Bukhansan National Park
Granite peaks and chain-assisted scrambles on the world's most-visited national park, right at Seoul's edge
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4-5 hours round trip to Baegundae Peak
- Summit elevation
- 837 m
Rising directly from the northern edge of Seoul, Bukhansan's granite peaks, Baegundae, Insubong and Mangyeongdae, draw around five million visitors a year, more per unit area than any national park on Earth. The main route to Baegundae, the highest point at 837 metres, climbs through pine forest before a final chain-assisted rock scramble to a summit with sweeping views back over the capital.
Highlights
- The chain-assisted rock scramble to Baegundae summit
- Sweeping views over Seoul from the top
- Insubong Peak, a favourite among rock climbers
- Historic Bukhansanseong fortress walls along lower trail sections
Getting there
Take Seoul's Ui-Sinseol Line to Bukhansan Ui Station, then walk about 2 km to the Baegundae Visitor Centre where the main trail begins.
Safety tips
The final approach to Baegundae involves steep rock with fixed chains for handholds; take it slowly, let faster hikers pass at chain sections, and skip this section entirely in icy conditions since the rock offers no grip when frozen.
What to bring
- Gloves for the chain sections, even in warm weather
- Grippy hiking shoes, not smooth-soled trainers
- Water, as there are few refill points near the summit
- Cash for trailside snacks and temple offerings