On Friday, April 11, 2025, I visited the Dasan Fortress Wall Trail of Hanyangdoseong. After having an early lunch at Pildong Myeonok, known as a Netflix hotspot, I took the subway Line 3 to Dongguk University Station. Exiting from Exit 5 and passing by the Jangchung-dong Gymnasium, I walked up the uphill path, and it wasn’t difficult to find the way with the signpost. The Dasan Fortress Wall Trail is a section of about 1km that extends from behind Jangchung Gymnasium to Dasan Palgakjeong. It’s a great course for people of all ages to take a leisurely stroll, as the traces of the Joseon capital from 600 years ago blend with the urban landscape. The gradient is almost nonexistent, making it easy to walk with children.
I moved counter-clockwise along the entrance path that leads outside the fortress wall, not inside. Around 12:30 PM, I started walking under the dazzling spring sunshine, and I thought it would be better to walk in the morning rather than the afternoon if the temperature were to rise further.
Dazzling
Among the entire 18.6km of the Hanyangdoseong Trail, the Dasan Fortress Wall Trail is the section that best preserves the changes over 600 years of history. Although it’s shorter than the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Wall Trail, it has its own charm.
On the left, shops and villas are gathered to form a village, giving it a retro feel.
I took photos leaning against the fortress wall. My husband and I, as if by agreement, wore matching denim shirts and denim jackets. Our closets were separate, so we didn’t know what the other would wear, but it seems couples are truly of one mind.
Of One Mind
Looking at the trees that had grown taller than the fortress wall, I realized that many trees had endured for as long as the fortress wall itself.
[Engraved Stone]
Here, you can observe the differences in construction techniques by the period of fortification. Various ‘engraved stones’ indicating the region and person in charge of the fortress construction have been discovered, showing that this is a section with deep historical significance among the Hanyangdoseong trails. The Chinese characters engraved on the left side of the signpost are faintly visible.
Looking at the massive stones at the very bottom, I felt a sense of awe, wondering how our ancestors transported and built these stones.
[Rest Area]
The neatly arranged marble benches placed under the trees serve as resting spots.
This place will be even more beautiful in July when the crape myrtle trees bloom.
As I walked along the path outside the fortress wall, I became curious about the top of the wall.
The fresh green sprouts convey the energy of spring.
A pink plum blossom tree caught my eye. Following my husband’s back, who was walking ahead like actor Soon Jae, I walked a few steps behind, accompanied by nameless wildflowers.
[Chunghyeon Super]
In front of Chunghyeon Super, four women were drawing illustrations.
Although the building stones look similar, I could guess the hardships of our ancestors by looking at the stones that felt particularly rough. Just like the back of Geum-yeong’s father, Yang Gwan-sik’s hand.
☕️
[Unexpected Combination]
The cafe’s name, ‘Unexpected Combination,’ was novel and witty, which I liked. There were many customers. The cafe Unexpected Combination is located at 121, Dongho-ro 17-gil, Jung District, Seoul. (https://naver.me/F4N2ixqx)
Next to the cafe, a large magnolia tree was sadly shedding its last petals. I had never seen such a large magnolia tree before.
Right in front of the cafe ‘Unexpected Combination,’ there is an passage to go up to the top of the fortress wall. My husband and I also went up to the top of the wall through this passage.
As we came up through the passage, we could see a large magnolia tree on top of the fortress wall.
An ochre-colored mat was laid on top of the fortress wall, making it comfortable to walk on.
The cherry blossoms, reaching towards the sky, were dazzlingly beautiful. The word “brilliant” truly came to mind.
[Cherry Blossom Photo Zone]
I also saw a group of female friends spreading out a mat and eating lunch boxes.
As I walked around the fortress wall, I had a feeling that this was the hottest and most beautiful spot. I took commemorative photos and enjoyed the spring feast.
Although it wasn’t a dense cherry blossom grove, the cluster of several cherry trees created a richer spring atmosphere.
Here, where the sun shines well, even the ‘fringeflower tree’ was in full bloom. In my neighborhood, only the Korean spirea bloomed, so seeing the abundant flowers here made me even happier.
The ‘Dasan Fortress Wall Library’ is visible in the distance. Today’s fortress wall trail journey concludes here, and we turned back to descend.
[Dasan-dong Shared Parking Lot]
This is parking information for those using private vehicles.
Dasansunggwak Library
The Dasansunggwak Library, connected to the public parking lot, boasts a magnificent exterior.
The interior is decorated in a charming and pretty way, with a book cafe atmosphere enhanced by plant decor, making it even more attractive.
[Children’s Corner]
A children’s corner with cute animal-shaped sofas is also available.
There are also books related to the Hanyangdoseong, so if I had brought a magnifying glass, I would have looked more closely.
I also saw a cute monkey doll.
[3rd Floor]
On the 3rd floor, there are private reading booths.
You can also appreciate Van Gogh’s works, and the floor seating interior with a low table is unique and individual.
[Outdoor]
From the outdoor space, you can see the cherry blossom photo zone of the fortress wall we walked and the Shilla Hotel in the distance. There is said to be a secret passage from the Shilla Hotel to the fortress wall path.
This is where the Kim Chang-ok talk concert was held. Under the tiled roof, female students were chatting or lying on beanbags, resting comfortably. My husband saw this place on TV and decided to visit.
There is a cafe on the side of the library. My husband and I had already planned to visit another cafe, so we only looked around the library and moved to Yaksu Station.
The Dasan Fortress Wall Trail is popular with families during the day and is a popular night date course for couples. It is said to be even more atmospheric and beautiful when the lights are on, so if you have the chance, I recommend visiting the Dasan Fortress Wall Trail. Be healthy!
Dasansunggwak Library
Seoul Special City Jung District Dongho-ro 17-gil 173
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