Bukhansan National Park, Seoul: Address, Phone Number, Bukhansan National Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Bukhansan National Park
Bukhansan National Park
4.5
About
One of the most popular pastimes in Seoul is hiking and this stunning national park just outside the city is a local favorite. Aside from a variety of hiking trails for every skill level, you’ll also see lots of flora and fauna, temples and ancient fortresses.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
1,094 reviews
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ian s
Yorkshire, UK5,822 contributions
May 2022
Thinking about what I could do the next day I had came up with a plan to do a double crossing of the Bukhansan Ridge Walk. I set off on the Metro the next day to Bulgwang. First challenge is to find the path up Jokduribong Peak 379 mtrs. The trail head is tucked away behind blocks of apartments. This ridge walk takes in. 15 major and minor peaks, starting with Jokduribong and finishing at Baekundae Peak 836 mtrs. So I plan to walk 29 peaks in all.
The walk up Jokduribong is easy, just a slog up hill but nothing difficult. Just below the summit is a notice saying that the summit it a restricted area for safety. If you do go to the top there are faint red arrows you follow. The arrows will show you the only safe route to the top. Make sure you follow the arrows down also.
From here you follow the finger post along the ridge heading for Baekundae Peak. The route as plenty of up and downs to enjoy. I did go wrong and I ended up on the wrong ridge looking down at the ridge I wanted. So it walk a walk down into the valley on a unmaintained path to walk back up onto onto the right ridge at Daedongmun Gate. I reached Baekundae Peak 1-45pm that was a unbelievable 6 hours of walking. After a 5 minutes break I set off walking the ridge back to Jokduribong Peak.
Don't know how I did it but I ended up taking a route least walked. At one point it was dam right dangerous was only small finger holds stopping my from slipping down into the valley below. Again I picked up the wrong ridge and somehow ended up Daenammun Fortress Gate and clueless of where I was, It was around 5pm and with only a couple of hours off daylight left I chickened out and took the path down to the Ranger Station at Gugi-Dong. Not knowing where Gugi-Dong was and I had intended to jump on a bus to a metro station and home. To my surprise I recognised the area from doing the Seoul Trail and it was only a couple of mile walk to Bulgwang Metro and closing the circle on my walk.
Ok so the walk did not go as planned, but I still had a very good day out in the Bukhansan National Park.
Facts and figures. I am a 73 year old Englishman on holiday in Seoul. I walked 16 miles, 26kms in just over 11 hours. I took 11/2 ltrs of drink and apart from a few sweets I took no food. In hindsight I should have taken 2 ltrs with me. Because of my mistakes in navigation it took longer then planned but I did enjoy my day out on the mountains of Bukhansan.
The walk up Jokduribong is easy, just a slog up hill but nothing difficult. Just below the summit is a notice saying that the summit it a restricted area for safety. If you do go to the top there are faint red arrows you follow. The arrows will show you the only safe route to the top. Make sure you follow the arrows down also.
From here you follow the finger post along the ridge heading for Baekundae Peak. The route as plenty of up and downs to enjoy. I did go wrong and I ended up on the wrong ridge looking down at the ridge I wanted. So it walk a walk down into the valley on a unmaintained path to walk back up onto onto the right ridge at Daedongmun Gate. I reached Baekundae Peak 1-45pm that was a unbelievable 6 hours of walking. After a 5 minutes break I set off walking the ridge back to Jokduribong Peak.
Don't know how I did it but I ended up taking a route least walked. At one point it was dam right dangerous was only small finger holds stopping my from slipping down into the valley below. Again I picked up the wrong ridge and somehow ended up Daenammun Fortress Gate and clueless of where I was, It was around 5pm and with only a couple of hours off daylight left I chickened out and took the path down to the Ranger Station at Gugi-Dong. Not knowing where Gugi-Dong was and I had intended to jump on a bus to a metro station and home. To my surprise I recognised the area from doing the Seoul Trail and it was only a couple of mile walk to Bulgwang Metro and closing the circle on my walk.
Ok so the walk did not go as planned, but I still had a very good day out in the Bukhansan National Park.
