Hikers’ favorite, Bukhansanseong–Daenammun Trail

> Travel Themes> Seoul Hiking Tourism

Bukhansan National Park

Hikers’ favorite, Bukhansanseong–Daenammun Trail

Published Date : Dec 19, 2022 / Edited Date : Jan 30, 2024

This trail marked by beautiful scenery and historical sites is a hikers’ favorite.
It is also popular among foreigners as it passes through the main castle of the
Bukhansanseong Fortress and historical palace sites. The wildflowers that bloom
throughout the four seasons add to the beauty of the trail.

Hiking route

Bukhansanseong Visitor Center Daeseomun Gate Muryangsa Temple Bukhandong History Museum Daedongsa Temple Baegunbongammun Gate Mangyeongdae Peak Nojeokbong Peak Site of Jungheungsa Temple Site of Haenggung Site of Eoyeongcheong Daenammun Gate Gugi Valley Gugi Visitor Center

Total travel distance 10.2km

Average travel time 4 hours 10 minutes

Difficulty advanced

COURSE MAP

Bukhansan National Park Course 2, Bukhansanseong-Daenammun Course A diagram showing the moving route. The section from Bukhansanseong Exploration Support Center, the starting point, to Daeseomun is easy, the section from Daeseomun to Muryangsa is easy, the section from Muryangsa to Bukhandong History Museum is normal, the section from Bukhandong History Museum to Daedongsa is difficult, and the section from Daedongsa to Baegun-Bongammun is difficult. Normal, the section difficulty from Baegun-Bongammun to Mangyeongdae side road is Normal, the section from Mangyeongdae side road to Nojeokbong side road is easy, the section from Nojeokbong side road to Jungheungsaji is easy, the section from Jungheungsaji to Haenggungji is easy, and from Haenggungji to Daenammun The difficulty of the section up to is Normal, the section from Daenammun to Gugyegok is easy, and the section from Gugyegok to the destination Gugi Visitor Support Center is easy.

A graph showing the change in altitude between Bukhansan National Park course 2, Bukhansanseong-Daenammun course. Total length 10.2 km. The starting point, Bukhansanseong Exploration Support Center, is about 0 km away and about 60 meters high. The distance to the west gate is about 1 kilometer, and the altitude is about 160 meters. The distance of Muryangsa Temple is about 1.5 kilometers, and the altitude is about 170 meters. The North Korean History Museum is about 1.8 kilometers long and about 190 meters high. The distance of Daedongsa Temple is about 2.6 kilometers, and the altitude is about 334 meters. Baegunbongammun The distance is about 3.6 kilometers and the altitude is about 690 meters. The road next to Mangyeongdae is about 3.7 kilometers long and the altitude is about 690 meters. The distance to the side of Nojeokbong Peak is about 5.8 kilometers, and the altitude is about 390 meters. The distance to Jungheungsa Temple Site is about 5.9 kilometers, and the altitude is about 380 meters. The distance to the haenggungji is about 6.4 kilometers, and the altitude is about 430 meters. The south gate distance is about 7.7 kilometers, and the altitude is about 660 meters. The Gugyegok Valley is about 9.4 kilometers long and has an altitude of about 250 meters. The destination, the Gugi Exploration Support Center, is about 10.2 kilometers long and about 160 meters high.

INFORMATION

About the trail

From Bukhandong History Museum and past the gates of Jungseongmun and Yongammun, take a detour toward Mangyeongdae Peak. While this means a longer hike, the trail is less steep and eases the journey up to Baegunbongammun and Baegundae.

Shelter and hiking tips

The trail spans over 10 kilometers of steep climbs and drops. At least 10 minutes of rest for every hour traveled is thus recommended. Rest and recover at Yaksuam Hermitage past Daedongsa Temple before moving on.

Transportation

Take bus No. 704 at Exit 2 of Gupabal Station, Seoul Metro Line 3. Get off at the entrance of Bukhansanseong Fortress. Bukhansanseong Visitor Center is located about 700 meters up the road.

SPOTS

Site of Jungheungsa Temple

The former site of Jungheungsa Temple is found at the southern base of Nojeokbong Peak between the peaks of Janggunbong and Guambong. The original temple was lost to fire in 1894 and later to flooding in 1915, and is currently undergoing restoration. Surviving artifacts include a temple bell from 1103 and a Buddhist incense holder (used in the sanctum) from 1344.

Site of Haenggung

After Japanese and Qing invasions in 1592 and 1636, King Sukjong reinforced the capital’s defenses with Bukhansanseong Fortress. A temporary palace ( haenggung ) was built at the base of Sangwonbong Peak. The original haenggung was destroyed in a landslide in 1915.

Daenammun Gate

One of the gates of Bukhansanseong Fortress, Daenammunprovides access to and from all major points in BukhansanMountain. The gate is connected to Baegundae Peak,Haroojae Pass, and Yeongbong Peak to the north and BibongPeak to the west. Gugi Valley lies south of the gate, whichleads to Kalbawi Ridge in the east. The roundtrip from thevalley to the gate is also popular among hikers.

MORE INFO

Gugi Valley’s pristine nature makes it a prime habitat for the Chinese minnow, which is only found in Grade 1 water (biological oxygen demand of 1ppm or less). Gugi Ranger Station enforces a strict no- access policy for the stream until 2026 to protect the ecosystem.

visitseoul.net

My Favorites

Search rankings

visitseoul.net

Search rankings

My Favorites