Fall’s vibrant colors await atop Seoul’s peaks: Mountains within the capital’s city limits offer breathtaking views and a refreshing seasonal retreat
Left: The historic Hoap Temple provides a break for weary hikers on their journey up Mount Gwanak. Top Right: The boulder formations at the peaks of Mount Surak are great for pictures. Bottom Right: The fall foliage of Mount Bukhan hits its peak during this time of year. [JOONGANG ILBO]
The mountains scattered around Seoul undergo a colorful transformation each fall, and the last opportunity to catch this year’s fall foliage may be this weekend. Seoulites will be out in full force taking advantage of their last chance to enjoy a beautiful mountain hike before the temperature drops and the cold weather is here to stay.
Mount Bukhan
Located in the northern region of Seoul, Mount Bukhan can be reached by public transport from Gupabal Station on Line 3 and taking a bus to the entrance of Bukhansanseong Hiking Support Center. It is arguably the most popular hiking destination in Seoul, and undergoes the most drastic seasonal change among the mountains near the city simply because of the sheer size and scale of its forest.
The hiking trails of Mount Bukhan are plentiful, but the most popular is the Bukhansanseong course, which ends at the 835.6-meter (2741-feet) high peak of Baegundae. This is the goal that most hikers set to reach on the popular hiking trail that takes from two to three hours to complete. Along the way, visitors will be able to see a wide variety of wildlife as the mountain is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals.
During this time of the season, the mountain’s various attractions provide some of the most eloquent views of the vibrant colors that paint the mountain. The historical fortress Bukhanseong, which was constructed in 1711, can be seen from the trail as well. The trees and vines surrounding the tall walls turn the castle into a sight to behold as the autumn colors breathe life into the ancient stone construction. Its eight gates are spread across the mountain, one of which is located near the peak of the hiking trail.
The hike up the mountain begins relatively harmlessly as the trail is easy for beginners. However, the last stretch up the course is when hikers will have to utilize ropes to safely climb up the steep slope to reach the top. At the peak, visitors celebrate by taking pictures and enjoying the view of the vast city of Seoul lying below them as a reward for their long journey.
Mount Surak
Not to be confused with the better known Mount Seorak in Gangwon, Seoul’s Mount Surak is located on the edge of the Northeastern region of the city, and can be reached by public transportation from Danggogae Station on Line 4. The mountain is comparatively smaller than other famous peaks, but the main trail, which visits Hangnim Temple, is also a more challenging hike at five to seven hours. It is home to its own assortment of unique rock formations, and is truly a sight to behold. The massive boulders perched on the peak of the mountain provide a popular spot to take pictures, especially during this season when the leaves and vines that surround it shine with its autumn glow.
The solemn mountain is also home to many caverns, and its peak stands at 638 meters tall. Streams of water from its signature waterfalls ripple throughout the rocky terrain, breathing life into the mountain. Visitors usually take detours from their trail to visit these natural spots for a break or to cool off. The mountain also hosts the Buddhist temples of Heungguk, built during the Silla Dynasty, and Suklim and Naewon which were built during the Joseon Dynasty. These temples have been rebuilt since the 1950’s after being burnt down during the Korean War, and are a welcome stop before the long trek.
As the hike progresses up the mountain, however, the wooden staircase disappears as the difficulty increases. Just a few short angles from being completely vertical are the boulders and rock faces that hikers climb to reach the very top of the mountain. The peak, known as Dosolbong Peak, is the last challenge for mountaineers hoping to reach the top. As beautiful as the boulders at the top seem, the peak is also challenging enough to climb that many beginners choose to shy away from the challenge. Hikers must climb with the help of a metal cable to continue climbing upwards. What waits at the top, however, is not only a stunning view overlooking the vast mountain, but also a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Mount Gwanak
Known for its location near Seoul National University near the southern edge of the city, Mount Gwanak has two easily accessible entrances that can be accessed by public transportation from Seoul National University Station or Sadang Station on Line 2. The name of the mountain refers to its shape, and the literal translation would be “the mountain of the hat-shaped peak.” Though not as intense of a climb compared to the previous two hikes, traveling unprepared would be a mistake as the hiking trail is not a leisurely stroll. The mountain stands at 629 meters tall, and will take anywhere between four to six hours to complete.
Hiking course 5, which begins at Sadang Station, is most popular among nature-loving mountaineers as the hiking trail is covered in trees, allowing visitors to walk among leaves and branches. According to hikers, this particular course provides a fantastic choice to experience the fall foliage due to its accessibility and the views from its peaks. Along one of its main courses that begins near Seoul National University, hikers will be able to notice the Buddhist temple of Hoap. The Hoap Temple was founded during the Joseon Dynasty and has been standing for 600 years.
At the many peaks of the mountain, visitors will be able to notice Korean flags flying in the wind. There are eleven such peaks marked with a flag, and some daring adventurers choose to go searching for every flag, though reportedly, the entire task may take up to ten or eleven hours. The highest peak of the mountain is occupied by the television channel KBS’s tower, which broadcasts its TV and radio signals. The view of the city from next to the tower provides a stark contrast to the tranquil colors of the mountain.
Mount Namsam’s foliage undergoes a breathtaking transformation during the fall, making it the ideal time to journey up its hiking trail.
Mount Namsam stands at a mere 262 meters tall and its hiking course can be considered a leisurely walk when compared to the aforementioned hikes. It is perfect for those looking for a leisurely stroll. There are multiple ways to ascend up to the N Seoul Tower perched at the top, but the main hiking trail leads into a concrete path that follows into wooden stairways that cater to people of all ages, even children and the elderly. The entire hike up to the tower can take up to two hours. The mountain is located within the city, approximately 15 minutes away from Myeongdong Station on Line 4.
The hiking path actually begins at the Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden away from the huge crowds of visitors that cram into the cable cars. The hiking trail consists mostly of stairs, but along the way are balconies where visitors can take a rest for a breathtaking view of their destination. Families and couples often take a rest at these spots for pictures, as they are an ideal spot away from the crowded area at the top of the mountain.
BY CHUNG JIN-HONG [chung.jinhong@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)