A Hiking Trip Before the Last Heat of Summer
Ipchu, the first day of fall according to the lunar calendar has just passed and summer's heat cooled off a bit.
Before the last heat of summer starts again, people are traveling to and fro to enjoy the much cooler weather. So here we recommend the Bukhansan National Park. Out of all the courses, we've chosen the Baekundae course(3 hours, 3km) that is suitable both in time and in length.
The way to Bukhansan National park goes like this. Take the 120 bus and get off at the last stop, Uidong. Walk up the track that you see as soon as you get off and you'll see the information center for Bakeundae hiking. By metro, you can get off at Suyoo station's exit 3 and take the 120 bus. Around the bus stop are plenty of restaurants serving up great soul food, so bundle up before the hike. If you're going by car, pass the Bukhansan office and park at the parking lot around the entrance of Uidong.
Since Bukhansan is a popular track you won't need to take a map with you. It's started to gain popularity as a tourist spot for foreigners too so you might meet more international hikers than Korean hikers.
After an hour long walk, there will be restrooms and snack shops. If you're hungry grab something to eat here.
Hiking up and down Bukhansan isn't so easy. Watching climbers walk up roughly piled rocks is sometimes intimidating. So always be alert and stay safe no matter what from start to finish.
Bukhansan has more than 40 peaks including Insubong, Nojukbong, Youngbong, Bibong, Munsubong, and the main peak, Baekundae.
Once you've topped Baekundae you'll see Insubong right across, a much more steep and dangerous hike that's open only for professional hikers. The mountain over behind Insubong is Dobong Mountain, and you can even see Surak Mountain that's next to Dobong Mountains.
The whole view of Seoul up from Bukhansan is truly one of a kind. It's a different experience than going on a cable car ride up to Namsan. Probably much more attractive, thanks to the sweat that cost on the way.
As mentioned before, Bukhansan is a very rough mountain road so keep your hiking shoes on. It's a rocky mountain so the paths are quite slippery making it difficult to hike up with ordinary sneakers. Prepare yourself enough water to prevent dehydration and some sweets that will keep you up with energy.
Translated by_ Gen_E