Guide: Seoul Station to Naksan Park (낙산공원) in Seoul(K-pop demon hnters)

Overview: Naksan Park is a scenic hilltop park in Jongno-gu known for its section of the historic Seoul City Wall and panoramic views of Seoul. Below are step-by-step directions and tips for traveling from Seoul Station (서울역) to Naksan Park in Dongdaemun (동대문) by various modes of transport. We’ve also included information on parking, nearby cafés with great views, and must-see scenic spots in and around the park. All location names are given in English with Korean (Hangul) in parentheses for easy reference.

1. By Private Car

Driving from Seoul Station to Naksan Park is relatively straightforward (approximately 6 km, about 15–30 minutes drive depending on traffic). Here are some tips for the best route and parking:
• Recommended Route: From Seoul Station, head east toward central Seoul. A convenient route is to take Toegye-ro (퇴계로) eastbound, passing through Myeong-dong and Euljiro, all the way to Dongdaemun (동대문). Dongdaemun is marked by Heunginjimun Gate (흥인지문) – the large historic city gate. From the Dongdaemun intersection, turn left (north) toward the Daehangno (대학로) area (also known as Hyehwa). Follow signs up the hill toward Naksan Park. The park’s address is 41, Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu  , and you will likely approach via Dongsung-dong neighborhood roads (e.g. Dongsung-gil/낙산길). Navigation apps or car GPS should recognize “Naksan Park (낙산공원)” as a destination. An alternate route is via Jongno (종로) or Cheonggyecheon-ro (청계천로) heading east, then north at Jongno 5-ga or Dongdaemun – choose based on real-time traffic.
• Travel Time: In light traffic (early morning or late evening), the drive can be as quick as 8–15 minutes . However, during busy hours expect 20–30 minutes due to city traffic and some uphill segments near the park. There are no tolls on this intra-city route.
• Parking Tips: Naksan Park has a small public parking lot near its entrance. Capacity is limited (≈25–29 spaces) and it fills up quickly, especially on weekends  . Parking fee is ₩300 per 10 minutes (₩1,800 per hour)  . If you plan to drive, try to visit during off-peak hours (early morning or weekdays) for a better chance at finding a spot. It’s noted that the lot often reaches full capacity on busy days .
• Alternative Parking: If the Naksan Park lot is full, consider parking at nearby facilities in Daehangno/Hyehwa. A popular option is the Korea National Open University (한국방송통신대학교) parking lot, a few blocks away, which has more spaces and is sometimes open to the public . From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute uphill walk to Naksan Park. Additionally, the Daehangno area has private pay parking garages and lots (for example, near Marronnier Park (마로니에 공원) or along Daehak-ro) which can be used as a backup. Street parking in the small alleys around Naksan Park/Ihwa-dong is very limited, so using a designated lot is recommended.
• Driving Caution: Roads up Naksan are narrow and steep. Drive slowly and be mindful of pedestrians, especially as you ascend Naksan-gil toward the park. The final approach is a hillside neighborhood with one-lane roads. Follow any posted signs for one-way restrictions. Note that Naksan Park is open 24/7 but the parking lot might not be accessible late at night (check any posted hours or closures).

2. By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Seoul Station is easy and saves the uphill walk:
• Boarding a Taxi: At Seoul Station, you can find taxi stands outside the main exits. Have your destination written down as “Naksan Park (낙산공원), near Hyehwa-dong” to show the driver, or say “Dongdaemun Naksan Gongwon” for clarity. Most drivers will know Naksan Park, but mentioning “Hyehwa” (혜화) or “Ihwa Mural Village” (이화벽화마을) can help as those are nearby landmarks.
• Travel Time & Fare: The taxi ride is about 6 km. In smooth traffic it takes around 10 minutes, while in heavier traffic it could be 15–20 minutes. The estimated fare is ₩10,000–₩13,000 for a standard taxi ride  . This is roughly $8–$11 USD. Fares can be a bit higher at night (after midnight) or during traffic jams (the meter runs by distance and time). Seoul taxis accept cash, T-money transit cards, or credit cards.
• Tips: No tipping is required in Korean taxis. International Taxi services (English-speaking drivers) are available (+82-1644-2255) but for such a short ride, a regular taxi or rideshare (e.g. Kakao T app) is sufficient  . If you’re taking a taxi late at night to enjoy Naksan’s views, note that you may need to call or use an app for a return taxi, as hailing one from the top of Naksan Park can be difficult (it’s a small residential area). Alternatively, you can walk downhill to the busy Daehangno area after your park visit and flag a taxi there.

