Some are only flat grounds with rocks where you can sit on.Some hikers rest (eat or take a nap) on top of enormous rock or boulders with flat surfaces. The rating on the trail changes from intermediate to advanced at this point and its definitely challenging the knees, being mostly a steep large rock staircase. After passing a park office, you will have to deal with the most confusing part of the hike. This is because many measures and regulations are taken to protect and preserve the park for generations to come. You should see plenty of hikers and a few vendors selling hiking-related goods here. However, it can get a little windy, so hold onto your hat and cellphone.or whichever one you want to keep more. Many roads lead to Baegundae Peak, but this is the one I took and the easier routeSubway: Take any subway that will bring you to Gupabal Station (Line 3). It you want to start on the west side take line 3 until Gupabal station and take exit 1. The only exception is at the beginning, when you will follow a sign reading Nature Interpretive Trail. Bukhansan National Park Trails to Baegundae Peak part - YouTube Hiking shoes would be your best option. However, you will only learn some facts but limited with experiences details.Please, share or like or forward this page if you find it helpful in your search. Beautiful temples stretched right off the path. Baegundae Peak: The highest point in Bukhansan National Park is Baegundae Peak, which rises 2,744 feet above sea level. It is best to try during the weekday to avoid weekend traffic and better photo opportunities. The street leading into Bukhansan NP from the bus stop has plenty of restaurants and cafes. Wrong, so very wrong. This is a simple guide for those that want to climb Mount Bukhansan at Bukhansan National Park. The horde of hikers you will be riding the bus with will also get off here. I had been lucky to find such an experienced hiker, for he knew this mountain like the back of his hand. Gives you the best panoramic views of Seoul!Baegundae is one of the three peaks which is collectively called Samkaksan meaning three mountains. Go out exit 1. Updated November 27, 2015. I hiked this in June 2018 (Summer) with little/no experience in hiking. Of course, you are strongly advised to bring back with your garbage and disposed of properly, or you will pay charges if caught.Rest / SleepAlong the way to the top, you will find resting areas. We exchanged greetings and both continued on our separate ways. Great hike, challenging closer to the summit with steep ascent and ropes required for support. The scenery from the mountain tops and the overlooking views of Seoul and the surrounding areas is astounding. 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. There is an excess of hiking stores here. Training shoes would do too but dont come in sandals. But then I saw the city before me. 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. Jeongbang Waterfall is a beautiful and legendary falls whose water directly flows into the sea. These Korean temple stay programs provide visitors with an inside look at temple life through programs focused on meditation and Buddhist culture and tradition. However, because Bukhansan receives so many visitors, trails are often closed on a rotating basis to protect them from overuse. You will have difficulties getting clear pictures or view from the top. We chatted about our lives, hobbies, and I even got a few more suggestions for destinations in Korea. Wrong, so very wrong. If you only do one hike in Korea, you should hike Bukhansan Baegundae Peak. The park is well maintained, with numerous facilities like ample parking space, clean restrooms, resting benches, and picnic tables all along the trail. No bathrooms beyond this point. Dadohaehaesang National Park of Korea offers both spectacular land and sea travel sights. (My Reflection of CIEE Seoul), Seouls Other Music Festivals (Lotte Concert Hall), Strangers Above Seoul: A Trek To Baegundae Peak. Some people could not completed that part because theyre scared of heights. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Bukhansan National Park: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy However, it is a route worth hiking. To see more photos of the hike to Baegundae in Bukhansan National park, check out the Bukhansan photo album. It was our favorite hike so far and had almost no one on the trail. Experience this 8.0-km point-to-point trail near Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Great hike but pretty strenuous and steep. The staircases are amazingly constructed on difficult terrain and make the hike so much easier (without . The national park is accessible by public transport and is quite popular. Bukhansan National Park is brimming with granite peaks, flowing streams, and wild forests. And as for the view, I have seen a better view in other parts of Bukhansan national park. U-turn upon exit. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. I recommend spending some time at the time, taking in the views and enjoying a picnic lunch. It is an easy, natural 600 meter path that eventually reconnects with the main path. Hiking is the main activity in Bukhansan Nation Park and there are plenty of trails to explore throughout the area. Lovely birdsongs. There are selfless and good-hearted people out there, and sometimes you are lucky enough to meet them right when you need it. Hiking shoes would be your best option. It is a scenic hiking trail that takes two hours to complete and also has some minimal slopes. It remains quite hot outside, so dont forget your sunglasses and hat. One nice thing about this part of the hike is that it has more natural cover. Once you reach the top, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Have any suggestions? The air tasted crisp. A fairly easy, beginners hiking trail that