Doksanseong Fortress Forest Park

Doksanseong Fortress Forest Park, also called Dokseongsanseong was built as a lookout and defense from invaders. Although it is not clear when exactly this fortress was built. But it is known that it was built during the Baekje Period, which was between 18 BC to 660 AD.

It had a circumference of 3,240 meters (10,630 feet) before it was modified and invaded.

Now, from this historic site, you can see the surrounding city from a 360-degree view thanks to General Gwon Yul.

The fortress is now a 1,095-meter-long wall with a perfect view of the surrounding city.

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Bojeoksa Temple

What Do You Need to Bring?

I recommend bringing a few things on your hike. Especially if you are going to take public transportation because you will have to walk quite a bit.

And if you want to stay there for a while, you should bring something to eat or pack a lunch and take it to go!

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Snack/lunch
  • Sunblock
  • Walking/hiking shoes – I used these Dansko shoes every time I hiked in South Korea. I LOVE them. They are also waterproof and are very comfortable.

Where is Doksanseong Fortress Forest Park?

It is right in the middle of Osan, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

To the Fortress From Pyeongtaek

Traveling around South Korea is usually affordable and quick so getting to the fortress or anywhere else will be hassle-free.

At AK Plaza, you can Line 1 to Sema Station. You will ride for about a half-hour until you get to Jigot-dong. From there, you can either walk or take bus 9 or 31.

You’ll be on the bus for about 5-10 minutes and then you will get off on a highway. You will walk from the highway to the side road. Then from there you just have to walk straight.

You will walk up a hill for about 15-20 minutes and you’ll see restaurants and little stores along the way.

Then you will take a right and walk up another hill. From there, you will see the entrance. You can either park your car if you drove or continue walking up the path. From the entrance and the map of the fortress, it will take about 10-15 minutes to get to the top.

Of course, you can always use a handy navigation app such as Naver, Kakao, or Google Maps. Just search how to get to the fortress from your location.

And don’t forget, with Google Maps you can always download maps offline in case you don’t have service.

Check out some other apps you should download for Korea here.

Command Post (Semadae)

What Can You See There?

  • Bojeoksa Temple
  • Command Post AKA Semadae
  • Views of the city
Ammun Gate

Take a day trip and enjoy the scenery from this ancient fortress. You can take your time up and enjoy the historic artifacts while you are up there.

You can pack a lunch and enjoy the views of Osan and the surrounding cities. And don’t forget to take some photos.

Visiting this historic site can take just an hour or two and the best part is that it’s free.

There will be plaques all around the park so you can read and learn about the use of Doksanseong Park.

Once the West Gate was closed in 1804, the Ammun Gate was used to meet traffic needs.

In the East Gate, you can take a walk by Bojeoksa Temple (보적사 대웅전).

The Command Post is the highest part of the fortress. It was destroyed during the Japanese Occupation and the Korean War but was restored back in August 1957.

Semadae means “a place for washing horses.”

During the invasion, the drinking water was scarce and the invading troops tried to take advantage of the problem.

General Gwon Yul and his men poured rice over their horses to trick the invaders into thinking that they were pouring water over their heads, showing the enemies that they had plenty of water. Once the attackers saw that happening, they left the area and gave up.

That is where the name Semadae comes from.

Doksanseong Fortress Forest Park

My Thoughts on Doksandeong Fortress

I enjoyed my time up at the top of the fortress because of the views and I appreciate history.

However, I wouldn’t go out of your way to check this spot off your South Korea bucket list but if you are in the area or if it is close to your home, it might be a fun day trip to take.

I would also like to forewarn you that getting back to Sema Station if that is your route, can be difficult. Since this part of Osan is nearly vacant, you might find it hard to find a bus. If I had known that prior to visiting, I am not so sure I would have gone to the park. But hey, it was still pretty cool.

There will be bus stops around the small town, but it is difficult to catch a bus because they don’t run too often.

It might be best for you to walk to the main road and find a bus or simply walk back to the station. It will take about 30 minutes and if you get tired, you can hop on one of the many buses that drive by.

So hey, if you find yourself in Osan and you are thinking of activities to do, check out this place!

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15 Comments

  1. Aww I wish I could accompany you on this trek! Reminds me of the days when I used to take the local train to frequent my college and would often end up missing the station because I fell asleep on my way back lol. Hope you didn’t dehydrate yourself with all the walking around! ☺????

  2. I was relieved to know that bus number 9 driver has let you hop in at the red light. Sometimes the spontaneous trips end like this, but the experience is worth remembering.

    Thanks for sharing. xx

  3. Oh, it looks like you had a great adventure even with missing the stop! The landscape is amazing from the pictures, thanks for sharing x

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