Transit track · Seoul
Seoul by Subway: Palace Gates to the Han River
Explore Seoul’s palace gates, Namsan tower and Han River landmarks as a subway-linked itinerary, not one continuous walk. Begin at Changdeokgung, continue to Gyeongbokgung and Sungnyemun, then head to N Seoul Tower before Banpo Bridge and Bongeunsa. Use subway rides for every transfer between stops, with separate arrangements for reaching Namsan’s summit. At each Landmark, follow permitted approaches and confirm your Unlock nearby rather than relying on a distant view.
- 6 stops
- 14.5 km
- about 3 h 45 min
- by metro and on foot
The itinerary
Stop by stop.
Plan around palace, Secret Garden or tower visits arranged separately; do not rely on Banpo’s fountain running or its lower deck being open.
- 01
Start here
Changdeokgung Palace
Begin at the Donhwamun approach, framing the two-story wooden gatehouse from a permitted position so its broad roof and red timber remain clear. This Landmark arrival is separate from palace admission and Secret Garden visits. Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Changdeokgung Palace guide
- 02
+ 1.3 km from the previous stop
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Take a subway ride for the transfer from Changdeokgung to Gyeongbokgung. At Gwanghwamun, use the public square-side approach to frame the tiled gate roofs against the mountain backdrop. Palace courtyards, exhibitions and ceremonies have separate access controls; confirm your Unlock near the mapped arrival point.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace guide
- 03
+ 1.8 km from the previous stop
Sungnyemun Gate
Transfer from Gyeongbokgung by subway to visit Sungnyemun, the Namdaemun gate. From a permitted pedestrian area, keep both sweeping roof tiers visible above the stone arch. Roads surround the gate: do not cross traffic or enter fenced heritage areas for a viewpoint. Confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Sungnyemun Gate guide
- 04
+ 1.5 km from the previous stop
N Seoul Tower
Use a subway ride for the transfer from Sungnyemun, with separate arrangements for transport to Namsan’s hill. At the summit, follow a permitted path and frame the tower with its antenna clear. Stay behind viewpoint railings. Observation-deck access is separate; check the Landmark map before confirming your Unlock.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the N Seoul Tower guide
- 05
+ 4.6 km from the previous stop
Banpo Bridge
After separately arranged transport from the hill, take a subway ride for the transfer to Banpo Bridge. Use the southern riverside path to frame the bridge span and open Han River. Confirm your Unlock at the park-side approach, and stay away from the lower deck when closed.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Banpo Bridge guide
- 06
+ 5.4 km from the previous stop
Bongeunsa
Transfer from Banpo Bridge to Bongeunsa by subway. Follow permitted outdoor visitor paths, letting painted halls and low tiled roofs contrast with Gangnam’s distant high-rises. Respect worship and temple signs: do not stage rituals, block entrances or assume interior photography is allowed. Confirm your Unlock nearby.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Bongeunsa guide
Place-earned, not photo-matched
Collect every badge on this track.
Unlocked verifies that you are really at each Landmark. Choose Unlock while you are there, and the badge is yours — the photo Memory can wait until you are home.
- 01
Go to the Landmark.
Follow the track above; every stop is a supported place in Seoul.
- 02
Choose Unlock.
A current location sample verifies you are inside the Landmark's supported area.
- 03
Finish the track.
Each verified visit earns the Landmark's badge permanently in your Passport.
Before you go
Track questions.
Is this one continuous walking route?
No. Every transfer between Landmarks is a subway ride, with local exploration at the stops. N Seoul Tower also requires separate planning for transport to the hill; the subway transfer should not be treated as summit access.
Does a palace-gate arrival include access inside?
No. Changdeokgung’s arrival concerns the Donhwamun approach; palace admission and Secret Garden visits are separate arrangements. Gyeongbokgung’s arrival point is at Gwanghwamun, while palace courtyards, exhibitions and ceremonies have separate access controls.
Can I count on seeing Banpo Bridge’s fountain?
Fountain operation is not guaranteed, and neither are river access or lower-deck openings. Use the southern riverside path and park-side approach to see the bridge span and open river, staying away from the lower deck when closed.
Where should I confirm each Unlock?
Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock while nearby at the specified approach. A distant view does not establish arrival. Stay in permitted areas rather than crossing traffic, entering fenced heritage grounds or passing viewpoint railings.