Published Date : Dec 19, 2022 / Edited Date : Oct 11, 2023
Bukhansanseong Fortress was built in 1711, the 37th year of the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty, to defend the capital Hanyang (today’s Seoul). The structure uses the rough topography of Bukhansan and extends for 11.6 kilometers. This trail goes through the five main gates Daedongmun, Daeseongmun, Daenammun, Daeseomun, and Bukmun and the seven hidden gates Seomun, Baeugunbongmun, Yongammun, Bogukmun, Cheongsudongmun, Buwangdongmun, and Gasadangammun along the fortifications, as well as Uisang Ridge (made up of Uisangbong, Yongchulbong, Jeungchwibong, Nahanbong, and Munsubong peaks) known to be Bukhansan’s most challenging section. The reward for this punishing course awaits at the summit: great views of Bukhansan scenery along the ridge line.
Total travel distance 14.4km Average travel time 6 hours Difficulty advanced
COURSE MAP
INFORMATION
About the trail
· The steep slopes and challenging terrain of Uisang Ridge stretching west from Munsubong and the main ridge of Bukhansan might be too difficult for novice hikers. · The section from Baegunbongammun Gate over Baegundae Peak past Wonhyobong Peak to Bukmun Gate is particularly dangerous, requiring full rock-climbing gear. Those without the proper equipment must descend toward Daedongsa Temple, take the path from the temple to Bukmun, and return to Daedongsa.
Shelter and hiking tips
This trail through 12 Bukhansanseong gates can be exhausting so take every opportunity to rest and recover. Broad boulders appear every six or so peaks for sitting and resting.
Transportation
Take bus No. 34 or No. 704 at the bus stop outside Exit 2 of Gupabal Station, Seoul Metro Line 3. Get off at the entrance to Bukhansanseong Fortress and walk up Daeseomun-gil Road for about 900 meters. On the right are steps and a sign reading "Uisangbong Peak." Follow this road to reach Uisang Ridge.
SPOTS
Buwangdongammun Gate
One of the hidden gates ( ammun ) installed when Bukhansanseong was built in 1711, this gate was strategically placed on the path linking the temples of Samcheonsa and Jungheungsa. Hidden gates were used to bring weapons, food, and reinforcements into the fortress during an emergency.
Munsubong Peak
Marking the end of Uisang Ridge, this peak towers over and is named after Munsusa Temple, which was built during the Goryeo Dynasty. The ridges of Uisang, Sanseongju, and Bibong meet at Cheongsudongammun Gate. Legend has it that those who pray on the toad-shaped boulder at the tip of the peak will beget a son.
Daseongmun Gate
The southeast gate of Bukhansanseong was built in 1711 along with the main structure. As the closest access point to Bukhansanseong from Changdeokgung Palace, Daeseongmun was reopened to the public in 2018 after columns at the gatehouse and roof tiles were repaired.
Dongjangdae Post
A full view of the ridges of Bukhansanseong unfolds at the top of Dongjangdae, which served as generals’ command post in the Joseon Dynasty. The dirt and forest paths stretched slightly below the fortress walls in the Bogukmun-Gate-to-Yongammun-Gate section, which includes Dongjangdae in the middle, offer the joy of variety. A short break at Dongjangdae might also be a good idea.
Daeseomun Gate
The main gate of Bukhansanseong has the lowest elevation of the fortress’ 16 gates. The royal procession of King Sukjong entered this gate in 1712. Daeseomun was also the main access point for villagers living within the fortifications.
MORE INFO
Making way through steep rocks can be challenging, but the view of Bukhansan encountered at the end of this trail is one of a kind. The intense and dynamic hike offered by the rocky ridge has hikers return for more. The view from the rocks will leave hikers feeling like a Taoist hermit.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)