Bukhansan Mountain
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Bukhansan Mountain Hiking Trail Map
Natural Park at the Heart of the City
Bukhansan National Park stretches over Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province. The park has so much to offer: centering around the highest peak named Baegundae Peak stand Insubong Peak on the north, Mangyeongdae Overlook on the south, and a number of majestic rock peaks and steep cliffs. With Uiryeong Trail divides the park into Bukhansan Mountain in the south and Dobongsan Mountain in the north. You will have a lot to choose from because the park offers 13 trail courses for everyone from beginners to expert rock climbers. Moreover, it is easily accessible from the city center as public transportations will bring you to the park entrances.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION
Find a nearest subway station to the start of the trail you plan to venture. You can easily go there by bus or subway.
1.9km(One way)┃1hr 30min 
Baegundae Peak Trail
Fastest Route to the Peak of Bukhansan Mountai
If you want the fastest way to the top of Bukhansan Mountain, Baegundae Peak Trail is right for you. It is the shortest trail to Baegundae Peak (836m), the highest peak of Bukhansan Mountain. As you get closer to the top, it gets harder. The trail starts from Baegundae Peak Visitor Center. Covered with dirt and stones, the path is moderately difficult up to Harujae Pass. From Harujae Pass to Baegundae Shelter, you will hike up stone steps and rocky roads. You only have 500 meters left from Baegundae Shelter, but you better get yourself ready. The path to the peak has a lot of rock peaks and is very steep. You have to hold tight onto iron railings. But the challenge is all worth it when you arrive at Baegundae Peak. The moment you step on the top, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolds before your eyes. Suddenly everything is so quiet and calm as you are immersed into the magnificent view of the city and the nature at the same time. You get to see a whole new world at the top of Bukhansan Mountain.
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Useful information for hiking
It is recommended you have proper hiking gear, including hiking boots and trekking poles because Baegundae Peak Trail has a lot of stone paths and steep slopes. In winter, especially, you must wear crampons because many surfaces are frozen. Do not go close to the restricted areas around Baegundae Peak because they pose a great danger of falling. Also, hiking takes more time on weekends due to a higher volume of hikers, so make sure you add in extra time considering your physical strength and sunset time.
* Traffic Information
Bukhansan-Ui Station → Ui Ranger Station → Baegundae Visitor Center┃40-60 mins on foot, 7mins by taxi
Suyu Station (Line 4) → City Bus 120 or 15 → Get off at “Doseonsa Ipgu” Stop → 5 minutes on foot → Baegundae Visitor Center┃1hr 10min
* Baegun Visitor Center
Addr. 462, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-2-905-8062
3.3km(One way)┃1hr 40min
Sinseondae Terrace Trail
Oddly Shaped Rocks: Wonderful View of Dobongsan Mountain
At the border of Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Province, Dobongsan Mountain offers a magnificent view of grand rock peaks, such as Jaunbong Peak (740m; the highest peak), Manjangbong Peak, Seoninbong Peak, and Sinseondae Terrace. The highest peak that you can reach via hiking is Sinseondae Terrace (726m). Sinseondae Terrace Trail starts from Dobong Visitor Center and passes by Dobongseowon Confucian Academy. You will arrive at Dobong Shelter towards the end of wooden decks as you climb up flat paths along the valley. Let’s continue hiking up the forest. You will see mysterious Injeolmi Rock, named after the shape of a traditional rice cake. Walk up for about 30 minutes past a grotto, and then you will have to climb a steep stair with a lot of steps. This is the most difficult section of this trail. However, once you arrive at the top of Sinseondae Terrace, the expansive landscape will make you forget about the steep hill. When you look at Seoninbong Peak, Manjangbong Peak, and Jaunbong Peak are towering over the shadow of mountains, you will feel like a “sinseon” or a mountain god chilling on the clouds.
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Useful information for hiking
Hikers should be mindful of accidents as Dobongsan Mountain is full of steep rocks. Sinseondae Terrace Trail, in particular, has a lot of steep paths and stairs, so you should plan well in terms of your physical fitness and hiking times. Dobongsan Mountain offers a number of trails, so make sure you bring the map and follow the right trail every time you are at crossroads. You can get the map at Dobong Visitor Center.
