We’re having a little throwback to the good ol’ days when we were living in South Korea. Honestly, I miss Korea every single day. I’m not hating where we live now (especially since we started exploring more), but Korea is just a place that really leaves its mark on you. And so as I was dreaming about a day when we might head back that way, I was reminded of our trip to Namhansanseong in Gwangju. This fortress had been on my bucket list for a long time and we were finally able to see it two months before we left the peninsula. Of course, that means it’s been about a year-and-a-half since our visit, so you’ll have to forgive me if my memory isn’t perfect. Still, I’ll try my best to recall as much as I can based on the photos I took and the things I made note of at the time.
Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Site: Namhansanseong
If you’ve spent any time in Korea, you will have noticed that there is no shortage of fortresses, palaces, and temples in the area. Just driving down the highways, you’ll likely see many. But Namhansanseong is really unique. There’s a reason it is named as UNESCO World Heritage Site, for sure.
Prior to the construction of Namhansanseong in the early 17th century, there were at least two other fortresses that occupied its current location. Because of its location on top of Namhan Mountain, it proved to be the perfect location to launch defense attacks against the country’s enemies. It’s no wonder, then, that the same mountain had been used during the Silla period (mid 2nd century until early 10th century), as well as during the Goryeo period (early 10th century until late 14th century). It’s unknown what the nature of these fortresses were exactly, but archaeological digs have shown their existence.
The main purpose of Namhansanseong was protection from invaders. During its heyday, it was the best-equipped fortress in Korea and could house up to 4,000 people. Although it was built as an emergency capital city to use during wartime, it was expected that royalty and commoners alike would live within its walls.
Throughout its life, the fortress was the site of battles between the Koreans and the Japanese, sustained a lot of damage from Japanese invasions, and experienced even more damage during the Korean War before it was restored to its former glory in the 1970s. Unlike other fortresses that had been restored, Namhansanseong was able to keep its original layout.
Now Namhansanseong serves as a tourist attraction and a reminder of the many battles fought by Koreans to protect their homes. It takes up a huge area, which you can explore for free, except for a small fee required in order to visit the Namhansanseong Haenggung (Emergency Palace) which is protected within palace walls.
We walked along parts of the wall and admired the scenery (if we had visited just a couple weeks later, I imagine the fall leaves would have been BREATHTAKING). We then paid our fee to explore the Palace itself. I don’t remember much about that, but I remember the kids begging to leave. At that point, I had taken them to far too many palaces and temples for their liking… ha! After walking around for a while, we stopped for some food and then headed back home, grateful for a very low-key adventure.
If you’re looking for something to do, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Namhansanseong. The bustling street outside the fortress adds to a strange mix of modern and ancient and you’ll enjoy every second of your visit.
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Namhansanseong
Directions & Parking:
Namhansanseong is located outside of Seoul, just over an hour from Camp Humphreys. We didn’t have any issues finding parking near the East Gate, however some of the other lots were full during our visit. There are multiple lots around the fortress, many of which seem to have restrooms nearby. The South Gate Parking Lot is closest to the fortress.
Naver Pin: Namhansanseong Fortress Temporary Palace
Naver Pin: Namhansanseong South Gate Parking Lot
Naver Pin: Provincial Park Parking Lot
Naver Pin: Namhansanseong East Gate Parking Lot
Cost:
Emergency Palace
Adults – ₩2,000
Children – ₩1,000
Exploring the walls and trails
FREE
Hours:
The general grounds (outdoor trails and fortress walls) are accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
*Emergency Palace Hours
April – October: Open Daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm (last entry one hour before to closing)
November – March: Open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry one hour before closing)
*These hours are correct to the best of our knowledge. We are not responsible for differences in hours. Please see the Visit Korea website for up-to-date information.
Amenities: There was no shortage of restaurants in the area, and we stopped and got some delicious pastries at a little bakery. Of course, with the time that has passed, I cannot for the life of me remember what the bakery was called. Even so, there was a large variety of restaurants on the street leading from the South Gate to the East Gate. Restrooms are located in the parking lots, but I have included Naver pins below for extra ease.
Restrooms:
Naver Pin: East Gate Restroom
Naver Pin: South Gate Restroom
Naver Pin: Provincial Park Restroom
