Namsan Dulle-gil Circuit Walk: An Easy, Free Route Around Namsan
Short answer: Namsan Dulle-gil is a free walking circuit of about 7.5 km around Namsan, the mountain in central Seoul under N Seoul Tower. Much of it follows gentle, paved, car-free roads through the forest, so it is an easy walk for most visitors. The full loop takes roughly two to three hours at a relaxed pace, and you can join or leave at many points, including near Hoehyeon, Myeongdong and Dongguk University stations.
What is Namsan Dulle-gil?
"Dulle-gil" (둘레길) means a path that goes around something, and Namsan Dulle-gil is the walking circuit that rings Namsan Park. Rather than climbing straight to the summit, it circles the mountain at mid-height, linking the north and south sides with forest trails. Along the way you pass sections of the old Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong), viewpoints over downtown Seoul, wildflower gardens and quiet stretches of pine and oak forest.
It is completely free, there is no ticket gate, and you do not need hiking gear. For a first-time visitor, it is one of the easiest ways to see a green, calm side of Seoul only a short walk from the shopping streets of Myeongdong.
The route at a glance
The circuit is commonly described as about 7.5 km, divided into themed sections. Exact names and distances vary a little between maps, but the main parts are:
- North Circular Road (북측순환로): the longest and most popular section, about 3.4 km. It is a wide, paved road closed to general traffic, with gentle slopes and lots of shade. This is the part to choose if you only have an hour.
- Forest Trail (숲길): a shorter path of about 0.9 km that links the north and south sides through the woods. It is narrower and partly unpaved.
- South side sections: trails described as the Wildflower Garden path, the Natural Ecology path and the History and Culture path. These pass gardens, the south slope of the mountain and spots with views toward the Han River.
Signposts on the mountain show "남산둘레길" along with distances, and there are maps at the main entrances. Naver Map and KakaoMap also show the paths clearly.
Where to start
From Hoehyeon or Myeongdong (west side)
Many organised walks start at Namsan Baekbeom Square, near Hoehyeon Station (Line 4). From here it is a short climb to the start of the North Circular Road. Myeongdong Station (Line 4) is close too, and you can walk to the area near the Namsan cable car base station.
From Dongguk University (east side)
Dongguk University Station (Line 3) puts you near the eastern end of the North Circular Road and the National Theater of Korea. Walking west from here and finishing near Myeongdong works well if you want dinner afterwards.
From the south side
The south side is easier to reach by bus, including the Namsan circulation buses that run up toward the N Seoul Tower area. Check current bus numbers and routes in a map app, as they change from time to time.
Suggested walks by time
- 1 hour: walk the North Circular Road between Dongguk University and the Myeongdong/Hoehyeon side. Mostly gentle, shady and easy.
- 2–3 hours: do the full circuit, using the Forest Trail to cross to the south side and loop back.
- Add the tower: from the circuit, side paths and stairs lead up to N Seoul Tower. It is a steeper climb, but it rewards you with the big views. See our guide to N Seoul Tower, the cable car and walking routes if you want to combine both.
Best time to walk
Namsan Dulle-gil is good all year. Spring brings cherry blossoms along the North Circular Road, one of central Seoul's nicest blossom walks. Summer is shaded but humid, so go early or late. Autumn leaves usually peak from late October to early November, when the road becomes a tunnel of red and yellow. In winter, the paved sections are usually walkable, but shaded spots can be icy after snow.
Many of the paved roads are lit, and lots of locals walk them in the evening. Even so, if you are walking after dark, stick to the main paved sections rather than the narrow forest paths.
Facilities and etiquette
- Toilets and water: there are public toilets at points along the route and around the main squares, but not every few hundred metres. Carry water.
- Food: there are few shops on the circuit itself. Eat before or after in Myeongdong, Huam-dong or near Dongguk University.
- Runners and bikes: runners use the North Circular Road too, so keep to one side. Rules on bicycles can vary by section; follow the signs.
- Nature: stay on the paths and do not pick plants; Namsan is protected park land.
After your walk, it is an easy stroll down to Myeongdong. Our Myeongdong street food guide covers what to eat and when the stalls are busiest.
Dami from POPORO CITY likes it for one reason: "You get the forest and the skyline in the same walk, and nobody asks you to pay for either."
Quick tips
- Start on the North Circular Road if you want the easiest, shadiest section.
- Wear comfortable trainers; hiking boots are not necessary.
- Search "남산둘레길" in Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate paths and entrances.
- Bring water, especially in summer; shops along the route are rare.
- Go on a weekday morning for the quietest walk during cherry blossom and autumn leaf season.
- Check the Seoul city or Namsan Park official pages for any temporary path closures.
FAQ
How long is Namsan Dulle-gil?
About 7.5 km for the full circuit. The North Circular Road alone is about 3.4 km.
How long does the full loop take?
Around two to three hours at a relaxed pace, including photo stops. The North Circular Road on its own takes about an hour.
Is Namsan Dulle-gil hard?
No. Most of it is paved with gentle slopes. Only the side climbs up to N Seoul Tower and some forest sections are steeper.
Is it free?
Yes. Walking the circuit is free. You only pay if you choose extras such as the cable car or the tower observatory.
Can I walk it at night?
Many locals walk the paved, lit sections in the evening. For safety, stay on the main roads after dark and avoid narrow, unlit forest paths.