A Genuine Look at the 2025 Seoul Fortress Sunset Hike & Seafood Tour

Honestly, I’d been looking around for a different kind of Seoul experience for a little while. You know, you see all the pictures from the big palaces and shopping streets, but I really wanted something that felt a bit more connected to the city’s pulse. So, when this ‘Sunset View & Hiking through Seoul Fortress with Seafood Market’ tour popped up, it just seemed to have the right mix of things. Basically, the idea of walking along old stone walls as the city starts to glow below you, and then finishing the day with an incredible seafood meal, well, it seemed pretty much like the perfect plan for a day out. Actually, it promised a story, a real change of pace from the typical tourist trail, which was something I was definitely after.

The Walk Begins: Up Along the Old Seoul Fortress Wall

Alright, so we met our group and our guide, a really friendly person named Min-jun, near Hyehwamun Gate. He was sort of like an old friend ready to show you his favorite neighborhood spots, and honestly, his warmth put everyone at ease right away. The first part of the walk along the Hanyangdoseong Fortress wall is just a gentle upward path, which is really nice. You get to, like, ease into the physical part of the tour. What’s amazing is that on one side you have these huge, centuries-old stones, literally full of history, and on the other, the city just unfolds below you. As a matter of fact, Min-jun was great at pointing out different parts of Seoul from up there, you know, giving us context for what we were seeing. It felt more or less like a history lesson and a workout all in one, which was a pretty cool combination, I mean.

The path itself is incredibly well-kept, so you just don’t have to worry about your footing too much. This lets you really soak in the views, which apparently just keep getting better the higher you go. You can sort of feel the temperature drop a little as you climb, and the city sounds become a bit more of a distant hum. Frankly, walking that wall makes you think about how Seoul has changed over hundreds of years. You have these ancient defenses right next to glittering modern towers, and it’s a contrast that is just so striking. In some respects, it gives you a perspective on the city that you just can’t get from street level. You see how the mountains cradle the entire area, and honestly, it’s a pretty special feeling.

Golden Hour from Above: A Sunset Show Over the City

Now, that last little push to get to the main viewpoint at Naksan Park, to be honest, it’s a bit of a workout. But seriously, the reward waiting for you at the top is completely worth every single step. At the end of the day, when that view opens up, it just stops you in your tracks. It’s almost like the entire massive city of Seoul is just laid out on a platter for you, with the Han River cutting through it like a silver ribbon. We got there just as the sun was beginning its dip toward the horizon, so the timing was pretty much perfect.

Okay, the sunset itself was the real star of the show, obviously. The sky just went through this whole performance of colors, starting with a kind of soft gold and then deepening into these incredible shades of orange, pink, and purple. Like, everyone in our group went quiet, just watching it happen. Min-jun actually shared some local stories about the different mountains we could see in the distance as the lights in the city started to twinkle on one by one. I mean, it’s one thing to see pictures of a Seoul sunset, but it’s another thing entirely to be standing there, feeling the cool evening breeze, and watching it all happen in real-time. It’s a very peaceful and, in a way, moving experience.

A Blast of Energy: Stepping into Noryangjin Seafood Market

So, coming down from the quiet and reflective mood of the fortress was a real shift, you know? We took a quick ride over to the Noryangjin Fish Market, and I mean, it’s a total sensory overload in the best possible way. The moment you step into that building, you are just hit with the clean, briny smell of the ocean. And it’s so lively; you’ve got the sounds of vendors calling out, water splashing in tanks, and just a general hum of activity everywhere you look. It’s almost a little overwhelming at first, but your eyes quickly adjust to the incredible variety of life from the sea on display.

“Basically, walking through those aisles is an education in itself. You see things you’ve probably never seen before—huge king crabs, wriggling octopus, and just about every type of fish and shellfish you can think of. It feels so authentic and very far removed from a typical supermarket.”

Anyway, Min-jun was a huge help here. He sort of guided us through the maze of stalls, pointing out what was in season and giving us tips on what to try. Frankly, choosing what we wanted to eat for dinner was part of the fun. He would bargain a little with the vendors for us in Korean, which was just so interesting to watch. You could literally point to a fish swimming in a tank, and a few minutes later, it would be bagged up and ready to be taken to a restaurant. It’s just a completely different way of thinking about your food, and it’s a pretty amazing thing to be a part of.

The Feast: Our Freshly Picked Seafood Dinner

After we made our selections—which included a very handsome-looking flounder, some massive prawns, and, yes, a live octopus for the brave—we went upstairs. Basically, there are restaurants right there in the market that will cook your purchases for you for a small fee. You just hand them your bag of goodies, tell them how you want it prepared—steamed, grilled, or as hoe (raw)—and then you find a table. In fact, this whole process is incredibly efficient and really adds to the experience. We sat down at a simple plastic table, and the restaurant provided all the side dishes, you know, the banchan like kimchi, seaweed, and different sauces.

I mean, the food that came out was just phenomenal. Seriously, the flounder was prepared two ways: half of it as incredibly fresh, clean-tasting sashimi, and the other half put into a spicy, warming stew called maeun-tang. The prawns were simply steamed, so their natural sweetness really came through. And of course, there was the sannakji, the live octopus. Actually, seeing its tentacles still squirming on the plate is a little wild, but you dip it in sesame oil and salt, and honestly, the chewy texture is really unique. At the end of the day, sharing a meal like that, one that you were a part of from the very beginning, with new friends you made on the tour, is a pretty special memory.

Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

So, who would really get the most out of this tour? Well, if you enjoy a bit of light physical activity and are a curious eater, then it’s pretty much made for you. I mean, the hike isn’t super difficult, but it does have some inclines and stairs, so wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes is a really good idea, alright? You don’t need to be a serious hiker, but you should be okay with walking for a couple of hours. Also, just come with an open mind, especially for the market part of the evening. It’s loud, it’s a little chaotic, and it is absolutely fantastic.

You may want to bring a light jacket, too, since it can get a little breezy at the fortress viewpoint once the sun goes down. A bottle of water for the hike is a smart move as well. As a matter of fact, the guide takes care of most of the logistics, from navigating the trail to ordering at the market, which is a huge relief. You just get to enjoy the different parts of the evening. To be honest, it’s a beautifully designed experience that shows you two very different, yet equally compelling, sides of Seoul in a single, memorable evening. It definitely gives you stories to tell when you get back home.

Key Takeaways

• You know, the fortress walk is generally moderate, with some steeper sections, but the city perspectives you get are just incredible.
• Seriously, the sunset view from Naksan Park is a real highlight and a fantastic photo opportunity.
• Basically, the Noryangjin Fish Market is an energetic and authentic cultural experience, so just be ready for the sights and smells.
• Honestly, eating seafood you’ve just picked out yourself is a uniquely fresh and delicious dining adventure.
• Alright, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and maybe bring a light jacket for the evening.

Read our full review: [Seoul Fortress Sunset Hike Full Review and Details]
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