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Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, this hiking guide to Bukhansan National Park will make your trip planning easier and smooth!
The Bukhansan National Park has one of the most adventurous and popular hiking trails of all the other hiking trails. The park is covered in a total span of 31 square miles and is home to almost 1300 different animal species and plants. The Bukhansan National Park has the easiest route to reach from all over the city, so it is one of the most visited parks in the world. It is the highest mountain in Seoul and has three famous main peaks. The park was built in 1983, and still, it has the same energy and greenery all over despite being the most visited park in the world. This is because many measures and regulations are taken to protect and preserve the park for generations to come.
How to Get There?
Reaching Bukhansan National Park is one of the easiest tasks because all the park entrances are directly connected to all the bus and subway services of Seoul. To enter the park from the west gate, the best option is to take the line 3 subway to Gupabal station and take a bus to Bukhansan after that by coming out from the first exit. In the same way, to access the park from the east gate, you may take the line 4 subway to Suyu station and then just reach the east entrance by walking a few distances or simply by taking a bus or taxi ride. If you have a car, you will have the easiest route and a lot of parking spaces near the park.
Best Hiking Trails in Bukhansan National Park
The Bukhansan National Park is world-famous for its hiking trails and activities. It has several best hiking trails throughout the area, each of which has its own specialty.
However, the hiking trails are closed on a rotational basis throughout the year to avoid the overuse of the trails because of the high number of tourist counts they receive. You can find out the active trails that are being used on the day you visit the park by reaching out to the hiking support center, which is located just by the park entrance. The three main hiking peaks of the park are:
Obong Course
A small hike takes hikers to the Songchu Waterfall by passing Dobongsan Mountain. It is a scenic hiking trail that takes two hours to complete and also has some minimal slopes.
Daenammun Course
It is one of the best hiking trails if you are a beginner or it is your first time. Because it has a long trail that takes about 3 hours to complete, but it has gentle slopes and easy routes with the most beautiful and scenic views of the whole park. You can slowly and steadily enjoy the trek with the views.
Baegundae Peak
This is the highest as well as the most adventurous peak of the Bukhansan National Park. The trail ends at about 2744 feet above sea level, reaching Baegundae park. The best part of starting this hiking trail is from the west gate near the hiking support center; most people prefer that route. This hiking trail is for those who want thrill and adventure throughout the trail. The hike to the peak has many dirt roads, cornering stairs, some big rocks to climb on, and a deep jungle trail going through the house of several plant and animal species. This trail is the most difficult throughout the hike, but it is especially challenging in the end as you have to pull yourself up to the top of the peak with anchored ropes.
Hiking Guide Tips for Planning a Hike in Bukhansan National Park
- Don’t forget to pack adequate snacks. Before you begin your hike, purchase some gimbap (rice wrapped in seaweed) or ramen from one of the many shops in the start area. Because the hike is quite long and challenging and food stops are not there along the way, you will face difficulties.
- It remains quite hot outside, so don’t forget your sunglasses and hat.
- Bring plenty of water per person (more than a liter). Stay hydrated all along the way and take plenty of fluids to avoid health risks.
- If you have hiking boots, wear them. Training shoes would do too but don’t come in sandals.
- There’s no entrance fee to hike Bukhansan. Don’t fall prey to fraudsters lining around Bukhansan that tell you otherwise. Entry to the Bukhansanseong Fortress and the temple is also free.
- You can stop by on your way to the Bukhansan National Park Office to collect a trail map and get more information in English.
- The park is well maintained, with numerous facilities like ample parking space, clean restrooms, resting benches, and picnic tables all along the trail.
- If you want to buy a few hiking gears, you can easily find vendors at the mountain foot selling gloves, hiking poles, coolers, bandanas, and other hiking equipment.
- If possible, try to avoid visiting Bukhansan National Park over the weekend, which is the busiest time. You will have difficulties getting clear pictures or view from the top.
Just Go Hiking
Korea is home to numerous hiking trails in all of its national parks, which have amazing views to cherish on your trip. Bukhansan National Park is one of them, which is definitely not worth missing, especially the beautiful temple and fortress structure that attracts thousands of tourists annually. Use this hiking guide to plan your next hike to the gorgeous peaks of Bukhansan National Park.
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*Featured Image: Image by tawatchai07 on Freepik
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