Facts and figures. I am a 73 year old Englishman on holiday in Seoul. I walked 16 miles, 26kms in just over 11 hours. I took 11/2 ltrs of drink and apart from a few sweets I took no food. In hindsight I should have taken 2 ltrs with me. Because of my mistakes in navigation it took longer then planned but I did enjoy my day out on the mountains of Bukhansan.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kappelzwerg
Fellbach, Germany265 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Couples
I went with my wife in April on a lovely hiking trip to the Baekunbae-peak. The conditions in April were perfect. We travelled from Kangnam /Yangjae-Station by Subway to Gupabal (from there by bus to Bukhansanseong). The way up to the peak is well described. On the last part steel ropes are mounted. We enjoyed a very nice picknick close to the peak (might be crowds on weekends). On the way down the hill we took the way on the other side of the mountain and used the Ui-Sinseol-Line for the return to Kangnam.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CanisHan
Seoul, South Korea21,215 contributions
May 2021
C ( 21.05.23 )
This mountain was located in Seoul, and had good accessibility to Seoul resident. The mountain had various course, and good to enjoy climbing to Intermediate level. On the top, there was steep and had good Seoul view. Overall, there was good mountain in city area except overcrowded status. But there was good mountain among capital area.
This mountain was located in Seoul, and had good accessibility to Seoul resident. The mountain had various course, and good to enjoy climbing to Intermediate level. On the top, there was steep and had good Seoul view. Overall, there was good mountain in city area except overcrowded status. But there was good mountain among capital area.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Meander67420578585
South Korea1 contribution
Aug. 2020
이곳은 대한민국에서 높은 산입니다.자연과 숲 그리고 전경이 아주 좋습니다.
운동화는 꼭 안전한 걸 들고가세요.어린아이는 올라가기 힘들 수 있습니다.
This is the highest mountain in Korea. The nature, forest and views are very good.
Make sure to go for safe sneakers. Young children can have a hard time climbing.
운동화는 꼭 안전한 걸 들고가세요.어린아이는 올라가기 힘들 수 있습니다.
This is the highest mountain in Korea. The nature, forest and views are very good.
Make sure to go for safe sneakers. Young children can have a hard time climbing.
Written 16 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Iuliia Kleshcheva
South Korea9 contributions
Mar. 2020
I had a great time here. Climbing the highest peak was a bit challenging but the view was totally worth it. Make sure to bring gloves with you - there are ropes holding which can be painful.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roompie56
3 contributions
May 2019
Its like stepping into a movie and reliving South Korean Joseon Dynasty again. This was so sensational. It is spectacular how this is divided from the modern world. If I were to go back to South Korea, I would visit more of the ''peaceful'' places and visit this one again.
Not only can you relive this, but there was a building right in the mid of the mountain, where you could write your wishes on a roof tile. I also bought a tiny souvenir which I still have hanging after so many years.
Advised: Take some proper mountain hiking equipment with you (especially shoes), if you wish to see the top. Because of the fact that I did not wear mountain shoes, I slided down easily.
Not only can you relive this, but there was a building right in the mid of the mountain, where you could write your wishes on a roof tile. I also bought a tiny souvenir which I still have hanging after so many years.
Advised: Take some proper mountain hiking equipment with you (especially shoes), if you wish to see the top. Because of the fact that I did not wear mountain shoes, I slided down easily.
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wattz
Avignon, France87 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Family
Amazing place we wanted to do it for fun enjoying and we asked at the entrance the forest Guard what to do. I ll add the map and the beautiful pictures of the temple there. A big harder at the end for non sportive but OK. Something to do for the view of the city from there, the rock and the temple. In Feb it was peaceful with a bit of snow there but really something to do.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
xxinxx
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10 contributions
Oct. 2019
It is a relatively easy hike even for those without hiking experience. The trails is easy to navigate, it should take not more than 6 hours (return trip) for beginners. The only difficult part is near the peak due to steep climb.
Went there in late October when the leaves started to turn red and yellow. It was very windy at the peak, I'd suggest to bring extra layer of cloth for comfort. Although I hiked alone, I wasn't lonely because along the way, there were many people (especially friendly ahjummas) offered me food and started a conversation despite the language barrier.