3. By Public Transportation (Subway & Bus)

Seoul’s public transit is efficient and tourist-friendly. From Seoul Station to Naksan Park, you can take the subway for most of the journey and walk, or use a bus to get closer to the park. Here are the options:
• Subway (Line 4 to Hyehwa): This is the most straightforward route. At Seoul Station, hop on Subway Line 4 (Light Blue Line) heading north/east (direction toward Danggogae). Seoul Station is on Line 4, so no transfers are needed  . Ride 7 stops and get off at Hyehwa Station (혜화역). The subway ride takes about 10–12 minutes . The fare is approximately ₩1,300 with a T-money card (base fare for a single ride in Seoul) . Trains come every 5–10 minutes, and operate from early morning (~5:30am) until around midnight.
• Walking from Hyehwa Station: Take Exit 2 at Hyehwa Station (look for signs in the station for exit 2). From there, Naksan Park is about 600–700 meters away, roughly a 10 minute walk uphill . The walk is a bit steep but not very long. Here’s a simple walking route:
1. Upon exiting Hyehwa Station Exit 2, you’ll see Marronnier Park (마로니에 공원) and the Daehangno arts theater street to your right. Do not go into Marronnier Park. Instead, turn left just before the park onto Daehak-ro 8-gil (대학로8길) . (This is a smaller side street along the left side of Marronnier Park.)
2. Walk straight on Daehak-ro 8-gil to the end of the road (you’ll pass some cafes and shops in a university neighborhood).
3. At the end, turn right onto Dongsung-gil (동숭길). Continue a short distance; you’ll pass a small alley on your left – ignore that and keep going straight .
4. After about one block, turn left onto Guldari-gil (굴다리길). This is an uphill road; you might see signs pointing to Naksan Park (follow the brown tourist signs that say “Naksan Park” or “낙산공원”). Walk uphill on Guldari-gil – it will lead you directly to the park entrance.
5. As you climb, you’ll know you’re close when you start seeing portions of the old city wall and a parking lot. At the top of Guldari-gil, you’ll arrive at Naksan Park’s entrance (with the parking lot and Naksan Gallery nearby).
Landmarks: Along the walk, there are signs for Ihwa Mural Village (이화 벽화마을) as well – the mural village is adjacent to Naksan Park. If you see murals and painted stairs, you’re in the right area (just continue upward to reach the park itself). The walk is uphill but relatively short; wear comfortable shoes. If needed, there are convenience stores and benches en route to catch your breath.
• Bus: Taking a bus can drop you closer to the park (avoiding some uphill walking), but from Seoul Station it’s a bit less direct than the subway. If you prefer buses or are starting from another area, here are tips:
• Several Seoul city buses go to the Daehangno/Hyehwa area or even up the hill near Naksan Park. Blue Bus #102, #107, #140, #143, #150, #273 and others have stops in the vicinity of Naksan Park or Ihwa Mural Village  . For example:
• Blue Bus 102, 107, 108: These buses stop at Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을) stop, which is on the slope near Naksan Park . If you board one of these, get off at the Ihwa Mural Village stop and you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from the park entrance.
• Blue Bus 140 or 143: These are cross-city buses (e.g., from southern Seoul through downtown). They pass through Hyehwa Rotary on Daehak-ro. You can get off near Hyehwa Station or Seoul National University Hospital stop, and from there Naksan Park is a 10 minute walk uphill (similar to coming from the subway exit).
• Green (local) buses: In Jongno district, some green neighborhood buses (마을버스) loop around the area. For instance, Jongno 02 or Jongno 03 community shuttle might go up near Naksan Park. These typically depart from Jongno or Dongdaemun areas. If you’re near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park or Changsin Station (Line 6), look for local bus routes that mention Ihwa-dong (이화동) or Sungin-dong (숭인동).
• From Seoul Station by Bus: There isn’t a single direct bus from Seoul Station to Naksan Park. If you prefer bus only, one strategy is to take any bus from Seoul Station heading east to Jongno or Dongdaemun, then transfer. For example, Blue Bus 163 or 463 from Seoul Station will go to Jongno 3-ga or Dongdaemun; there you could transfer to bus 143, 101, or a local bus up to Hyehwa. Given the complexity, using the subway + walking is usually easier for first-time visitors. However, using a mapping app (Naver Map, KakaoMap, Google Maps) with “Seoul Station to Naksan Park” via bus can provide the latest route with transfers if you’re determined to take a bus.
• Fare: The bus fare is about ₩1,300 with a transit card (and free transfers are allowed between bus and subway within a time limit). Be sure to tap your T-money card when exiting the bus to ensure your transfer is recorded.
• Tips: Buses in Seoul have announcements in English, but stops in the Ihwa-dong area are small. Listen for stops like “Ihwa-dong Mural Village”, “Naksan Park”, or “Sungin-dong Community Center”. When in doubt, ask the driver or a local passenger to alert you when your stop is near – many are helpful if you mention “낙산공원”. The bus will save some uphill walking, but you’ll still need to go on foot for the final few hundred meters in the steep neighborhood roads or stairways to enter the park.

