Guide to Mt. Bukhansan, Seoul, Korea (1 Day DIY Itinerary) @KoreanTravel
Mt. Bukhansan is one of the famous mountains in Seoul. “Bukhansan” means “big mountain in the north.” It is so big that it has more than 50 access points. It has lots of peaks too! If you are a nature lover and you want to avoid the crowded destinations in Seoul, Mt. Bukhansan is the perfect place to go.
Last March 21, 2016, I met up with another solo traveler from Philippines to hike! We met up at Mia Station around 8:00 am to have breakfast. I live in Mia Station, that’s why we didn’t spend anything for breakfast.
Around 10:00 am, my officemate arrived to drive for us to the entrance of Bukhansan National Park. We arrived there around 10:30 am. At first, we want to reach the Baegundae Peak. It is the highest peak in Bukhansan. However upon seeing the map, we notice that the park where we are is far from the Baegundae Peak. The nearest was the Munsubong Peak.
I think it was a blessing in disguise since Baegundae Peak is the most famous peak, it is crowded so we took the road less traveled by. Most of the courses you’ll see in the internet take only 2 to 4hrs walking. The course we chose took us 7 hours! It was fun because we really wanted to spend the whole day in the mountain.
The person in charge in the entrance gave us a Korean map. He said that they don’t have an English map. Good thing is that I can read Korean but don’t worry because the signs in the mountain have English translations too.
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Table of Contents
Here’s how to go to Munsubong Peak from Bukhansan National Park Visitor Center:
1. Follow the signs going to Sambongsa Temple (삼봉사). You can visit the temple as a side trip before going to the peak. If you want to go inside the temple, you have to wait for the monk to finish his ritual as a sign of respect. (OPTIONAL)
2. Follow the signs going to Yongchwisa Temple (영취사). It’s another side trip before going to the peak. (OPTIONAL)
***Don’t be confused. The temples are just side trips, you need to go back to the track going to the Daesungmun gate (대성문). Then, follow the signs going to Ilsansa Temple (일산사).
3. Go to Daesungmun gate (대성문).
4. Go to Daenamun gate (대남문).
5. Go to Munsusa temple (문수사). I highly recommend this temple because it is built inside the rock. Look at the picture so you can visualize it. (OPTIONAL but RECOMMENDED)
6. Conquer the Munsubong peak!
7. You have two options: go back to the origin or go to Pyeongchang Ranger Post (평창공원지킴터). I recommend the first one because there is no bus station near the ranger post. It took us seven hours to finish that route. We had a “chill” type of climb. We rest and have some chats every now and then. We also took time taking pictures in the temples. I think it can be finished within six hours.
Mainstream Route:
1. Take a subway to Suyu Station (수유역)
2. Ride a bus Ui-dong end point (우이동종점) (bus #6, #6-1, #18)
3. Go to Baekwoon Ticket Office (백운대매표소)
4. Go to Haroo Hill (하루재)
5. Go to Ui Gate (위문)
6. Go to Baegundae Peak (백운대)
7. Then go back to the origin. This route can be finished in four hours.
Trip Highlights:
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Expenses:
Bus ride – 2,500 won
Subway ride – 2,500 won
If you have a car:
Parking fee – 2,000-5,000 won depending on the type of vehicle and number of hours
About the Writer:
Karla Obispo, She’s a solo traveler who finds happiness in getting lost. Originally from the Philippines and a graduate of Development Communication, she left her teaching job in an international school to travel and teach around the world. She lives curious, dreams plenty, and loves whole. She’s fond of taking selfies and OOTD’s in tourist spots. She visits one tourist spot every week. Follow her blog and adventures on Travel with Karla.
I climbed Bukhansan during my trip to Seoul and it was an exhilarating experience. At first, it was scary but I calmed down quite a bit and it was relaxing. I actually got amazing views of Seoul from top of the mountain.