Baegundae

Bukhansan National Park lies to the north of Seoul and is home to Baegundae, the city’s highest accessible peak at 836 m. With around 7.5 million visitors a year, it ranks as the most visited national park in South Korea — and the views from the bare granite summit over the entire Seoul basin make that number easy to believe.

The summit is a broad slab of exposed rock with sheer faces on three sides, reached via chains and metal rungs on the final approach. The sense of achievement at the top, with the city spread beneath you in every direction, is one of the great hiking moments in Seoul.

Recommended Route

Baegundae Summit Route (5 km round trip · ~2.5 hrs)

Ui-dong → Doseonsa Temple → Wimun Gate → Baegundae Summit (return same way)

Tip: The 2 km road from Ui-dong to Doseonsa is paved and uphill with little shade — take a taxi from Ui-dong to Doseonsa to save energy for the trail itself.

Warning: The rocky ridge section just below the summit has iron chains and steps, but these can be dangerously slippery in rain or snow. Proper hiking boots are essential.

How to Get There

Subway Ui-Sinseol LRT to Bukhansan Ui Station (북한산우이역), Exit 2 → 5 min walk → taxi to Doseonsa (10 min) → start of trail.

Bus Route 109 to Ui-dong (우이동).

What to Bring

• Hiking boots (mandatory — steel rung sections near the summit)
• At least 1.5 L of water (no shops on the upper trail)
• Snacks and energy food
• Trekking poles (for the descent)
• Sunscreen (exposed ridge sections)
• Gloves