4. By Bicycle

Biking in Seoul can be a fun way to explore, though reaching Naksan Park by bicycle is challenging due to the steep incline of Naksan mountain. If you’re an avid cyclist or simply want to try, here’s what to know:
• Route Recommendation: From Seoul Station, start by navigating east through downtown on relatively flat routes. One suggested path is to go towards City Hall (시청) and then follow the Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) eastwards. There are service roads alongside Cheonggyecheon that are bike-friendly (though the stream’s pedestrian path itself is off-limits to bikes). This will take you toward Dongdaemun with minimal stops. Once near Dongdaemun or Jongno 5-ga, turn north towards Ihwa-dong (이화동) / Changsin-dong (창신동) – these are the neighborhoods around Naksan Park. Be prepared: the roads will start ascending steeply as you approach the park. For example, you could ride up Changsin 4-ga Road or Ihwa-dong Road which connect to Naksan-gil. These streets are quite steep and narrow, and you may find yourself pedaling hard or even dismounting to walk your bike for sections, especially the final few hundred meters near the park.
• Terrain & Difficulty: The ride is about 5–6 km one-way. The first half (to Dongdaemun) is mostly flat city terrain; the last section is uphill with a significant grade. Naksan Park sits ~100 meters above sea level , so you’ll be climbing that elevation in a short distance. Expect a moderate to difficult climb if you are not used to hills. The roads have no dedicated bike lanes on the hill, so you’ll be sharing narrow streets with cars. Go slowly, use low gear, and watch for vehicles and pedestrians. The difficulty is rewarded by the great views once you reach the top!
• Bike Rentals (Seoul Bike – 따릉이): Seoul has a convenient public bike rental system called Seoul Bike (따릉이). You can rent these sturdy green bikes from docking stations all over the city. There are stations near Seoul Station and along major roads. For example, you might pick up a bike at Seoul Station, ride to near Hyehwa or Dongdaemun, and dock it before climbing the steepest part. (It may be impractical to ride a heavy rental bike all the way up Naksan’s slope.) Check the Seoul Bike app for station locations – likely spots to dock near Naksan Park include around Hyehwa Station or Changsin Station, or near the base of the hill. Note: Seoul Bikes are pedal bicycles (some e-bikes exist but limited); an electric-assist bike would help on hills if you have access to one.
• Bringing Your Own Bike: If you have your own bicycle, great – just ensure your brakes are in good condition for the downhill return. Helmets are recommended as Seoul’s traffic can be intense.
• At Naksan Park: Bicycles are not allowed on the walking trails or the City Wall paths inside Naksan Park. You will need to park/lock your bike once you reach the park entrance or somewhere in the neighborhood below. Look for bike racks near the park entry or find a secure pole/railing. Bring a lock with you. Once the bike is secured, you can explore the park on foot. The park’s paths include stairs and gravel areas not suitable for biking.
• Return Trip: Going back to Seoul Station is mostly downhill or flat – a much easier ride. Just be cautious on the steep downhill – control your speed and watch for traffic. An alternative return route for a cyclist could be to enjoy a scenic detour: for instance, ride through Jongno or along the historic city wall toward Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate) and then westward along Jongno or the Cheonggyecheon again.
• Summary: Biking to Naksan Park is feasible for confident cyclists and offers a bit of adventure. However, due to the slope, it’s not recommended for casual riders or those uncomfortable with hills. If you want a partial biking experience, you could cycle to the foot of Naksan (Ihwa-dong area) and then walk up. This way you enjoy a bike ride through the city and avoid the hardest climb.

