Your email address will not be published. There are more restaurants at the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, but I prefer the restaurants along the road from the end of the Doseonsa / Baegundae 2 Ranger Station courses. This route involves long periods of steep incline that will make those leg muscles work hard. Bukhansan information and tips. These articles are designed to offer a wider range of information about Korea and cover more topics than I am knowledgable with. The national average for a gallon of . Ill discuss more about the final section of the Baegundae Peak hike after introducing the other trails. As the forests on this route are quite thick, especially from late-spring to autumn, the views on the way to Baegundae Peak are sometimes blocked by the trees. 2. Difficulty: the trails are relatively easy with a good number of steps. This is a great place to have lunch. If you need a little inspiration, check out some quotes about mountains here. U-turn upon exit. Be prepared for a short, steep hike to the top. This passport-style book allows you to collect stamps from all of the national parks across Korea, including Hallasan National Park on Jeju Island. These two routes provide a short but difficult option and a longer yet easier option to get close to Baegundae Peak. This section is advanced as its rocky underfoot. The peak is 2,744 feet (836.5 meters) high and takes about two hours to climb. If you are up for a challenge and wish to take the shortest route up, then the Baegundae Peak Difficult Course is for you. Just dont forget some food, water, a camera to take pictures like the ones above and a positive energy to take advantage of this gift of nature for Seoul and its inhabitants. A sweat towel or handkerchief is also useful for drying your hands. The summit has breathtaking 360 degree views of Seoul, its suburbs, and the other summits in the surrounding Bukhansan National Park. This post will walk you through getting to Bukhansan National Park, navigating the trail, what to expect at the Baegundae summit, and how to get back to Seoul. You can read my article about the 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurances on the Market to make sure you stay safe. From here, walk back to Bukhansan Ui Subway Station for buses and subway connections back into central Seoul. The three hiking trails for Baegundae Peak that this article will introduce you to are: Baegundae Peak from Doseonsa Temple: This is the shortest and easiest route to get to the peak and starts on the eastern side of the park. A ggul hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake thats filled with ingredients such as honey, nuts, seeds, and cinnamon. There are usually two paths side-by-side, one for ascending and one for descending, but sometimes these squeeze to only one path. The descent is a relief on the calves but pressure on the knees, because it is just as steep as the ascent. Affiliate Disclaimer:This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links. At the 836.5-meter-tall summit, a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul unfolds. Work out how to get to the trail start point: See the how to get there sections above. Take the same narrow path down to the side of the fortress wall. Also see other recorded trail on this site - 'Bukhansan Direct Peak Ascent'. Descending on the opposite side of the park towards Doseonsa Temple offers a good alternative to hiking the same route as the ascent. There are many spas and saunas in Seoul, and these are known as saunas () or jjimjilbangs (). Tip: If you dont want to walk for an hour from the temple entrance to Bukhansan Ui station, you can use Kakao Taxi to call a cab to come and pick you up. Both arrive at the same fortress gate as the Doseonsa Temple path before the final ascent to Baegundae Peak. There are many trails, but the most popular is Bukhansanseong Trail. You just take the. Would you like to do another easy hike and have this amazing view of downtown Seoul? HIKING BUKHANSAN National Park - Baegundae Peak SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://bit.ly/2IZrBiSIn the north of Seoul lies Bukhansan National Park, an amazing national. This hike is a jaw-dropper if I ever saw . . Whats next? This is really useful info that Ive gathered through years of hiking, as well as from the odd mistake and accident. Also, this route is great for a sunrise hike to Baegundae Peak. If you want to help me to create more great content in the future, why not buy me a coffee? 1) In Seoul, I wouldnt use buses, I would use the subway which is faster and has a massive network: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_6.jsp, 2) https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/subway-map.htm. From the 836 meter summit of Baegundae Peak, enjoy the rock climbing spectacle at Insubong Peak. Any comments or advice on the other regions/countries we will be in would be welcome. The following items are hiking equipment you might need if you plan to hike in winter when snow and ice can build up on the hiking paths of Bukhansan. Another good option is Gaenari Sanjang (). You just take the metro and afterwards a bus to the entrance of the park. Summer isnt a terrible month for hiking, but the heat, humidity, and armies of mosquitoes attacking you make it the most difficult time to hike. Take the 1.2km path to the right of Yong-am-mun gate and head towards the (Bae-gun-bong-am-mun), another fortress gate where