Went there in late October when the leaves started to turn red and yellow. It was very windy at the peak, I'd suggest to bring extra layer of cloth for comfort. Although I hiked alone, I wasn't lonely because along the way, there were many people (especially friendly ahjummas) offered me food and started a conversation despite the language barrier.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jh s
9 contributions
Feb. 2020
great hiking and scenery. Peaceful. AFAIK, it's a completely healthy and wholesome day out in nature.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TippyBird
Kunming, China13 contributions
Feb. 2020
I arrived into Seoul at the New Year celebrations and found that the transport was fully booked and everything in Seoul would be closed. the lady at the hotel recommend this place. I went more for something to do while waiting for my flight the next day but was so pleasantly surprised. Its a beautiful National Park with really really nice hiking. The top rock scrambling is also fun if you aren't afraid of heights. it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip! If you like nature then I really recommend it.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Is the Bukhansan Park closed on certain days? Planning to go on March 26.
C D
Ghent, Belgium171 contributions
I don't think the park closes.
Be sure to check the weather conditions as the paths are very slippery in bad weather conditions.
Mavis
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
would you recommend going to bukhansan national park on new year's day?
C D
Ghent, Belgium171 contributions
I can imagine that it can be absolutely beautiful in wintertime but you definitely need good climbing material. Be careful en be sure to check the weather conditions before you leave. The more difficult parts can be very slippery, so you will need microspikes and ... a good condition
Dora Mylania
Indonesia
Is it safe if we are going to this place on winter?
livingthedreem
Staffordshire, UK252 contributions
Hello,
We went in the spring, so not able to help on this occasion.
Stasia T
Singapore, Singapore5 contributions
We will be driving, can we reach the top of National Park by driving? Any car parks?
Thank you.
phatso
Singapore15 contributions
You can't reach the top by driving. Anyway, the final part to the peak are steep climb, made possible by steel cables. And the peak has space for about 5 pax to comfortably take pictures. Have fun!
Kristina M
Vilnius, Lithuania11 contributions
Is it ok to take active 4years old child, or its more for fit adults?
CelebrateBS
6 contributions
In my opinion, most definitely not fit for children unless you have the strength to be hiking with them on your backs. It was a 2hour hike to the top, and that was CONTINUOUS stair/stone climbing, not trail walking. Also, at the peak, the stones are rather smooth and slippery and you are hanging on for dear life to the cable ropes to get a step up, any slip ups would result in a loony way down the cliff
Does anyone have any advise on what to bring for the hike which can be useful?
nancy e
Round Rock, TX95 contributions
Hiking shoes ,lunch, water and gloves. Gloves are for holding on to steel ropes when climbing. We took thin working gloves from hardware store and found they worked really well.
Is there any nearby eateries at Bukhansan?
JHL
Seoul, South Korea7,980 contributions
Yes.There are many near starting points.
Is there trails that we can choose from to hike? And what is the average time spent at Bukhansan Mt.?
Jasmine C
Singapore, Singapore83 contributions
Yes you can choose the trails. there are several ways to get up and down to the peak. Try to google for a map. It would help.
You can go up and come down the same way, or go up one way and come down the mountain on the other side.
Average time: really depends on fitness and the crowd level.
I went early in the morning..left the hotel before sunrise and reached there just as the sun was coming up.. all this to beat the crowds. I had a clear path all the way up. no queueing to get up to the peak!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bukhansan National Park
- We recommend booking Bukhansan National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 Bukhansan National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Bukhansan National Park:
- Private Bukhansan Hiking (More Members, Less Cost per Person) (From AU$194.75)
- Private Hiking to Bukhansan Peak(Baegundae: 836.5m) with Mountain Expert (From AU$203.22)
- Mt Bukhan Hike with Korean Style Spa in Seoul (From AU$180.64)
- Outdoors In Seoul (From AU$283.36)
- 10Day Best of South Korea with Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Seoul, DMZ& JSA. (From AU$5,659.05)
- Hotels near Bukhansan National Park:
- (9.87 km) LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL Executive Tower
- (8.37 km) LAOTEAROA Seoul
- (8.92 km) Hostel Tommy
- (8.84 km) May Place Seoul Dongdaemun
- (7.67 km) Friendly DH Naissance Hotel by Mindrum Group
- Restaurants near Bukhansan National Park:
- (7.51 km) Jihwaja
- (8.85 km) 853
- (9.09 km) Gwanghwamun Ichungjib
- (8.88 km) O'sulloc Tea House Insadong Store
- (8.52 km) Tosokchon Samgyetang
- Attractions near Bukhansan National Park:
- (10.83 km) Seoul Metro
- (0.94 km) Doseonsa Temple
- (7.60 km) One Day Korea - Day Tours
- (7.88 km) Food & Culture Academy
- (8.72 km) Top Korea Tour - Private Day Tours