* The Police Mountain Rescue Team is stationed on the trail at the bottom of Seoninbong Peak to quickly respond to accidents
* Traffic Information
Ssangmun Station (Line 4) → City Bus 141 or 1127 → Get off at “Doseonsa Ipgu” Stop → 7 minutes on foot → Dobong Visitor Center ┃30mins
Dobongsan Station (Line 1 & 7) → City Bus 1127 or 142 at “Kim Geuntae Memorial Library and Dobong High School” Stop → Get off at “Dobongsan Ipgu” Stop → Dobong Visitor Center┃15mins
* Dobong Visitor Center
Addr. 86, Dobongsan-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-2-954-2566
3.4km(One way)┃2hr 40min 
Bukhansanseong Fortress Trail
Exploring History and Culture While Hiking
This trail hosts cultural relics, including Bukhansanseong Fortress (most well-known cultural heritage site in Bukhansan National Park) and its main gates. It is also popular for ecological exploration as a beautiful scenery unfolds along the gates and valleys. When you hike up for about 30 minutes from the entrance of Bukhansanseong Fortress Visitor Center, you will arrive at Daeseomun Gate. It is one of the gates in the fortress, which was built during the King Sukjong era of the Joseon Dynasty, and it represents the West. It was also the main gate where the King would use. After Daeseomun Gate and Borisa Temple, the hill continues. Then, another flight of steep stone steps continues for about 500 meters from Yaksuam Hermitage Site to Baegundongammun Gate. This is the hardest part of this trail, with a nickname of “a gasping-for-air hill.” This is not the end, though. Now you face a rock to climb. Hold onto the rope and climb the rock for about 20 minutes. Then, you will finally arrive at the top of Baegundae Peak. You will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the winding mountain ridges and Seoul peacefully sitting within, you will feel excited again!
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Useful information for hiking
Halfway through, Bukhansanseong Fortress Trail turns into a steep hill, filled with stone steps and rock faces. Hikers are advised to do warm-up exercises and pace themselves. Do not forget to have proper mountain-climbing equipment, including hiking boots and trekking poles, and crampons are a must in the winter due to frozen surfaces.
* Traffic Information
Gupabal Station (Line 3) → City Bus 704 or 34 → Get off at “Bukhansanseong Ipgu” Stop → 12 minutes on foot→ Bukhansanseong Fortress Visitor Center┃15mins
* Bukhansanseong Fortress Visitor Center
Addr. 45, Daeseomun-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-2-909-0497
21 Section┃71.8km (Total)
Bukhansan Dulle Trails
Bukhansan Dulle Trails: Easy Breezy Stroll Around the Mountain
You don’t have to climb to the top to enjoy mountains. Located along the foot of the mountain, Bukhansan Dulle Trails are a low-lying promenade that connect old side roads. Each of the 21 trails has its own theme, and their views are different as some are along the water, in the forest, or near the village. The trails stretch over six Districts in Seoul and three cities in Gyeonggi-do Province. They let you go around Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain.
Bukhansan Dulle Trails Stamp Tour
For special memories, Bukhansan Dulle Trails offer a stamp tour, where you visit all 21 trails and get stamps. You need to buy a passport at one of the Bukhansan Mountain Visitor Centers. Then, take a picture in photo zones in each trail, and then get stamps at a visitor center.
* Inquiries on Bukhansan Dulle Trails Stamp Tour
Dulle Trail Ui Info Center
Tel. +82-2-900-8079
* Bukhansan Dulle Trail Visitor Center
Addr. 4, 4.19-ro 28-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-2-900-8085, 8086┃Web. www.knps.or.kr/portal/dulegil/bukhansan/index.do
Trail 21 (Uiryeong Trail) requires an online reservation. 500 people start from the Ui side and another 500 start from the Gyoryeong side, so pick your start point and make the reservation. Senior citizens and foreigners can make reservations by phone.
One-Stop Service for Visitors: Equipment Rental
Seoul Hiking Tourism Center
If you are a foreign visitor who wants to enjoy hiking Bukhansan Mountain while traveling in Seoul, don’t let the equipment be a problem. Seoul Hiking Tourism Center provides a complimentary rental of hiking gear, including hiking boots and clothes, to foreign visitors. You can either make an online reservation at least 2 days prior to the date of hiking or simply walk in. You can present your passport or alien registration card to get the requested items. You can leave your belongings in a coin locker, and use the shower room and changing room when you are back after hiking. The center also has information on hiking trails, and lounges and rooftop observatories to take some rest.