Parking Near Naksan Park

(For those driving or renting a car, or even arriving by taxi and planning to park while exploring)
• Naksan Park Public Parking Lot: Located at the park entrance (at the top of Naksan-gil). Capacity ~29 cars . Fee ₩300 per 10 min  which is ₩1,800/hour. There is no daily maximum, so be mindful of time to avoid a big fee. Payment is typically via automated machine (cash or card) when you exit. This lot is open to the public and is the closest parking to the park. However, it’s very small. On weekends or afternoons it often is full (만차) . There is a phone number posted (02-743-7985) to inquire, but staff might not speak English – it’s usually first-come, first-served.
• Korea National Open University Parking: About 5–7 minutes walk away (downhill) at KNOU (방송통신대) on Daehak-ro. This is a larger parking area primarily for the university, but open to public use on evenings and weekends (and possibly weekdays for a fee). It has more spaces than the park’s lot . You can enter from Daehak-ro (near Hyehwa Station) – look for signs for public parking (공영주차장) at KNOU. It’s paid parking (rates may vary, often around ₩3,000+ per hour). Parking here and walking up to Naksan Park is a good alternative if the park’s lot is full. Note: This lot can also fill up during peak weekend times , so earlier arrival helps.
• Daehangno Area Parking: The Daehangno (Hyehwa) neighborhood has several private parking garages since it’s a busy theater and restaurant district. For example, Marronnier Park underground parking, or garages next to various theaters. Prices vary (some are ₩4,000 for the first 30 minutes +₩1,000 per 10 min, etc.). If you don’t mind paying a bit more and walking 10–15 minutes, you will almost always find a spot in one of these. Look for signs with “P” or 주차장. One advantage is you can enjoy the street life of Daehangno on your way to the park. Just remember how to get back to your chosen lot, as the warren of streets can be a little confusing at night.
• Street Parking: The streets immediately around Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village are local residential lanes. Street parking is extremely limited and not recommended. Many areas are reserved for residents, and illegally parked cars risk tickets or towing (especially on the narrow uphill roads). It’s best to use official lots.
• Parking for Buses/Campers: If you were thinking of going by tour bus or larger vehicle, note that large vehicles cannot easily go up the narrow Naksan-gil road. They usually park elsewhere (e.g., at Dongdaemun or on Daehak-ro) and passengers walk up.
• Safety: Naksan Park parking lot is unstaffed and outdoor. Seoul is generally safe, but do not leave valuables visible in your car. There is lighting at night, but the area is quiet; take any usual precautions. The park is open 24/7 and so is the parking, but late at night it’s quite empty up there.

