Travel
Seoul Opens ‘Northern Forest Trail’ for faster, greener city hiking
haps Magazine Korea
July 28, 2025
(Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Seoul has introduced a new nature trail that makes it easier than ever to explore one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The newly completed ‘Northern Forest Trail’ connects the summit of Namsan Mountain, home to the popular N Seoul Tower, with the northern circular road, reducing walking time from nearly an hour to just 20 minutes.
Designed as a 0.5-kilometer wooden decked staircase, the trail not only enhances access to Namsan’s summit but also improves safety and walkability for residents and visitors.
Unlike traditional hiking paths, the new trail follows a gentler slope and was constructed using existing maintenance routes, minimizing damage to the surrounding forest.
Along the way, hikers will discover three scenic rest stops that each offer a unique natural experience. The City View Deck offers panoramic views of Gyeongbokgung, Cheong Wa Dae, and Seoul’s urban skyline.
The Forest Floor Deck allows a downward view into the forest’s natural undergrowth. The Water Sound Deck provides a quiet escape with the calming sounds of a nearby stream.
The project was made possible through a joint initiative between Seoul City and the Korea Forest Service, with the national agency offering use of state forest land free of charge and the city covering all development costs. The aim is to increase the public value of national forest spaces and make them more accessible to urban residents.
This trail is just one part of Seoul’s broader efforts to transform Namsan into a major eco-tourism and cultural destination.
In June, a safety deck was completed along the southern circular road, and by October, a Sky Forest Trail linking the nearby fitness park to Namsan Library is expected to open.