Love hiking these trails! The views provide a great break from the cityscape of Seoul. Two notes for foreigners: 1 . Koreans make hiking into a fashion show -- chances are you're underdressed. Don't sweat it, move on and enjoy nature (and the fashion show!) 2. Wear the right shoes -- hiking/mountain climbing shoes. Running/tennis shoes will not suffice and will be problematic.
I was able to get out and take a short hike in the middle of winter (-1 degree and snowing) and the paths were well maintained and more helpful, well marked with distance and names in English. Fairly easy to get to via public transportation too. It was a wonderful moment and way to experience fresh air in a quiet setting just outside of the city. I went on a Monday, so it was likely less crowded than on the weekends, from what I have read and heard.
It is so close to downtown but you can enjoy the feeling of outdoor and still get good foods around. There are trails for hikers and you can enjoy the remnants of old dynasty markings and smell the natures. Actually, there are many trails that you can enjoy short or long hikes and have access to main road to return easily.Watching sundown from Bukhansan offers great view and it is one of memorable experience I have.
So, me and my partner wanted to do what Koreans do, so we decided hiking. We thought our normal attire is good enough. But we are so wrong. Recommended time to the peak is 1.5 hours, but it took us 4 hours since we dont have any experience and dont have any gear/equipment.But once you reach the top, the scene and view is really breath taking.
We took the hike up the hill and met a really nice older Korean man. While talking we told him we liked the temples so at a fork in the trail about a mile in from the trail head we took the left fork rather than proceed to summit and gate and there is an awesome temple and large Buddha a short hike to left. We did not continue on to summit and gate because it was a very foggy day with no chance of a view
Lots of things to see and do in Seoul before heading to Bukhansan unless you are hiker like me (last here in winter 2 years ago)Getting here by public transport is not difficult via the metro and bus ( you get off at the last stop at the terminal). From the terminal you can either hike up or bus up (special bus but I reckon half hour frequency) or get a taxi up (US$4 per trip, higher tariff than city taxi). From the entrance gateway there is only main 1 way up until 20 mins up you can get on otherside tracks, all well signposted with proper trails. I had limited time and do only an hour hike to vantage point where i can see the stony mountain top. To get further up it will probably take another 1-2 hours further up. I came in fall late Nov this time hoping foliage like that in Mt Sorak. but only saw a patch of red sporadically. Will need to go to Mt Sorak to enjoy that. Have a good hike
The National Park is easily accessible by Seoul by the metro station. The location is a tranquil and scenic escape from the city. There are plenty of hiking trails and they are well maintained. At the entrance to the park, paper maps can be obtained.
我们是做七号线到道峰山站下的,从一号出口出来之后跟着人流就可以判定去的路。出一号口往左走,会穿过一条很窄的地下通道,两边都是卖菜的大妈,然后走到前面穿过马路,一直往前跟着大部队就会到北汉山脚下,越靠近北汉山,两边卖登山装备的店就越来越多。到了门口,可以拍照留念了,不用门票的哦,亲。一直往前就会分开两天路,一条是往左的很平坦的路,一条是比较抖的,都是山路。我选择的是山路,后面发现很刺激。不同的朋友可以选择不同的路哈。一切靠你自己来闯,最后不管怎样要注意安全哈。
I really love this place! it's the best place for you guys who loved hiking with your fellow friends! unfortunately i come here in a group of tour, so i can't hike for long, but still it's quite amazing to see such breath taking view from up there. But becareful! the path have no real safety measures, just some rope and rocky path in some of the places. If u decide to go hiking out there, it will take quite some time, about 1-3 days depending on your skill and ability, but i highly recommend you to try and hike this national park mountain. Last but not least, I LOVE this place! :D
Baegundae is the highest peak. Start at Doseonsa (Doseon Temple), which is a great temple, and hike up to the peak. There is a house with beer, makkoli, ramen, and other drinks and snacks near the top. Great views and it only takes 3-4 hours round trip for moderately paced hikes.