Nearby Cafés with Great Views

After hiking up Naksan, you might want to relax at a café. Luckily, the area around Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village has some wonderful cafés – some with panoramic views of Seoul. Here are a few recommended cafés for good coffee and scenery:
• Cafe Gaeppul (카페 개뿔): Location: Along the Naksan Fortress Wall trail, Ihwa-dong 9-443 (near the top of Ihwa Mural Village). Cafe Gaeppul is a two-story café right next to the ancient city wall  and at one of the highest points of the village. It’s known for its rooftop terrace that offers a sweeping view of Seoul’s skyline. On a clear day (or night), you can sip your drink while seeing N Seoul Tower (남산타워) and the downtown high-rises in one direction, and the hillside village scenery in the other . The café’s name “gaeppul” is a cheeky Korean slang, but don’t let that deter you – it has a whimsical, artsy interior (the building is painted green, easy to spot ). They serve coffee, tea, desserts, and even beer. It’s a popular date spot due to the view. Hours: roughly 10:00 – 23:00 daily (open late so you can enjoy night views) . Note: Getting there requires walking up through Ihwa’s mural-dotted alleys; from Naksan Park’s main area you actually descend a bit along the wall to reach Gaeppul. It’s adjacent to the wall path – if you’re walking down from the park toward the murals, you’ll encounter it. In summer, the terrace is cooled by breezes, making it pleasant even on warm days . This café is highly recommended for photographers and anyone wanting to relax with one of the best views in Seoul.
• Changsin-dong Quarry Observatory – Cafe Nakta (카페 낙타): Location: Changsin-dong Cliff Village, at 51 Naksan 5-gil, Jongno-gu (the east side of Naksan). “Nakta” means camel in Korean – a nod to Naksan’s nickname “Camel Mountain” – and this spot is sometimes called Cafe Camel. This is a unique observatory café built over a former quarry cliff on Naksan’s opposite slope  . The second floor is Cafe Nakta and the third floor is an open-air observation deck . From here, you get a panoramic view of Seoul’s skyline with nothing blocking the sight – truly 360 degrees of city and mountains. It’s especially famous for sunset and night panoramas . Imagine watching the sun go down over Seoul while enjoying a latte; the city lights then sparkle to life. The café serves coffee, herbal teas, and even some traditional snacks (try their house-made rice cakes as a treat) . Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00–20:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–22:00; closed Mondays . It’s a public observatory, so even if you’re not big on coffee, it’s worth visiting for the vantage point (small entry fee might apply if not buying a drink, but usually a drink purchase covers it). How to get there: Easiest is from Changsin Station (창신역) Line 6, Exit 1, then a 15-minute uphill walk through the “Changsin-dong cliff village” . From Naksan Park, you could also walk down the other side (eastward) along the wall trail to Changsin-dong. It’s a bit out of the way for those coming from Hyehwa, but adventurous visitors might enjoy making a loop: go up one side of Naksan, then down through the quarry side. The Quarry Observatory is a new highlight (opened in recent years as a cultural spot), so it’s a lesser-known gem for now – great for unique photos and avoiding crowds.
• Cafe Travel (카페 트래블): Location: In Ihwa Mural Village, near the famous murals (exact address: Ihwajang-gil area). This café is often noted by visitors for its cozy atmosphere and view of the wall. It has a balcony overlooking the neighborhood. While not as high up as Gaeppul, it’s right amidst the mural village, making it a nice pit stop while exploring the murals. They serve good coffee and occasionally have art on display (fitting the artistic vibe of the village).
• Coffee Hanyakbang, Hyehwa (커피 한약방 혜화점): Location: Down in Hyehwa (not up in the park, but nearby at ground level). This is a branch of a famous café that has a vintage apothecary theme . It doesn’t have a city view, but it’s included in case you want a charming cafe in the Hyehwa area after coming down from Naksan. It offers hand-drip coffee in a retro atmosphere (the name “hanyakbang” means herbal medicine chamber). It’s on the official VisitSeoul recommendations .
• Other Options: The Daehangno area is filled with cafes, dessert shops, and pubs – you’ll find everything from trendy Korean dessert cafes to global chains (there’s a Starbucks near Hyehwa Station, etc.). Near Naksan Park, specifically in Ihwa Village, you’ll stumble upon small artisan cafes tucked in alleys (some even inside art galleries). Cafe Unaghi and Cafe Dudart are a couple more names that sometimes come up for this area. If you walk from Naksan Park through the mural village, simply follow the signs and your nose – many cafes advertise with cute signs in English and have picture-worthy decor.

Note: Cafés in residential areas like Ihwa may have limited seating and sometimes odd hours (some close on certain weekdays). It’s always a good idea to check the latest hours (Google Maps or Naver can help) if you have your heart set on one. And remember, if you’re visiting at night, plan your return to the station since the last subways are around midnight; you can always take a taxi back if you stay late at a café enjoying the night view.

