Namhansanseong Fortress was strategically built on top of a mountain to defend and protect Hanyang, the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress walls encircled a vast area with four main gates and various facilities within the fortress. Namhansanseong Fortress was of great historical significance to South Korea and it was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage.
After alighting at the Sanseong Station, we boarded a bus that took us up the slope of the mountain to the Namhansanseong rotary. The Namhansanseong Emergency Palace was located within a short stroll from the rotary. The palace was enclosed within walls and comprised living quarters, administrative office and shrines. This facility was constructed to be used as a refuge by kings during crisis.
From the rotary, we headed north along a path which brought us to the Bukmun or North gate. According to history, this was where attacks were launched from the fortress during the Manchu siege.
From the rotary, we headed north along a path which brought us to the Bukmun or North gate. According to history, this was where attacks were launched from the fortress during the Manchu siege.
From the North gate, we followed the meandering path running along the fortress wall to the Yeonjubong outwork. The outwork was extended from the perimeter of the fortress wall to enhance defense of the area.
We continued our journey along the fortress wall and reached Seomun or West gate after a short while. An observation deck on the right side of the gate provided a great view of the surrounding vicinity. On a clear day, we should be able to see as far as Hangang river and Nseoul Tower in Seoul. However visibility was poor and we could only barely discern Lotte tower in the far distance.
From the West gate, the path continued to the Sueojangdae Post or West Command Post. This facility was used by Generals for command and observation purpose.
After this, we made our way down the sloping pathway to the Nammun or South gate. This was considered the most important gate as it was most frequently used for entry into the fortress.
We did not venture to the Dongmun or East Gate as it was located quite a distance away. From here, we walked back to the rotary where we waited for the bus to bring us back to where we came from. We had covered a distance of about five kilometers in the couple of hours that we were here. It was a great place for hiking as we could enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore its heritage at the same time.We settled for dinner at On The Table in Seohyeon. On The Table was a food court with a variety of food stalls to choose from. We ordered the fish set from BB Kitchen. The dishes were great and value for money. 
We did not venture to the Dongmun or East Gate as it was located quite a distance away. From here, we walked back to the rotary where we waited for the bus to bring us back to where we came from. We had covered a distance of about five kilometers in the couple of hours that we were here. It was a great place for hiking as we could enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore its heritage at the same time.We settled for dinner at On The Table in Seohyeon. On The Table was a food court with a variety of food stalls to choose from. We ordered the fish set from BB Kitchen. The dishes were great and value for money.
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