Inwangsan Forest Shelter
San 4-36, Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
The Forest Shelter, located on the slopes of Inwangsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, is a special place where you can escape the city's noise and find rest in nature. Once used as a military outpost with restricted civilian access, this site was transformed into a public space for citizens through the Hanyangdoseong Opening Project in 2021. Originally built for military purposes, the shelter is tucked away off the main hiking trail, making it almost invisible. This hidden location allows it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature, giving it a mysterious and multi-dimensional beauty when first encountered.
The journey to the Forest Shelter begins by following the Hanyangdoseong fortress wall trail, which stretches from Jahamun Pass towards Inwangsan Mountain. As you walk, the views of Seoul gradually unfold, blending smoothly with the natural landscape, and visitors are gradually immersed in the peaceful atmosphere that Inwangsan offers. After about 15 minutes of walking along the fortress wall, you will easily find a side path leading to the Forest Shelter. At the end of this path, the shelter reveals itself in majestic silence, as if disconnected from the outside world.
The purpose of this project was to preserve the historical traces of the past while creating a space for rest and meditation in nature. Architect Cho Namho, a master of Korean wooden architecture, led the design. He has long explored the possibilities of eco-friendly architecture by combining lightweight wooden structures with modern construction methods. The Forest Shelter reflects this vision and approach by retaining the concrete base of the original military outpost while replacing the upper structure with wood, allowing it to harmonize with nature over time. The interior is lined with wood and features large glass windows, creating a sense of unity with the surrounding environment and allowing light and scenery to flow in naturally.
The Inwangsan Forest Shelter serves as a resting place for those on their way to the mountain's peak and a space where anyone can take a break from the rough pace of daily life. Here, people can quietly gaze at the dense forest and wide sky or read a book, momentarily forgetting the bustle of everyday life and connecting with nature. This place, where the city and nature coexist, offers a true haven for all who visit.
