Namsan Walking Options

All of the walking options from Hannam BnB at Rebekah Court to Namsan begin by following the thin blue line on this map – our usual preferred zig-zag route for reaching Itaewon-ro – by walking up one block, turning left, then turning right at the next corner. From there, you should use the crosswalk at the top of our hill to cross Itaewon-ro, and continue to your right (north-bound).

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The Shortcut

The Shortcut begins with an easy-to-miss wood staircase next to a construction site (eventually to be restored to a nice park) for Korea’s new GTX rail line, about 85m north of the crosswalk we recommend on Itaewon-ro. This route is represented by the highlighted blue line on the map above. If you reach the driveway for Y.I.S.S., turn back because you walked too far.

The Shortcut is a mix of paved walkway, finely graded trail, boardwalks and staircases. Unlike many Korean staircases, some of which resemble amusement park funhouse stairs, these steps are consistently spaced and not steep. Walking here never feels unsafe or uncomfortable. You will enjoy a tree-lined walk with places to stop, rest, exercise and stretch. There are places to enjoy the views toward Blue Square and Lotte Tower, and there’s a ball court with more exercise and stretching equipment.

If you can’t tell by now, this shortcut is our favorite way to walk to Namsan. And none of Korea’s map apps show it. There is only one place to go wrong on this walk. When you see this sign and staircase, be sure to turn right and walk up the steps. If you don’t, you will find yourself walking between the backs of the Leeum / Samsung Museums and the back of the Grand Hyatt hotel (see the Museum Walk, below).

The Shortcut has 191 stair steps, total, over fourteen flights of varying lengths. If you don’t like stairs, you can always board the 405 bus on Itaewon-ro instead.

The Museum Walk

For the Museum Walk – the highlighted yellow line on the above map – turn left at the corner just north of the crosswalk after crossing Itaewon-ro. After walking about 50m bear right and walk up the steep hill. The Leeum & Samsung Museum properties begin on the next block.

When you reach the west edge of the museum property, turn sharp right, then left. The next 250m takes you between an empty construction site owned by Samsung, and a camping and playground area that belongs to the Grand Hyatt. This leads past the Hyatt’s HVAC equipment, to their front parking lot and out to Hoenamu-ro 44-gil, where you may turn right to walk to Sowol-ro and Namsan Park.

The Long Way ‘Round

[PIC OF SOWOL-RO] With apologies to Ewan McGregor for the name we gave this route portrayed by the red highlighted line on the map above, it is the simplest but also the longest. Although it doesn’t drag you behind the HVAC equipment and loading docks of a major hotel, it’s not exactly exciting either after you pass the vicinity of Blue Square.

While the Long Way ‘Round is the least steep overall, it still features one staircase with 39 steps.

[PIC OF STAIRWAY?] Continue walking north on Itaewon-ro past two overhead highway ramps about 550m and look for this staircase on your left. This takes you from Itaewon-ro to the bottom of Sowol-ro, the road that follows the edge of Namsan.

[BIG PIC OR GALLERY OF NAMSAN]