takes me to the top of Seoul. While true, this is the romanticized description of my trek. Views were amazing. This is almost a climbing experience and definitely more than hiking, and more energy consuming than brisk walking.PhotographyTaking photos anywhere in the mountain is allowed (some mountains, especially near the borders between North and South Korea, or close to the Blue House, is prohibited). It is one of 16 sixteen fortress gates scattered around Bukhansan. Micro spikes are recommended in the winter time as snow and ice is common on the east side of the main peak. You can get faster close to the park by taking a subway then a bus to its entrance. This day hike will take you past Buddhist temples, along river-filled valleys, up leafy slopes with lush foliage, and onto the rocky peaks with breathtaking views across Seoul. Come prepared , wear proper gear , its intense! This is a good area in which to load up on either food or water. According to the advisory, mountains like Baegundae could be close especially during heavy snowfalls and when it is dangerously slippery to hike. The horde of hikers you will be riding the bus with will also get off here. Try selecting one of the restaurants that serve food outside. Im impressed with all the old Korean couples and groups of all ages on it. Bukhansan National Park has a handful of peaks, with Baegundae being its highest and most well known. However, as the hike goes on, it gets tougher. There are countless options of hotels to stay in Seoul, from homey guesthouses to international hotel chains. You will see multiple signs for Baegundae Peak. Hiking in Koreas different seasons is rewarding and theres somewhere to hike at any time of year. Its grandeur attracts both young and old and pose for photos. However, it can get a little windy, so hold onto your hat and cellphone.or whichever one you want to keep more. This trail is very popular. However, as the hike goes on, it gets tougher. 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). That means reaching the summit and returning to the main entrance of Bukhansan National Park.Basically, this page will describe the bits and pieces of my impressions including. Korea is home to numerous hiking trails in all of its national parks, which have amazing views to cherish on your trip. For the climbing part, it is quite short and not as challenging as the mountains I climbed in Hong Kong. Wind Cave National Park: The Complete Guide, The 12 Best National Parks in South Korea, One Week in South Korea: The Ultimate Itinerary, The Top 15 Destinations to Visit in Japan, Seoraksan National Park: The Complete Guide, The 16 Best Hiking Destinations in Europe, Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The Complete Guide, Yellowstone National Park: The Complete Guide. Privacy Notice | Terms & Conditions COPYRIGHT CIEE 2023. He stayed with me all the way, allowed me to take breaks, and even made small talk with me. When you see this gate you are on your right route to Baegundae Peak. The hike to the top is tough, yet rewarding. And the path is unclear and steep, and I am sweaty and gasping for breath. As such, on a beautiful afternoon, it will seem like half of Seoul is hiking along with you if you choose to do the hike. Mount Baekundae and Yeonbong: 148 Reviews, Map - AllTrails No matter what you decide to do, Baegundae Peak is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Standing at 836.5 meters, the view from Baegundae's summit is breathtaking (and at times a little scary). Byeonsanbando National Park is a nature reservation site in South Korea that boasts both the mountains and sea. One of the most simple and relevant questions. There's not many restrooms on the route so make sure you go beforehand! Don't worry about missing it. Definitely a hard hike. I took so called difficult route but its not as hard as it says but then again Im an experienced hiker, mostly rocky steps, grip on the rocks are good but then again I had good weather, near the peak is a bit more scared with guiding wire and ropes for safety. 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. Hence, it draws a large crowd. If you are interested to learn more about Baegundae Peak (or Bukhansan National Park), you can continue scanning the related articles on this website. Make a u-turn and find the nearby bus stop. You are surrounded by multiple peaks, mountains, and one of the largest cities in the world. You can slowly and steadily enjoy the trek with the views. Koreans also pack a full picnic with all their side dishes. If you are looking for a bank machine, there is one inside of CVU (the purple convenience store). Awash in Mediterranean warmth, Alicante sparkles with beautiful beaches by day and festive energy by night. What I omitted was the calf pain that comes with walking up a flight of stairs for two hours straight. Bukhansan Direct Peak Ascent via Hidden Wall, Uisangbong Peak - Gugnyeongsa Temple - Bukhansancheon River Loop, Mount Uisangbong, Yonghyeolbong, and Jeungchwibong. The park is open year-round, but summer and winter can be very hot and very cold, respectively. Baegundae Peak is not only a regular hike and favorite mountain among locals but also foreigners and tourists alike. It's merely a slight incline along a well-trafficked pathway. Take the metro (subway) - Orange line number 3 (direction to Daehwa). See our Privacy Policy https://www.boboandchichi.com/privacy-policy/. Follow the sign reading Nature Interpretive Trail. Walk down the street that is lined with vendors selling hiking wares and food. Get out from Exit 1 and make a U-turn to your left to find a bus station (around 20 feet away). All in all a very nice day though. June 7, 2023 By Joel Marrinan One of Seoul's best hikes is the Baegundae Peak hike in Bukhansan National Park. If you have a decent pair of sneakers, you could get away with that. Amazing temples. 