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“Is there a new course other than the one I hike all the time?” If you are someone who enjoys hiking, that thought may have crossed your mind at least once. Even if you go to the same mountain, you usually only hike the course you enjoy. The more people visit a mountain, the more standardized courses are bound to exist. Bukhansan Mountain is the only national park in Seoul and the most visited attraction among the 22 national parks in Korea. It is also the highest mountain in Seoul. Due to its vastness, there are various peaks and hiking trails we would like to introduce to you, especially those that are more uniquely appealing.

Regardless of what people say, isn't mountaineering all about the taste of conquering the summit? The first course we would like to introduce is the Baegundae Hiking Course, which we recommend to “speed hikers” who are eager to be the first to reach the mountaintop. This course starts at the Baegundae Information Center located in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu. The fastest route to reach Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan Mountain, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

In the beginning, the hiking difficulty is moderate, but as you reach the end of the course, the difficulty level increases. Baegundae, in particular, is short, but the slope is very steep, and there are many rocky paths to traverse, so it may not be easy for beginners to climb. Wire ropes are also installed in some sections, so before climbing Baegundae, you should rest at the Baegundae Shelter first. In addition, Baegundae is popular with visitors so it can be crowded on weekends, and when crowded, there could be delays. So, it is better to plan your hike around how physically fit you are and the time of sunset.

After climbing Baegundae, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul and a sense of accomplishment for having climbed the highest peak of Bukhansan Mountain. And as such, the surrounding areas present a higher risk of falling or injury. Therefore, you should always be careful when climbing the Baegundae course and refrain from hiking beyond the designated trails.

Samobawi Hiking Course

If you want a more leisure course, unlike the challenge presented at Baegundae Peak, we recommend the Samobawi Hiking Course. From the Gugi Information Center, this course goes through Gugi Valley, Daenammun Gate, Munsubong Peak, Seunggabong Peak, Samobawi Rock, and Seunggasa Temple. With a total distance of 6 km, you can explore Bukhansan Mountain in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

This course consists of a repetition of gentle slopes and steep climbs, so warm-up exercises and wearing hiking boots are essential before hiking. One of the characteristics of the Samobawi Hiking Course is that you can walk while listening to the incredible sound of the water. You can hike with a more refreshing feeling along the Gugi Valley, inhabited by willow fishes who only live in grade 1 water.

If you follow this course, it will pass through the highest point, Munsubong Peak, and lead to Seunggabong Peak, but this descent can be difficult because it is steep. Some hikers love the course in the opposite direction: going through Samobawi first and then going up from Seunggabong Peak to Munsubong Peak.

The steep descent between Munsubong Peak and Seunggabong Peak, although difficult, is worth the challenge because of the spectacular view it offers. The Samobawi course is a course that allows you to climb not only the mountain, but also visit Gugi Valley, rocks of unusual shapes, and quiet temples, such as Seunggasa Temple and Munsusa Temple.

We recommend the Someunbyeok Neungseon Course, or Hidden Wall Ridge Course, if you are serious about hiking. Starting at the Bamgol Information Center," it is a course that passes through hidden wall ridges and Baegundae Peak, before descending to the Baegundae Information Center. The 6.3 km course takes about five hours. The beginning starts with relatively easy routes, with both rolling and flat terrain so that you can climb the ridge in no time. However, from the ridge of the hidden wall ensues a rocky section, so it is recommended to wear hiking boots if you choose this course. On the way to Baegundae Peak, you will pass by Madang Rock. If you look at the bottom of the mountain from there, you can spot Haegol Rock, a rock that resembles a human skull. This course is not a short one, but the view from the hidden wall ridge is so nice that it is well worth visiting for anyone who enjoys hiking.

Last, but not least, we will introduce the Wonhyobong Hiking Course, which even beginners can climb without hesitation, and where the view is superior to the effort needed. This course starts at the Bukhansanseong Information Center and passes through Seoammun Gate and Wonhyoam Hermitage, reaches the Wonhyobong Peak, passes through the North Gate, and descends to the Monument to the Filial Piety of Park Taeseongi. Bukhansanseong Information Center is a 10-minute drive from Gupabal Station on Subway Line 3 and is easily accessible by public transportation.

The beginning of the course is a well-arranged flat ground, so it is good to warm up while strolling. Continuing in that direction, you will see a stone staircase. Climb it for about 20 minutes, and you will arrive at Seoammun Gate, the first milestone. Although the stone staircase continues from Seoammun Gate, the course is well-maintained, so even beginners can take to the climb. Once you pass Wonhyoam Hermitage and climb a short rope course, you will finally reach Wonhyobong Peak. If you look down at Seoul, which is spread in all directions around you, you'll feel your heart burst open at the landscape. Don't forget to take a photo in front of such a fantastic view for a shot to remember.

Once you have decided on a course, you should be aware of the precautions you need to take when hiking. First, you must climb only on the designated hiking trail no matter which course you choose. Side paths are prohibited because you can adversely affect plant and wildlife habitats. In addition, if it is not a hiking trail, most of the roads are rough, and it is easy to get lost, leading to dangerous situations. In case of an emergency and you need help, it is better to identify your location through the guide map for each course or by indicating which milestones you are located in between.

In addition, for safety reasons, it is essential to set the time for hiking. Setting the descent time to be at least one to two hours before sunset is necessary. In the mountains, the sun sets earlier than on flat land. There are no lights, such as streetlights, making it challenging to secure visibility. As the temperature drops rapidly at sunset, it isn’t easy to maintain body temperature. Unless you are prepared for a night hike, it is safer to come down from the mountain before sunset.

The first step in safe hiking will be determining a course that best suits you. If you set a course that is not suitable for your physical state, accidents may occur that put your safety at risk. It is recommended that beginners choose a course of about 2-3 hours. People who enjoy hiking will be familiar with the hiking courses suitable for themselves and safety rules. But most accidents, unfortunately, happen out of negligence. The more you get used to things, the safer you can hike.