Scenic Highlights at Naksan Park

Naksan Park and its surroundings offer several scenic spots and photo-worthy highlights. Make sure you don’t miss these:
• Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) & Fortress Trail: Naksan Park is famed for its section of the old Seoul City Wall that runs along the mountain ridge . The stone wall is illuminated at night and provides a dramatic historic atmosphere. You can walk along the City Wall trail from Hyehwamun Gate (혜화문) in the north down to Heunginjimun (흥인지문, Dongdaemun Gate) in the south . This 2 km trail is well-maintained with signs explaining historical points. From Naksan’s peak, looking west you’ll see the wall snaking down towards Dongdaemun – a great sight day or night. Walking the wall at night is highly recommended, as you can enjoy the “twinkling lights of Seoul” against the ancient ramparts  . It’s both romantic and culturally rich. Don’t forget to take photos by the wall, especially at one of the lookout platforms where the cityscape forms the backdrop.
• Naksan Pavilion and Viewpoints: At the top of Naksan Park there is a traditional-style pavilion (gazebo) and several observation terraces. The main viewing platform near the pavilion offers a 360° view. By day, you can spot landmarks like N Seoul Tower (to the southwest), the downtown skyscrapers near City Hall, and Mt. Namsan and Mt. Inwang in the distance. Turn around and you’ll see northeastern Seoul sprawled out, with the hills of Bukhansan National Park in the far background. There are maps and panorama guides posted to help identify what you’re looking at. At night, this spot becomes a popular viewpoint as the entire city lights up. The pavilion is often where people rest after the climb – it’s a lovely spot to catch your breath and take in the scenery. (If you’re a photography enthusiast, sunset from this point is fantastic – the sun will set roughly behind the downtown skyline.)
• Ihwa Mural Village (이화벽화마을): On the western slope of Naksan (towards Daehangno) lies Ihwa Mural Village, an artsy neighborhood where local artists painted murals on walls and stairways. It’s directly adjacent to the park; you can literally walk from the park paths into the village streets. Some famous mural spots include the “Flower Staircase” and the fish murals, though note that a few iconic murals (like the “angel wings”) have been removed due to resident issues. Still, plenty remain to be discovered. The village also has quirky sculptures and art installations. Strolling through these winding alleys gives a glimpse of an older Seoul neighborhood blended with creative art – a great cultural experience. Scenic highlight: From the top of some mural-covered staircases, you get a unique frame of Seoul city in the distance, combining art and skyline in one view. Morning or late afternoon is best for exploring to avoid harsh midday sun (and the murals look great in softer light).
• Changsin-dong Cliff Village (창신동 절벽마을): On the opposite side (east side) of Naksan Park, accessible via the City Wall trail towards Changsin, is a lesser-known but striking area called the cliff village. This area formed around an old rock quarry (as mentioned with Cafe Nakta). The scenery here is different – you’ll see sheer rock faces from the quarry, with humble homes perched along the edge. There are viewing decks (besides the cafe) where you can look out over a sea of tightly packed rooftops cascading down the hill. It’s a raw, authentic Seoul view – showing the contrast of old residential neighborhoods and the modern city beyond. The city has set up some photo spots and information signs here because it’s recognized as a unique place. If you have time, walking the loop from Naksan Park down through this cliffside village and back around to Dongdaemun can be very rewarding for off-the-beaten-path explorers.
• Night Views and Lighting: One of Naksan Park’s biggest draws is its night scenery. As mentioned, the fortress wall is lit with golden floodlights. Along the paths, there are lamps, and you’ll often see couples and photographers setting up tripods. Key viewpoints have railings where you can rest your camera for a steady shot. Looking west, you’ll see the city’s major buildings illuminated – for example, the iconic blue LED facade of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) can be seen not far from the foot of Naksan, and the heartbeat of neon from areas like Myeong-dong further away. If you look south, N Seoul Tower glows green or purple (depending on the day’s lighting scheme). The park itself is open 24/7 and free of charge , so you can stay as late as you want – just note that it gets quieter and quite dark on some side paths after 10pm. For a truly memorable experience, consider visiting in the late evening to catch the night view (just ensure you have a way back as public transit will stop around midnight).
• Photography Tips: For daytime, the sun will generally be to the south, so mornings give good light on the city to the west. Midday can be hazy in summer. Sunset from Naksan is excellent, as you’ll see the sun setting roughly in the direction of Gyeongbokgung/City Hall on the horizon, casting warm colors over the city. At night, bring a tripod or use the railings to steady your camera for long exposures. Many of the best photos are taken from along the wall looking toward downtown, or of the wall itself snaking down the mountain. Also, the contrast of old and new – you can compose shots with the ancient wall in the foreground and modern skyscrapers in the back. If you venture into Ihwa Village at night, be respectful (keep noise down, as people live there) but you’ll find some charming lamplit lanes to photograph as well.
• Other Amenities: Within Naksan Park, there are a few points of interest: the Naksan Exhibition Hall (small gallery about the park’s history, usually open daytime), some sculptures and art installations (due to past art projects in the park), exercise equipment used by locals (common in Korean parks), and a children’s playground. None of these are major tourist draws, but if you stroll around you might notice them. Restrooms are available at the park entrance and near the pavilion. Safety rails line the main paths, and there are often volunteer guides or park staff around in daytime who can assist with directions.

In summary, Naksan Park offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and urban charm. Whether you drive up for a sunset, hike the wall at night, or cafe-hop through the mural village, you’ll get to experience a side of Seoul that balances the bustling city with peaceful elevation. Enjoy your visit, and don’t forget comfortable shoes and a camera!

Sources:
• Official Seoul travel guide data on Naksan Park (address, parking fees, transport)   .
• KoreaToDo travel directions for walking from Hyehwa Station to Naksan Park .
• Rome2Rio transit estimates (subway duration, taxi fare)  .
• Reddit user tips on bus routes and cafe recommendations  .
• Seoul city official info on the Changsin-dong Quarry Observatory (Cafe Nakta)  .
• Local blog (Korean) for Cafe Gaeppul details (location next to fortress, view of Namsan)  .
• VisitKorea (KTO) entry confirming Naksan Park parking availability and fee  .
• Seoul city wall information highlighting the trail from Hyehwamun to Dongdaemun and night views  .