Haengjusanseong Fortress Wall: Views From Deogyangsan Mountain
If you bike west along the northern side of the Han River in Seoul, eventually you come to what looks like the end of the path though it really just heads inland and shoots towards Goyang, a suburb of the metropolis Seoul, Korea. Goyang has a lot of places to see, things to do, and many of them are off the beaten path to Seoulites and travelers who don’t realize they’re missing out.
The bike paths lead around the base of Deogyangsan Mountain (덕양산), easy to spot with a monument at the summit proclaiming victory for all to see. This is a great mountain to head up and you can even take a stroller because it’s paved. Visit in the autumn in Korea for a beautiful view with foliage.
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How To Get There
Address: 26-2 Deogyangsan Mountain, Haengjunae-dong Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 고양시 덕양구 행주내동 산26-2)
Direction: From Hapjeong Subway Station, exit 2, catch bus 921 and get off at the entrance to the fortress at Haengjunae-dong Bus Stop. From Hwajeong Subway Station, exit 4, cross the street and take maeul bus 011 or 012 and get off at Haengjusanseong Bus Stop.
Basic Info
Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm*
- *The fortress is open at nights on Saturdays during the summer season from July to late September.
Admission: Adults: W1,000, Youth: W500, Children: W300
Amenities: parking (500 spaces available), restrooms, disabled toilet, interpretation services (need to be booked in advance tel. 031-938-0903), handicap accessible
Events held here:
- New Year’s Day: 5:00am ~ 9:00am: If you’re looking for how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Seoul, there is a festival to welcome the sunrise here.
- Great Battle of Haengju Festival: March 14 at 10:00am; ceremonial rites, traditional music performances, history tours
What To Know
Haengjusanseong Fortress Wall (행주산성) also sits on the mountain and was once a stronghold led by General Gwon Yul, a figure that is now honored by a statue built in his likeness just inside the front gate to the mountain. While the fortress walls and buildings were proved to have been there since the Three Kingdoms Period of Korea, this mountain and fortress are most famous for the victory of the General along with just 2,300 soldiers including warrior monks in 1593 against 30,000 foreign troops. It is said to be “one of the three greatest battles and subsequent victories during the Imjin War in the Joseon Dynasty”.
A paved sloping path from the front gate takes visitors up to the peak of the mountain in only 20 minutes or so with some meandering. It’s easily accessible for families with strollers and young children. There are dirt paths that branch from the main way, but if you’re just looking for a good place to take a walk and enjoy some scenery, Deogyangsan is a great place to seek out.
Along with the statue at the beginning and the monument at the peak, there are also pavilions, gazebos, shrines and halls along the way to visit. The mountain provides a location to learn about some of Korea’s history, get a different view of the city and in the autumn, enjoy some colorful leaves too.
In recent years, the fortress has become quite popular with local tourists looking for a place to explore near Seoul while having a nice jaunt and exploration with great views.
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