Secret urban garden, Baeksasil Valley–Seonggyungwan Trail

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Bugaksan Mountain

Secret urban garden, Baeksasil Valley–Seonggyungwan Trail

Published Date : Dec 22, 2022 / Edited Date : Dec 08, 2023

The crystal-clear waters of Baeksasil Valley are a prime habitat for salamanders,
Chinese minnows, and crayfish. Restrictions on development have helped
preserve nature and wildlife here, earning the valley the nickname “Secret Garden.”
The scenery along the narrow forest path transforms with the coming and going of the seasons.

Hiking route

Segeomjeong Hyeontongsa Temple Baeksasil Valley Detached House Site Bugaksan Access Gate 4 Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion Source of Seongbukcheon Stream Sukjeongmun Gate Information Center Waryong Park Rear gate of Sungkyunkwan University Myeongnyundang Hall

Total travel distance 6.14km

Average travel time 2 hours

Difficulty average

COURSE MAP

A diagram showing the course of Baeksasil Valley - Sungkyunkwan Course, which is the 9th course of Bukaksan Mountain. The section difficulty from Segeomjeongsa, the starting point, to Hyeontongsa Temple is easy, the section difficulty from Hyeontongsa Temple to the site of the villa in Baeksasil Valley is easy, the section difficulty from the site of the villa in Baeksasil Valley to the No. The section difficulty is easy, the section from Bukak Octagonal Pavilion to the Seongbukcheon Stream is difficult, the section from Seongbukcheon Stream to the Sukjeongmun Information Center is easy, the section from Sukjeongmun Information Center to Waryong Park is easy, the section from Waryong Park to the back gate of Sungkyunkwan University is easy, Sungkyunkwan University The difficulty of the section from the back gate to the destination Myeongnyundang is easy.

A graph showing the change in altitude between Mt. Total length 6.14 km. The starting point, Segeomjeong, is about 0 km away, and the altitude is about 60 meters. The distance of Hyeontong Temple is about 0.85 km, and the altitude is about 100 m. Baeksil Valley Byeolseo The distance is about 1 kilometer, and the altitude is about 150 meters. The distance to the No. 4 entrance to Bukaksan Mountain is about 2.1 kilometers, and the altitude is about 260 meters. The distance of Bukak Octagonal Pavilion is about 2.8 km, and the altitude is about 290 m. The distance from the source of the Seongbuk Stream is about 3.5 kilometers, and the altitude is about 170 meters. The distance to the Sukjeongmun Information Center is about 3.8 kilometers, and the altitude is about 200 meters. Waryong Park is about 5 kilometers long and about 150 meters high. The distance to the back gate of Sungkyunkwan University is about 5.3 kilometers, and the altitude is about 120 meters. The distance to Myeongnyundang, the destination, is about 6.14 kilometers, and the altitude is about 40 meters.

INFORMATION

About the trail

A paved sidewalk connects Baeksasil Valley to the forest path and Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion, with an easy walk on the gentle uphill path.

Shelter and hiking tips

Sit on the stone steps at the detached house site in Baeksasil Valley to recharge while listening to the gurgling mountain stream underneath the tree shade.

Transportation

Take bus No. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, or 7212 at Exit 3 of Gyeongbokgung Station, Seoul Metro Line 3, and get off at the stop Sangmyung University entrance and Segeomjeong Church.

SPOTS

Segeomjeong

Segeomjeong is famous for its great scenery and crystal-clear valley streams. The tyrannical King Yeonsangun is said to have committed all manner of debauchery with court ladies here. King Yeongjo held archery competitions and selected military officials against the backdrop of Segeomjeong’s scenery.

Baeksasil Valley

Beautiful Baeksasil Valley was a popular site for summer homes in the Joseon era and considered fit for the mountain spirit. Around the valley are numerous cultural sites including the site of the summer home of the late Joseon calligrapher and scholar Kim Jeong-hui (pen name Chusa).

Myeongnyundang Hall

Myeongnyundang served as the primary lecture hall of Seonggyungwan National Academy, the foremost educational institution during the Joseon Dynasty. The king would often visit this hall to provide encouragement, training, and even examine the scholars. You can find Myeongnyundang to the right of the main gate of Sungkyunkwan University.

MORE INFO

Myeongnyundang Hall offers various attractions, including a majestic ginkgo tree that becomes a vibrant sea of yellow leaves every autumn. Known as the "Ginkgo Tree of Munmyo Confucian Shrine, Seoul," this massive tree creates a stunning yellow canopy. While you can enjoy a good view from Myeongnyundang Hall, the most famous photo spot is behind Daeseongjeon Shrine.

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