the hiking paths to Baegundae Peak meet before the final ascent. Join/Login . This private hiking tour to Baegundae Peak offers you the chance to create a hiking route to the top based on your own fitness levels and experience. However, if you still feel like you need help to hike to Baegundae Peak, then why not book a tour to the peak and take all the hassle out of hiking. There are multiple paths to take around the park. The last few steps to the very peak of the mountain can take longer than the previous section as the views are incredible and everyone wants to take a selfie with the peak-stone, which shows the name of the peak and height. However, most people have the same idea as myself and therefore the mountain can be busy during the weekends in these seasons. Baegundae is the highest peak in Bukhansan National Park, standing at a steep and dramatic 863m. The summit has no restrooms or places to buy food or water, so be prepared by bringing everything up yourself, and carry everything down with you too. Located close to the Bukhansan Ui subway station, this tourist-friendly centre allows you to rent clothes and equipment for the day for your Bukhansan hike. I plan to hike all over Korea and want to share my hiking adventures with everyone. Its a perfect day out in Seoul. There are more than 20 hiking tips that will make sure you have a great day out in the mountains (weather not guaranteed!). I hope that this article will provide you with lots of information to help you hike Bukhansans Baegundae Peak from a range of starting locations. First, a few facts about Bukhansan national park! Flights To Korea: I recommend using flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Baegundae is a peak with a height of 837m, and it is the highest peak in Seoul. The section from Haroojae Pass to Yeongbong Peak is extremely steep. Choose which trail to hike to Baegundae Peak: Hopefully youve already decided which path you want to hike to the peak from the previous sections in this article. There are also steam rooms and Scandinavian-style saunas with wooden benches to squeeze out the last bit of sweat in case hiking wasnt enough for you. Follow these to Baegundae Peak. We used this guide to get to Baegundae Peak. I recommend starting at the Bukhansan Fortress Entrance as its more convenient for stocking up with hiking supplies at the start of the hike. This isnt a meal for solo hikers as the smallest portion serves 2. After you arrive at Borisa Temple, which can also be reached by heading for the Bukhandong History Museum (), start the Baegundae Peak Easy Course. Pick up a Wise, Revolut, or WOWPASS travel money card for the best rates and convenient card payments in Korea. It's defined as the . This is the shortest hike to Baegundae Peak and can be completed in under 3 hours. DAY TRIPS. I write about my trekking, budget backpacking, and solo female travel experiences on my travel blog. Although the hike was intense, the view from the top was worth it . Want to support In My Korea and help me writing lots more helpful articles for you? For the hike to Baegundae Peak I would recommend taking gloves, these could be helpful in all seasons when climbing up the section with metal railing and rope. In the autumn months, the autumn foliage is gorgeous. Hiking / trekking boots will keep your feet cosy while you explore, too. You can read about it here: https://outofyourcomfortzone.net/how-to-get-the-best-view-from-seoul-south-korea/. There is a small town that you pass through, with shops and restaurants, in order to reach the subway station at the end of the road. If you are using public transport, it is possible to go up one way and down the other. Theres also a Korean flag, which adds to the scene. Trekking poles would have one in handy here. To get to Baegundae Peak you have two options: 1) A strenuous direct route to the peak that is very steep all the way. A South Korean flag waves proudly in the wind at the summit, which makes a great photo opportunity. These viewing points are a good place to take a scenic break. However, if you want a fun souvenir, or you plan to hike more of Koreas national parks, why not pick up a National Park Hiking Passport like the one above. What To Prepare To Hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak, What To Do After Your Baegundae Peak Hike, How To Go To Naejangsan National Park For Fall Foliage 2023, 15 Best Places To Go Cycling In Korea: From Coast To Mountains, Winter In Korea 2024: Winter Activities, Sights & Festivals, Emma Mattress Korea Review 2023: A Great Nights Sleep, How To Use WOWPASS: Korean Travel Card With T-Money 2023. If you are interested in writing an article for In My Korea, please reach out to our editorial team at [emailprotected]. Some of these are essential considerations that you should be aware of before you hike, others are nice extras to think about and can improve your hiking experience. