Seoul City Wall Walk: Visiting the Real Locations of "K-Pop: Demon Hunters" in Naksan Park

If you are looking for a short and pleasant walking trail in the heart of Seoul, I highly recommend the Naksan Section of the Seoul City Wall (Hanyang Doseong). Starting from Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun), passing through Naksan Park, and ending at Hyehwamun Gate, this course offers both the deep history of Seoul and stunning panoramic views.

In this guide, we will explore the walking course, major highlights including the filming locations of the movie K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and practical tips you need to know before you go.

View of Seoul City Wall Naksan Section and Village

Seoul City Wall Walk (Naksan Section)

Seoul City Wall & Naksan Section Basics

The Seoul City Wall (Hanyang Doseong) is a fortress wall that surrounded the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. The total circumference is about 18.6 km, divided into four main sections: Baegak, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwang. Among these, the Naksan Section is the easiest to walk due to its gentle slope and relatively short distance.

Full Course Map of Seoul City Wall (Hanyang Doseong)

Seoul City Wall Course Map

When you come out of Dongdaemun Station Exit 10, you will immediately see Heunginjimun Gate and the Dongdaemun City Wall Park. From here, the path follows the fortress wall through Naksan Park and Ihwa Mural Village to Hyehwamun Gate. The total distance is about 2.1 km, which takes about 1 hour on average. It is a course where you can feel both the history and the daily life of Seoul.

Walking Course: Dongdaemun (Heunginjimun) → Hyehwamun

The walk starts at Dongdaemun Station Exit 10. Walking towards Heunginjimun Gate, you will see the Dongdaemun City Wall Park. This is the starting point of the Naksan section.

Entering the park, the trail follows the wall. There are signposts everywhere, so it is easy to find your way even if it is your first visit. Walking along the wall, you can enjoy the scenery of downtown Seoul and the old appearance of the fortress at the same time.

Heunginjimun Gate seen from the starting point of Naksan Section

Heunginjimun Gate (Dongdaemun)

As you go up along the wall, you will pass Jangsu Village and Ihwa Mural Village. The alleys are filled with murals, small cafes, and old houses, giving you a glimpse of Seoul's unique local life.

A little further on, you will reach the entrance to Naksan Park. From the observatory inside the park, you can see downtown Seoul, N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower), and the Dongdaemun area at a glance.

Take a break at the summit of Naksan Park, then follow the wall down to reach Hyehwamun Gate.

This course is about 2.1 km long and takes about 1 hour even if you walk slowly. The slope is gentle and the path is well-maintained, so it feels like a leisurely stroll. It is great during the day, but walking at sunset allows you to enjoy the beautiful night view of the city.

Highlights & Movie Locations

As you walk along the Naksan section, you will find hidden spots that remind you of scenes from the movie K-Pop: Demon Hunters.

Naksan Park Fortress Wall - Where Lumi and Jinwoo Met

The Naksan Fortress Wall frequently appears as the background for the scene in the middle of the movie where the main characters, Lumi and Jinwoo, share their feelings and sing "Free".

Comparison of the Fortress Wall path used as a background in K-Pop: Demon Hunters

Filming location of "K-Pop: Demon Hunters"

This section is a romantic path where old stone walls and lush greenery blend together. Especially at sunset or at night, the yellow lights reflect on the castle walls, creating an atmospheric vibe just like in the movie. It's a perfect Instagram spot.

If you look closely at the wall, you can see that the shape of the stones varies slightly. This is because the processing methods and materials differed depending on the construction period. Noticing these details is one of the joys of this walk.

Observatory & City View

When you go up to the observatory inside Naksan Park, you can see N Seoul Tower, the Han River, and the Dongdaemun area. In the movie, scenes of Lumi and Jinwoo walking under the blue moonlight often feature this backdrop.

This observatory is great during the day, but it is especially atmospheric during the sunset or when viewing the city lights at night.

Pavilion at the Observatory

Ihwa Mural Village & Alleyways

The Ihwa Mural Village section, which follows the fortress wall, is a great place to feel the movie's vibe realistically with its narrow alleys, stairs, and murals.

It overlaps with the scenes where Lumi and Jinwoo talked while walking through the alleys between Hanok (traditional houses). The murals, walls of old buildings, and the view at the end of the alley naturally remind you of the movie scenes.

Alleyway in Ihwa Mural Village

Romantic Night Walk

The Naksan Fortress Wall is open 24 hours a day, and at night, street lamps and landscape lighting turn on, creating a soft and romantic atmosphere. Just like the scene where Lumi and Jinwoo exchanged emotions while walking under the dim lights, try walking this romantic path yourself.

Night view of Seoul City Wall Naksan Course

Night view of Naksan Course

Tips & Essential Info

Skip the Uphill with a Village Bus

If you want to save energy, take the small green Village Bus (Jongno 03) from Dongdaemun Station Exit 5. It takes you directly to the top of Naksan Park. You can use your T-money card.
Comfortable Shoes are Essential

Although the Naksan section has many paved roads, it also includes stairs and slopes. Wearing comfortable sneakers or walking shoes is highly recommended.
Prepare Snacks & Water

There are not many vending machines or shops along the route, so it is best to bring water, sports drinks, or light snacks in advance.
Cafe San 1-1

"Cafe San 1-1" is a cafe with a great view located at the beginning of the fortress wall near Naksan Park. They sell coffee, desserts, sandwiches, and pizza. It is a good place to take a break during your walk.

Cafe San 1-1

Visitor Etiquette

Ihwa Mural Village is a residential area where people actually live. Please keep your voice down and respect the residents' privacy while taking photos.
Seasonal & Time Considerations

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking. In summer, prepare a hat and sunscreen for UV rays. In winter, be careful as the path can be slippery due to snow or ice.

Transportation for Return

After arriving at Hyehwamun, check the subway or bus route nearby to return to your accommodation.

The Naksan Section of the Seoul City Wall is a walking course where the past and present, and everyday life and movie scenes meet naturally in the center of Seoul. Starting from Dongdaemun (Heunginjimun), passing through the wall path, observatory, and mural village to Hyehwamun, you will feel like you are stepping into a scene from K-Pop: Demon Hunters. If you want to experience Seoul's history, night view, and alleyway vibes all at once, I highly recommend walking this path.