Inwangsan, Mountain summit in Jongno district, South Korea

Inwangsan rises to about 338 meters above Seoul with steep rocky outcrops and natural formations that create a distinctive outline against the sky. The mountain features multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty with viewing points overlooking the city.

During the Joseon Dynasty in 1396, the area was fortified as part of the Hanseong Fortress to protect the capital. This defensive role shaped the mountain's importance in the city's early history.

The mountain holds named rock formations such as Gichabawi and Seonbawi that reflect Korean spiritual traditions and local beliefs. Today these sites serve as points of reflection for visitors walking through the landscape.

Access is possible from Dongnimmun or Muakjae subway stations via several trailheads, but parts of the mountain, including the peak, are closed on certain days and times because a military installation spans the slopes. Check access restrictions before setting out, and wear sturdy footwear for the steep, rocky sections.

On Chimabawi rock, the Japanese Government-General of Chōsen carved the Chinese characters 東亞靑年團結 in 1939 for a pan-Asianist youth society. After liberation in 1945, people tried to scratch the inscription away, but part of it is still legible on the stone today.