Bukhansan National Park Place guide

One of Korea’s most visited parks, this scenic mountain area is filled with gorges, rivers, and granite stone formations that make it a popular hiking destination. Indeed, Seoul is one of the few major cities lucky enough to have a national park right at their doorstep, looming over the city center and forming a natural boundary to the north. 

Despite its relatively compact size of 80 square km, Bukhansan National Park is home to spears of white granite bursting out of undulating pine forests. Trails are busy, especially on warm weekends, so be prepared to queue up along with the 5 million visitors per year. 

The southern endo f the park is Bukhansan proper, overlooking Seoul and home to fortress ruins. 10km to the north is Dobongsan, a maze of stony peaks and walking trails. Both are great day-trip options easy enough to be overcome by most visitors, but challenging enough to give anyone a good workout. 

Grab a map at any entrance, with larger signboard versions at different points along the way. Most local hikers wear proper boots, although you can wear trainers on a dry day. Plenty of restaurants cluster around the entrances, serving pajeon (savory pancakes) and makgeolli (rice beer) for pre- or post-hike snacking. 

How to get there

• Get the best of what to do in Korea with this Bukhansan National Park & Korean Spa Experience Tour.
  
  
• Easy hike: Take Subway Line 4 and exit 3 at Gireum Station. Alternatively, you can take Bus no. 110B or 143 and get off at the last stop. Walk up the slope for approximately 10 minutes to reach your destination.
  
  
• Baegundae peak: In Southern Bukhansan, Baekundae is the park’s highest peak at 837m. Take Subway Line 3 and exit 1 at Gupabal Station. From there, take Bus no. 704 or 34 to Bukhansanseong (Fortress) Entrance Station. Walk past the information center, Daeseomun Gate, and Bukhandong Village until you see the Borisa Temple, where the trail begins.
  
  
• Jaunbong/Uiam peak: Take Subway Line 1 or 7 and exit 1 at Dobongsan Station. From there, exit right, find the overhead bridge, exit left, and cross the road to the hiking entrance.