Bukhansan National Park is a stunning mountain range in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1983, it covers an area of 31.15 square miles and is known for its forested areas, granite peaks, historical sites, and temples.
Bukhansan National Park has several entrances and is easily accessible by public transport (i.e bus/subway) from anywhere within the Seoul with relatively short travel time. e.g. within 30 mins to 1 hr from Myeongdong/Seoul Station. You don’t need to pack a ton of gear to hike here. You can rent everything you need — hiking boots, clothes, crampons, trekking poles, gloves, even a backpack — at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center. There are two locations:
Seoul location - https://naver.me/FW6ouURj
Mount Bukhansan location - https://naver.me/FA2Ni9pN
The park is the top destination for hikers both locally and internationally. It offers a variety of trails to suit all levels of hikers, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging climbs. The trails lead to several peaks, including the three main ones:
Baekundae Peak 백운대 – 836.5 meters (2,744 feet)
Insubong Peak 인수봉 – 810.5 meters (2,660 feet )
Mangyeongdae Peak 만경대 – 799.5 meters (2,623 feet)
RESOURCES
Most popular hikes in Bukhansan
If you are curious about hiking in Bukhansan, I highly recommend visiting the hiking tourism office in Seoul. It's a great place to pick up gear you might need (for rent or purchase), brochures and physical maps, as well as speak with a local who can advise you on which hike is best for you based on your skill level and the time you have available. There are two locations
Baegundae-Ui Gugok Trail (Sweeping views of Seoul)
Total travel distance: 9.98 km
Average travel time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
This is the shortest trail up to Baegundae Peak, the summit of Bukhansan. The section from Haroojae Pass to Yeongbong Peak is extremely steep. Atop Yeongbong Peak at 604 meters, hikers are greeted by the majestic rock face of Insubong Peak. At the 836.5-meter-tall summit, a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul unfolds
Directions:
Subway to Bukhansan Ui Station 북한산우이 (Ui LRT, Exit 2). Bukhansan Ui Station Naver map location: https://naver.me/GRmvmfy8
Catch a taxi to Baekundae Visiting Information Center (백운대탐방지원센터)
서울 강북구 우이동 (naver link).
This can be done by flagging down a taxi, or by using the app “Kakao Taxi”- it requires you make a free kaako account, and lets you pay to the driver.
OR you can walk it’s a 2km walk which takes about 30 minutes. The walking path along the road is nice and very safe.
Bukhansanseong–Daenammun Trail (Hikers’ favorite & most popular)
Total travel distance: 10.2 km
Average travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Difficulty: advanced
This trail marked by beautiful scenery and historical sites is a hikers’ favorite. It is also popular among foreigners as it passes through the main castle of the Bukhansanseong Fortress and historical palace sites. The wildflowers that bloom throughout the four seasons add to the beauty of the trail.
Directions:
Take bus No. 704 at Exit 2 of Gupabal Station, Seoul Metro Line 3.
Get off at the entrance of Bukhansanseong Fortress. Bukhansanseong Visitor Center is located about 700 meters up the road.
Bukhansanseong fortress naver map link: https://naver.me/xgNlPqd9
Samobawi–Bibong Trail
This trail is great for enjoying clear mountain streams and blue skies. You’ll find a monument marking King Jinheung’s border inspection of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and you’ll also pass the path taken by North Korean commandos in 1968. At the top, you’ll get an awesome panoramic view.
Total travel distance: 6 km
Average travel time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Advanced
Directions:
Ride bus No. 7212 from the bus stop opposite Exit 2 of Bulgwang Station, Seoul Metro Line 3.
At the Seungasa entrance, then cross the street at Lycee International Xavier.
From there, stroll up Bibong-gil Street. You’ll find the Gugi Visitor Center around 800 meters.
Complete Tour of 12 Bukhansanseong Gates
Total travel distance: 14.4 km
Average travel time: 6 hours
Difficulty: advanced
Bukhansanseong Fortress was built in 1711, the 37th year of the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty, to defend the capital Hanyang (today’s Seoul). The structure uses the rough topography of Bukhansan and extends for 11.6 kilometers. The reward for this punishing course awaits at the summit: great views of Bukhansan scenery along the ridge line.
Directions:
Take bus No. 704 at the bus stop outside Exit 2 of Gupabal Station, Seoul Metro Line 3.
Get off at the entrance to Bukhansanseong Fortress and walk up Daeseomun-gil Road for about 900 meters. Bukhansanseong fortress naver map link: https://naver.me/xgNlPqd9
On the right are steps and a sign reading “Uisangbong Peak.” Follow this road to reach Uisang Ridge.
Dobongsan– Sinseondae Trail (Best sunrise hike)
Total travel distance: 6.3 km
Average travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: advanced
Jaunbong Peak (740.2 meters) is the tallest peak of Dobongsan Mountain, but access to the steep rock cliffs is restricted. Sinseondae Peak, standing opposite Jaunbong, is considered the de facto summit of the mountain. This trail is the shortest way up to Sinseondae, a favorite spot to see the sunrise among early morning hikers.
