Outdoors
Bukhansan Seoul Hike
You climb from the Bukhansanseong trail centre through Daeseomun, a gate in the old fortress wall, past Borisa temple and up granite slabs to Baegundae, at 836.5 m the highest peak in Bukhansan National Park. The top section is steep rock with fixed cables.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Distance
- 3.4 km one way
- Time
- About 2 hours 40 minutes up; allow extra for the descent
- Difficulty
- Moderate
The route
Bukhansanseong course to Baegundae: Bukhansanseong Trail Center, Daeseomun Gate, Borisa, Baegundae.
Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gupabal Station, then bus 704 or 37 for about 15 minutes to the Bukhansanseong trail centre (Bukhansanseong Hiking Support Center).
Before you go
- Wear boots with good grip and bring non-slip gloves for the cable sections, as the Seoul city government advises.
- Go early or on a weekday; about five million people visit the park each year.
- The national park office (02-909-0497) can advise on trail conditions.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- The final climb to Baegundae is steep granite where you hold steel cables, and it can back up with queues when busy.
- Some Bukhansan trails are closed in rotation to let them recover, so check before you go.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against mediahub.seoul.go.kr, en.wikipedia.org and aussiebushwalking.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
