Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From Achasan Ecological Park, a short walk from Achasan station, climb the wooded slope to the Goguryeojeong pavilion and the rocky viewpoints above the Han River. The path follows the ridge north past the sites of small Goguryeo forts to the top of Achasan (아차산). Beyond, it carries on north along the ridge and then swings west to Yongmasan, the higher summit, before dropping steeply on steps to the streets by Yongmasan station.
It is 5.1 km one way with 244 m of ascent and 280 m of descent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: well-used paths with steps and some rocky slabs.
The ridge is popular at sunrise, when walkers gather on the rocks above the river, and busy at weekends. Several side paths lead off the ridge; keep to the main path along the crest. The descent from Yongmasan is steep in places, and in winter the slabs can be icy.
Gwangnaru and Achasan stations, both on subway Line 5, are each under a kilometre from the start, and Yongmasan station on Line 7 is at the finish.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Achasan, 296 m, and Yongmasan, 348 m, form a ridge on Seoul's eastern edge above the Han River
- Remains of small Goguryeo forts from the 5th and 6th centuries lie along the ridge
- Goguryeojeong, a pavilion near the start, looks over the Han River
- The walk links two subway lines: Achasan station on Line 5 and Yongmasan station on Line 7
Summits on the way
- Achasan 296 m
- Yongmasan 348 m
Getting there
Start: Achasan Ecological Park. 37.55185, 127.10079
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps KakaoMap Naver Map
To Gwangnaru station: KakaoMap · Naver Map
KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
By train: Gwangnaru station is 0.8 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Gwangnaru: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.