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','__shrTracker'); what a great post, this will help me a lot since i plan to hike here when i come this January. . Im glad you enjoyed it! The final ascent is only 300 metres, so any reasonably fit hiker should be able to complete it. From the top, you'll have an incredible view of Seoul. However, it is a faster route up to the top. Once you get off the bus at Bukhansan Fortress Entrance (), which should take about 15 minutes, keep walking in the same direction as the bus and turn right at the first junction. Take the local bus #34 or #704 for about 10 minutes to Bukhansan Fortress Entrance station. There are a lot of restaurants, cafes and shops in this area, which is why its a more popular starting point to hike Baegundae Peak than Doseonsa Temple. Which Course Should You Hike To Baegundae Peak? A lot of the trail is over a wide boardwalk, complete with stairs and handrails, and not over dirt. Not as authentic, but still good for dinner. There is a record that Yi Seong -gye, King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty, climbed the top of Baekundae, but it was very . First aid kit: This isnt necessary, but can be useful if youre concerned about cuts and scrapes while you hike. I would recommend this or the Doseonsa course if youre worried about hurting your legs or you have problems with your knees. The fastest way to access Bukhansan and get to the highest peak: To arrive at Baegundae Paek, you can get a map at the information center at the entrance, follow the signs for Baegundae, or just follow the crowd and ask. To reach the summit, youll need to hike up steeper and steeper terrain until youre scrambling up the surface of a rock, with the help of fixed ropes. The first is Bukhansanseong Course which is the most popular trail that leads to Baegundae Peak. Usually, all these things can be found on the internet using google. The Bae-gun-bong-am-mun () fortress gate (pictured above) is where the easy and difficult courses meet before the final ascent to Baegundae Peak, which Ill describe in a later section. Keep reading to discover the best hiking trail to Baegundae Peak. Most of the year the air pollution isnt at serious levels, but it peaks around March and April due to seasonal winds blowing yellow dust across from Mongolia and China. But I will try to help with some of them. Youll need to pass by all the restaurants and shops first. The descent from the peak takes about 90 minutes and the final sections allow you to maintain a good pace all the way to the bottom. At the end of the hike the path changes to paved road and there are various pathways leading back to the city. Or perhaps theyre looking for some food from people eating lunch at the peak. Print/PDF map. Will it be your last? Windproof hiking gloves: Temperatures in winter get below zero and as you hike to Baegundae Peak, the temperature will drop even more. Baegundae Summit is a moderate-level hiking trail that takes about 4-5 hours to complete. I love learning more about Korean culture, hiking the many mountains, and visiting all the coolest places in Korea, both modern and traditional. I recommend resting here as the final ascent to the peak is tough. You dont want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. One of Seouls best hikes is the Baegundae Peak hike in Bukhansan National Park. These rooms are for chilling in and you can also spend the night here. Then dont forget travel insurance! 3) For destinations in general, I would recommend using https://wikitravel.org. Unfortunately, this is a problem in Seoul and across Korea throughout the year, but is most noticeable at these times. This section is intermediate and not too long, but the rocks may be trouble for some who have problems on difficult terrain. If you live in or near Seoul or you are just visiting and want to go on an adventure one day, hiking Bukhansan is a great option. After you finish your hike to Baegundae Peak, there is still lots to enjoy in Bukhansan National Park. This is quite a long post highlighting my most favorite day (without Scott around) so far! Water, or your choice of hydrating drink, is a must when hiking. There are restaurants in this area where you can enjoy traditional Korean hiking foods. Tours In Korea: Find the best tours in Korea with tour companies that have a big presence in Korea, including Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. Thanks, Hey, thank you so much!! In the communal rooms you will find sleeping mats, heated domes (pictured above), TVs, singing rooms, food and drink counters, and other facilities. There are also restaurants that serve other dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), samgyetang (chicken soup), or dalkdoritang (spicy chicken stew). Thanks in advance. Baegundae Peak is the highest part of the mountain and is 840 m (or 2700 ft) above sea level. Even though its easier and faster than Bukhansan, you can get a better view of Seoul! There are also lots of things to enjoy from the top, not least the views. The entire road leading from the turnoff to the entrance of the National Park is filled with hiking goods stores, cafes, and convenience stores. Looking for other activities, excursions, and day trips around Seoul and South Korea? Thank you so much for the comment. Hiking info, trail maps, and 6 trip reports from Baegundae (775 m) in South Korea. Get a quote from. Collection desks are open 24 hours. A strong coffee helps me write more. Learn how your comment data is processed. Myeong-dong Namdaemun Market Gyeongbokgung Palace Noryangjin Fish Market Jongmyo Shrine. Baegundae Peak itself is a steep rock face aided by metal ropes and is tough and dangerous (the high number of hikers, even on a Monday, also makes it difficult to traverse). Its not comfortable, but the views at the top more than make up for the wait. This route is a longer hike but is much easier than the other trail from this entrance point. If you want to spend all day in Bukhansan National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Bukhansan Ui-Subway Station is on the Ui-Line, which connects to the regular Seoul Metro lines at its last three stops, Sungshin Womens University (Line #4), Bomun (Line #6) and its terminus, Sinseol-dong (Lines #1 and #2). Thanks for this detailed description of this hike! Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia. The walk takes about an hour and is the same path that leads to Doseonsa Temple. I use the same pair most of the year round (except summer) and they keep my feet and ankles safe and protected from injury. You can really see just how far and wide Seoul stretches. It was a last minute trip haphazardly planned. When hiking Bukhansan National Park, try to leave Seoul city center before 9am, in order to beat the local crowd, especially on the weekends. Definitely bring shades if you plan to hike Bukhansan in winter. A fleece, vest, windbreaker or coat (in winter) to add to the layers you are wearing certainly helps. Summer: Summer in Korea is hot and humid and this is also the wettest season. 262, Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02700, South Korea Save Private Bukhansan Hiking Tour (More Members Less Cost per Person) 11 Book in advance from S$232.39 per adult Check availability View full product details Ros_in_wonderland London, United Kingdom 96 123 Hike to Baegundae peak - excellent Review of Bukhansan National Park After photos and kimbap lunch, you can return the way you came or choose a different route. Getting to Bukhansan National Park Helpful signs point the way. peakery; Log a climb. In the past people have chosen to wear other forms of footwear, however, it is recommended to wear something sturdy that will support your ankles and provide cushion when you are walking up. Once youve figured out what time of year you want to hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak, you should pack the right clothes for the season. These areas are mixed and everyone should wear pyjamas. This might help as well: 25 Things to Know Before Visiting China. If you want to find one in Seoul, try searching for as this is the more common name for these saunas. It takes most hikers between 2-2.5 hours to reach the summit of Baegundae Peak, however this could really differ based on speed and fitness level. Like I mentioned before, hiking in Bukhansan National Park is a perfect plan for a day trip if you live in or around Seoul or you are visiting as a tourist. Find the best hotel prices across Korea with Agoda, Klook, or Hotels.com. Fortunately, all hiking signs and maps are in both English and Korean in Bukhansan National Park. Hi David, sorry for the late reply but your comment ended up in the spam areaI dont know why. Good news, you can rent it from the Seoul Hiking Tourism Centre. AAA expects 43.2 million people will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.4% over 2022 and 4% higher than 2019. Featuring the Bukhansanseong Fortress, over 100 Buddhist temples, 1,3000 species of flora and fauna, and stunning natural beauty, you will definitely want to add this park as a must-see destination when you visit South Korea. The shelter is a good place to stop for a bite to eat and rest before the more challenging sections. You can use the T-Money card again here to take the Ui-Subway and any connecting subway lines back to Seoul. If you dont feel like traditional Korean food, there are some cafes in the area, too. Hard 4.7 (41) Bukhansan National Park. Bukhansan is definitely the best place to hike in Seoul. Depending on where you begin your hike, there are trails of about 3.4 km (2.11 miles) to arrive at the top in just over two hours. By Joel Marrinan One of Seoul's best hikes is the Baegundae Peak hike in Bukhansan National Park. Travel Money: Exchange foreign currency in Myeongdong or Hongdae money exchanges. Despite Bukhansan being in the north part of Seoul, you can spot Lotte Tower and beyond on a clear day. There are buses that stop outside the entrance and a subway stop (Gupabal Station) about 15 minutes away by bus or taxi. I recommend a complete language learning course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources. There are multiple paths to Borisa Temple from the entrance, Ive highlighted my favourite one the orange path. Because its one of the most accessible peaks close to Seoul that will offer you incredible views over the city and of Koreas gorgeous nature. Stunning nature throughout the national park: Expect to see countless trees, bushes, plants, rocks, streams, and animals as you hike to Baegundae Peak, which offer incredible views year round. Why Should You Hike Bukhansans Baegundae Peak? There are several starting points that lead to the peak and in this article I will cover three of the best trails to Baegundae Peak and back, including one that crosses across the whole park. There are several hiking trails to Baegundae Peak that approach from the west and east. Good luck with your plans and future travels!! Our page with, Already reserved your hotel or hostel? View fullsize. Staying Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a Portable WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport. The queue was slow moving and people had to squeeze past each other while trying to hold on to the railing. There are a few open areas before the main climb to the peak, but they quickly give way to steps carved into the rock with metal railings being the only thing stopping you from dropping to the