Bukhansan — A National Park Climbed from Downtown Seoul
Rising to the north of Seoul, Bukhansan is a national park reachable by subway. Granite peaks and ridges look down on the city, and it is the Korean mountain foreign travelers most readily take on.
Season by season
- 🌸 Spring — azaleas and fresh green, the best time to climb
- ☀️ Summer — valley hikes; in the heat, start early
- 🍁 Autumn — peak season as foliage colors the ridges
- ❄️ Winter — snowscapes. Some rocky ridge sections may be closed.
Courses
- Dulle-gil — a flat forest path, for beginners and light walks
- Baegundae — Bukhansan's highest peak (836m), with iron stairs near the top
- Daenammun–Gugi-dong — a mid-level course linking temples and fortress walls
Nearby
A tofu village at the fortress entrance, Uidong Valley, and the Pyeongchang-dong cafe street are close.
Photo tips
From the Baegundae summit, all of central Seoul comes into view. A clear autumn morning is sharpest.
Visitor info
- Getting there: Bus transfer from subway stations such as Gupabal and Gyeongbokgung (Line 3) or Suyu (Line 4)
- Admission: Free
- Climate & clothing: Ridges are windy — a jacket is essential. Rocky sections are slippery; hiking boots recommended.