03:54 Last toilet before the peak!04:26 Stone Stacking05:33 Taking a break next to the creek06:47 Reached the peak!07:16 Reception at the top of the mountain?! The trail ends at about 2744 feet above sea level, reaching Baegundae park. Baegundae Peak. Just guessing that you are getting interested in getting there. You can take in the view from atop the peak and snap some amazing photos of Seoul's skyline. Hence, it draws a large crowd. It is only 2,000 won and makes for a great snack while hiking. There was a small store with picnic tables that we stopped at for lunch. If you have a decent pair of sneakers, you could get away with that. If you have a car, theres plenty of parking if you opt to drive but you'll need to pay a parking fee. Go out exit 1. For the majority of the hike, you will follow signs that read Baegundae (Peak). Take a bus 34 or 704 and get off at Bukhansan Fortress bus stop. However, it is a route worth hiking. There are definitely people who fit study abroad stereotypes (generally richer, people who prioritize partying and bars Hi, today I wanted to talk about a bit of a unique experience I had in the Lotte Department mall. 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. Initially, I was confused as to why he was hiking back up, but it quickly became apparent to me that he intended to accompany me the rest of the way. Excellent video by The Seoul Guide which captures the essence of Bukhansan. It is one of the best hiking trails if you are a beginner or it is your first time. The first thought on my mind was that I was so very grateful I wouldnt have to walk uphill anymore. I think studying abroad is definitely an underrated thing a student should do. For even more options in the city, check out a roundup of the best Seoul hotels. But I was only halfway done; the descent remained. The stairs are truly symbolic of what's to come, so get ready. Sadly, the original temple was burned down during the Korean War, but has since been restored to its former glory. Well, not all wrong. You will see the mountain cloaked in green color, except for the bare rock faces of the mountain(s). Emergency Phone: 800-407-8839. 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. Spend the summer in a vibrant seaside city working with local and international businesses, CIEE: Council On International Educational Exchange Baegundae Peak (Bukhansan National Park) - Aussie Bushwalking The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Bukhansan Hike in Seoul [Privacy] There are three buses that stop at this bus stop: 34, 704, and 8774. To see more photos of the hike to Baegundae in Bukhansan National park, check out the Bukhansan photo album. Beautiful views and the colors were outstanding. My legs were aching, and it didnt help that the man informed me most people injure themselves on the way down, rather than up. Hiking In Korea - Where , Why, How, And Why To Hike In Korea But these arent actual stairs; they are large, irregular, slippery rocks. The Bukhansan National Park has one of the most adventurous and popular hiking trails of all the other hiking trails. If you're visiting Seoul, Baegundae Peak should be on your hiking and must-see list! Don't worry about missing it. An obviously 'human face' rock formation near the summit, Hikers enjoying their rest on the summit of Baegundae with a great view of Seoul, Steel cables are the only tools the hikers can climb the summit of Baegundae, Everything turns technicolor during autumn in Bukhansan National Park. As far as Seoul hikes are concerned, on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most difficult hike, it carries a 4 rating. I thought nothing of it until he returned only five minutes later. While you can follow any of these routes, The Seoul Stop recommends that you take the more isolated path. Baegundae (Bukhansan) - Hiking - The Seoul Stop Talk about commitment! Beware, that waiting lines on bus stations could be really long in the high season. Follow the sign reading Nature Interpretive Trail. It is only 2,000 won and makes for a great snack while hiking. directions to the Golden Buddha hike here. You can get directions to the Golden Buddha hike here. Trekking poles and good footwear make the whole thing a lot easier on your knees and ankles. As I took these photos during Autumn Season, the mountain should look entirely different when clad with white and virgin snow during winter season.As I have not hiked Baegundae Mountain during the winter season, I couldnt say anything but only imagine its white color sparking under the sun or daytime. If your Seoul itinerary has enough leeway for a day-trip or half-day hike, consider hiking Baegundae Summit in Bukhansan National Park! 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. Byeonsanbando is famous for its granite rock formations, waterfalls, beaches, flora and fauna attracting almost around 1.5 million visitors per year. If not, you can simply sit beside and dip your feet in the refreshing stream.Smoking, Drinking, Camping, Pet Hiking, Night HikingThese things are not allowed. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The Bukhancheon Stream () provided a peaceful setting and some wonderful nature asmr, Geumbukjang () which is actually a restaurant, The setting sun as I was nearing Baegundae peak (). We hiked down a different way which was more in the forest and followed a river to the bottom. |Privacy Policy|Cookie Policy| We took one break with some older Korean men we left who gave us some magkeolli and cookies! From here on out, it's a steep incline that necessitates using ropes. Founded as a hermitage in 1522 and nestled in at the foothills of Samgak Mountain, its now known as the temple of 3,000 bows due to the practice of 3,000 bows that are undertaken by residents on the last Saturday of every month.