foothills below. The accomplishment I felt when I arrived to the top, and the views, made it worth it. The closest metro station to this entrance is Gupabal, which is along Line #3, the orange-colored line, from Seoul. Japan; SK; China: Central Asia; Russia; Nordic; Nth Europe; UK; Ireland; USA; Mexico & Canada. Head left from here and youll see signs (like the one below) and signposts pointing to the peak. This section is part of the easy route from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, but is advanced. The Bukhansan Fortress Entrance area is admittedly a much more convenient location to end your hike and has a wider selection of cafes, restaurants and shops to visit. This is the reason why I like hiking Bukhansan in winter. This route provides a challenging hike to Baegundae Peak with views over Seoul, passing by several temples along the way. If you are summiting at the same time as the local hiking crowds, be prepared for bottlenecks here. It wasnt until later that I discovered the longer easy trail up from Bukhansan Fortress Entrance. Ill give you the specifics down below. And if you prefer a stroll through the city center, check out this article 24 Hours in Seoul. Tissues and wet wipes have many uses, including cleaning your hands before you eat or if you need to use a toilet. The Best Hiking Trails To Baegundae Peak In Bukhansan, The Final Ascent To Baegundae Peak Summit. As the routes join together you should be prepared for the most difficult part of the hike. First, you are greeted by a fortress wall, which was built hundreds of years ago to protect Seoul against foreign invaders. The staircases are amazingly constructed on difficult terrain and make the hike so much easier (without . If it is likely to rain you should consider waterproof trousers or trousers that wont cause friction when wet. I recommend light clothes that cover your arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the chance of sunburn. Hi Alamin! Views of Seoul from the peak: Baegundae Peak is 280m higher than the Lotte World Tower and offers the best views of Koreas capital. When hiking it is always good to have layers to add or remove, even in winter when you get hot hiking uphill. Youll find Korean restaurants and cafes at both ends of the Baegundae Peak hike. Preview trail Rocky Let's figure out how to get there first! Youll walk for 1.1km towards (Yong-am-mun), which is an old fortress gate thats part of Bukhansan Fortress. The hike down from Baegundae Peak to the Baegundae 2 Ranger Station is also short and not that steep, making it a nice end to the hike. This section is rated as intermediate. Baegundae, sometimes referred to as Mount Bukhan after the name of the park, is the tallest point in Seoul and a steep but rewarding hike. ..and subscribe to our newsletter below! The shortest route to Baegundae Peak starts near Doseonsa Temple and takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete from start to finish. Seoul Bukhansan National Park Mount Baekundae and Yeonbong Mount Baekundae and Yeonbong Hard 4.7 (148) Bukhansan National Park Photos (960) Directions Print/PDF map Length 5.0 miElevation gain 2,749 ftRoute type Point to point Discover this 5.0-mile point-to-point trail near Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. The images below should give you an idea of what to expect when you hike to Baegundae Peak in Bukhansan National Park. Free 3 of the popular entry points to Bukhansan National Park: Bukhansanseong Park Information Center To reach the highest Baegundae Peak / Scenic valley & main road easy loop trail: Gupabal Station (line 3, exit 1). Metro Line number 3 Gupabal Station Exit 1bus 704 going towards Bukhansanseong Fortress get off at the entrance to the park. During spring you can see the rebirth of nature after the long Korean winter, with green shoots, colourful flowers, and warm breezes in the air. To help you work out how long and far the hike from Doseonsa Temple to Baegundae Peak is, check out the annotated map below, taken from the hiking trail sign in Bukhansan National Park. The higher you get, the steeper it becomes, with stone steps as well as a series of ropes tied to. The Doseonsa Temple route begins at the east side of the mountain at the 1,100 year old Doseonsa Temple, which I recommend exploring before you hike as its an important treasure of Bukhansan National Park. More importantly, I mistakenly thought we were doing this hike (Seoul Fortress Wall of 'Bugaksan' hike) which didn't sound intimidating at all. On the way back, walking along the Seoul fortress wall, A video while running on the wall dont worry, the wall isnt the original, Now you know how one of the photos was really taken, The Daedongmun gate to descend back to Seoul, Taking the bus number 1 to get to subway line 4, Arriving at Suyu subway station that goes directly to Seoul Station. Both are stunning. For me, the best seasons for hiking are autumn, spring and winter. In April and May the weather is warm and the forests are full of nature. A picnic mat or small stool to sit on during rest breaks. I hope they help you a lot. [1] Mesozoic Era It is composed of granite created in the Jurassic period.The peak of Wonhyo Ridge in Bukhansan Mountain, consisting of Wonhyobong Peak, Yeomchobong Peak, and Baegundae Peak. The western entrance, known as Bukhansan Fortress Entrance, is easily accessed by bus 34 or 704 from Gupabal subway station.
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