Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park by the Bukhansanseong Visitor Support Centre, follow the valley path east to Daeseomun, the fortress's west gate, and on up the old village road to Borisa temple. Here the real climb begins: a stony path climbs the valley past the site of Yaksuam to Baegunbongammun, a gate in the fortress wall on the saddle below the summit. The last stretch to Baegundae (백운대) is on bare granite, with steel handrails and cables fixed along the official route. Return the same way.
It is 7.4 km there and back with 705 m of ascent; allow about 4½ hours. The grade is Hard: an easy start, then a long, steep rocky climb with handrails near the top.
Keep to the signed route. Bukhansan has many unofficial paths, which are closed and carry fines, and the ridge of Yeomchobong beside the route is for roped climbers only. KNPS lets walkers start up towards the summit until 17:00 from March to November and 16:00 in winter. The summit rocks are often icy in winter, when crampons are essential, and at weekends queues build on the handrails.
Buses from Gupabal station on subway Line 3 stop at Bukhansanseong Ipgu, a few minutes from the start; the park's car parks there charge by the hour.
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
- Baegundae, 836 m, is the highest peak of Bukhansan, the granite massif on Seoul's northern edge
- Bukhansanseong, the mountain fortress whose gates the walk passes, was built in stone in 1711
- Bukhansan became a national park in 1983
- Insubong, the great dome beside Baegundae, is a rock-climbing crag; walkers keep to the handrailed path
Summits on the way
- Baegundae 836 m
Getting there
Start: Bukhansanseong car park. 37.65594, 126.94873
Directions to the start
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Places to stay nearby
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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.