later for tourism purposes.

Finally, the course concludes at the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall, built to honor the patriot Ahn Jung-geun.