Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From Gwacheon Hyanggyo, the old Confucian school at the foot of the hill, take the path up the wooded valley. It climbs gently at first beside the stream, then more steeply on steps and rock to Yeonjuam temple, high on the south side of the mountain. A short, rocky climb above the temple leads to the summit of Gwanaksan (관악산) and the view down to Yeonjudae, a small hermitage built on a ledge of the cliff. Return the same way.
It is 6.7 km there and back with 520 m of ascent; allow about 3½ hours. The grade is Hard: a steady valley climb with steps and some rocky sections near the top.
The rocks around the summit are steep and polished, with handrails in places; take care when wet and carry crampons in winter. The summit area is crowded at weekends.
Gwacheon and Government Complex Gwacheon stations, both on subway Line 4, are each under a kilometre from the start.
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
- Gwanaksan, 632 m, rises on Seoul's southern edge above Gwacheon
- Yeonjudae, a tiny hermitage, is built on a cliff ledge just below the summit rock
- The walk starts at Gwacheon Hyanggyo, a Confucian school of the Joseon era
- On a clear day the summit looks over central Seoul to Bukhansan
Summits on the way
- Gwanaksan 632 m
Getting there
Start: Gwacheon Hyanggyo, near Gwacheon station. 37.43387, 126.98739
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps KakaoMap Naver Map
To Government Complex Gwacheon station: KakaoMap · Naver Map
KakaoMap and Naver Map, the maps Korea uses, give public transport from where you are.
By train: Government Complex Gwacheon station is 0.8 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Gwacheon Hyanggyo: 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.