Addr. 52, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-1533-2608┃ Web. millim.in/en/goods/view/WQZEK-6892 ┃AM 09:00~PM 18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Information & Assistance
Bukhansan National Park Office
Addr. 262, Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul┃Tel. +82-2-909-0497
Bukhansan National Park Dobong Office
Addr. 51-97, Mangwol-ro 28beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do┃Tel. +82-31-828-8000
Hiking trail opening hours
Winter Season (Dec. - Feb.) 04:00-16:00
Summer Season (Mar. - Nov.) 04:00-17:00
At the foot of Bukhansan Mountain are temples, a traditional hanok village, and culturally and historically significant spaces. Stop by one of the nearby attractions on the way to the mountain. It will make your trip even more meaningful.
Eunpyeong Hanok Village
Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a modern hanok village at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain. Close to the village, there are Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum, which explains the structure of hanok and the history of Eunpyeong-gu District, Jingwansa Temple, which was built over a thousand years ago, and the beautiful valleys of the mountain. All these provide colorful experiences for visitors. It will be nice to take some rest in such a tasteful area.
Photo Spot┃History
Bukhansan Eco-learning Institute
It is the first of such institute among the National Parks. With natural environment commentators, you can experience and learn about the mountain’s natural ecology, history, culture, and safe hiking tips. You can also book accommodation online.
Safety Guide┃Accommodation
Addr. 86, Dobongsan-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul
Tel. +82-2-901-0700
Doseonsa Temple
Located at the entrance of Baegundae Peak Trail, Doseonsa Temple (‘喪砨) was founded in 862 (Silla Dynasty) by Buddhist monk named Doseonguksa. The temple’s Maebul Ipsang (rock-carved standing Buddha), which is said to be sculpted by the monk himself, and Daeungjeon (main building) are designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul.
Baegundae Course┃Nature
Addr. 504, Samyang-ro 173-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
Tel. +82-2-993-3161
Web. www.doseonsa.org (Korean only)
Jingwansa Temple
This temple was built in 1011 by King Hyeonjong of Goryeo Dynasty to repay the kindness of Monk Jingwan, who saved his life before he ascended to the throne. Twenty-one cultural heritages were discovered, including an edition of Dongnipsinmun (“The Independent”), a first Korean newspaper published in Korean, and the Taegeukgi (Korean flag) painted over the Japanese flag by Monk Baek Chowol. It offers a temple stay program, which is not to be missed.
Temple Stay┃Nature
Ui-dong H.U.B (Himalaya, Um Hong-Gil, Bukhansan)
It is a hiking culture hub created to commemorate the achievements of Captain Um Hong-gil, who was the first in the world to succeed in climbing the 16 highest points on Earth. It has an exhibition hall displaying the records of Captain Um, and it offers bouldering walls and VR devices for visitors to try various mountain climbing experiences.
Experience┃Exhibition
Sondubu
Sondubu, or handmade bean curd, is very healthy food made by grinding soybeans grown in Korea. Thanks to its soft texture, it tastes great however it is cooked – have it pan-fried and dip it in spicy soy sauce, or pair it with kimchi, or enjoy it as a hotpot with vegetables.
Origogi (Duck Meat)
Duck meat is considered to improve your stamina. At Restaurants near Bukhansan Mountain, people enjoy grilling marinated duck meat on a griddle plate. You have to ask for “fried rice” on the griddle after you are done with the meat!
Sonkalguksu
Sonkalguksu, or handmade noodle soup, is a must-have food in the Bukhansan Mountain area, especially in restaurants located in traditional Dokaebi Market. You can also try a noodle soup with perilla seeds, which is nutty and tasty. Hand-pulled noodles are fresh, tender, and chewy, and the umami of broth is outstanding.
Yukgaejang (Spicy Beef Soup)
If you can handle spicy, yukgaejang may be a great option. Known for its pleasantly spicy broth, you won’t be able to put down the spoon.
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