Directions:
Take Exit 1 at Dobongsan Station, Seoul Metro Line 1 (Gyeongwonseon)
Walk about 20 minutes toward the Dobongsan Station Intersection to reach Dobong Visitor Center (도봉 탐방지원센터).
Dobong Visitor Center Naver Map link: https://naver.me/xl05P1h9
Dobongsan Main Ridge Trail
Total travel distance: 9.32 km
Average travel time: 6 hours
Difficulty: advanced
The main ridge of Dobongsan stretches from the Uinam Ridge, past Uiam Rock, and up to Sinseondae Peak via Jubong. The relatively challenging climb starts with a gentle uphill that gradually increases in slope past Mangwolsa Temple. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with unobstructed panoramic views and the beauty of the valleys and streams hidden between the ridges.
Directions:
Take Exit 3 at Mangwolsa Station, Seoul Metro Line 1, and walk about 20 minutes down the path to the right to reach Wondobong Visitor Center, then hike toward Wondobong Valley from there.
Bukhansan Dulle-gil: Uiryeong-gil
Total travel distance: 6.42 km
Average travel time: 2 hour
Difficulty: easy
Uiryeong-gil is Section 21 of Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail along unpaved paths between Bukhansan to the south and Dobongsan to the north. Public access to the path was restricted due to the thwarted 1968 mission by 31 North Korean commandos to assassinate South Korean President Park Chung-hee, but the path was reopened in July 2009 under a reservation system.
Reservations are required at least a day in advance to enter Uiryeong-gil. Access is permitted from 9 a.m. to 6p.m., with the last entry at 4p.m. In winter, the last entry is at 3 p.m. Make sure to bring identification as it will be checked at the trailhead. *Korea National Park Service reservation system https://reservation.knps.or.kr
Directions:
Take the Ui-Sinseol Line to Bukhansan Ui Station and leave through Exit 1. Walk towards the Uiryeong Forest Culture Village to reach Uiryeong Visitor Center.
Bukhansan Ui Station Naver map location: https://naver.me/GRmvmfy8
Things to do Near Bukhansan National Park
Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)
Address: 127-27 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (서울 은평구 진관동 127-27)
Naver link: https://naver.me/F884xwJV
Open hours: 24/7
If you’re seeking a glimpse into the rich heritage of traditional Korean architecture, look no further than Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Situated at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, this village exudes the charm of hanok buildings, reflecting centuries of architectural wisdom.
Starbucks The Bukhansan Branch (스타벅스 더북한산)
Address: 서울특별시 은평구 대서문길 24-11 (진관동)
Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 – 21:00 | Sat. Sun. 7:00 – 21:00
Naver map link: https://naver.me/5pwsYRiz
Starbucks The Bukhansan Branch is a cozy spot where coffee lovers can also enjoy the great outdoors. With a stunning view of the peaks through its big windows, it’s like a nature getaway without leaving your seat. The fresh air and coffee aroma make for a perfect break from city life.
How to get to Bukhansan National Park
There are several different entry points to Bukhansan depending on what hike your doing.
Entry point 1 (Best option if your hiking Baegundae– Ui Gugok Trail)
Subway to Bukhansan Ui Station 북한산우이 (Ui LRT, Exit 2). Bukhansan Ui Station Naver map location: https://naver.me/GRmvmfy8
Catch a taxi to Baekundae Visiting Information Center/백운대탐방지원센터: 서울 강북구 우이동 (naver link). This can be done by flagging down a taxi, or by using the app “Kakao Taxi”- it requires you make a free kaako account, and lets you pay to the driver.
OR you can walk it’s a 2km walk which takes about 30 minutes. The walking path along the road is nice and very safe.
Entry point 2: Bukhansanseong Park Information Center (북한산국립공원 정릉탐방안내소)
Directions:
Subway: Take Line 3 to Gupabal Station (구파발역), Exit 1. Do a quick U-turn when you come out.
Bus: The bus stop is just 20m ahead. Hop on Bus 34, 704, or 8772 and ride for about 17 minutes. Get off at Bukhansanseong (북한산성 / Fortress). All stops are announced in English.
Walk: After getting off the bus, continue in the same direction the bus was going. Turn right at the first junction and follow the road straight — it’ll lead you right to the Bukhansanseong Park Information Center (북한산국립공원 정릉탐방안내소)
Bukhansanseong Park Information Center naver map location: https://naver.me/GwpitSHz
Entry Point 3: Jeongneung Park Information Center (정릉 탐방지원센터)
Subway: Take Line 4 to Gireum Station (길음역), Exit 3.
Bus: Hop on Bus 110B or 143 and ride to the last stop (about 13 mins).
Walk: From there, it’s a 10-minute walk up a gentle slope to the park entrance.
The Jeongneung Park Information Center sits right next to the entrance.
Jeongneung Park Information Center naver map location: https://naver.me/Fr7bnVXp
Entry Point 4: Dobong Park Information Center (도봉 탐방지원센터)
Directions
Subway: Take Line 1 or Line 7 to Dobongsan Station (도봉산역), Exit 1.
Walk: Cross the road at the traffic light right outside the station. From there, just follow the stream of local hikers toward the park entrance.
It’s about a 20-minute walk or take a taxi to the Dobong Park Information Center. Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of food stalls and hiking gear shops—a fun warm-up before your hike.
