Near Heunginjimun, the line of the wall appears to stop at the road. Much of the fortification on level ground was removed as trams, motor traffic, and a growing city demanded space. Climb toward Naksan, however, and restored stretches mixed with older stones reappear like a boundary around the hillside neighborhood.
Different sizes and shapes of stone belong to different periods
The wall was first built in 1396 and repaired or reconstructed repeatedly, including major works under Kings Sejong and Sukjong. Sections of smaller, roughly shaped natural stone coexist with courses of more regular blocks fitted closely together. The masonry should be read as layers of construction and repair, not as one untouched remnant from the founding of Seoul.
Inscribed stones recorded responsibility for construction
Some blocks carry inscriptions identifying a work section, contributing region, official, or mason. They show that a monumental state project depended on organized labor and systems of accountability. Do not lean against the wall or probe between stones while searching for lettering.
The wall trail is also a street outside people's homes
The Naksan section offers broad views but passes the lived-in lanes of Changsin-dong and Ihwa-dong. Night lighting and popular photo locations do not override residents' right to rest. Keep voices low, avoid photographing into windows, and remain on the official wall trail.