Hiking to Munsubong Peak at Bukhansan: A Perfect Outdoor Adventure in Seoul
Last month, I had a bit of a spontaneous hiking adventure that turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences in Korea. It all started with a new pair of hiking shoes I had picked up during a visit to Emart after missing the EPS Bangla picnic event. I was out with Mamun Bhai, Reza Bhai, and his wife, exploring the Majang Lake and nearby streams when I happened to find a pair of hiking boots I liked. Even though I didn’t initially plan to get anything, the shoes just caught my eye, and I ended up buying them.
About a month later, I finally got to use those boots on a hiking trip to Munsubong Peak at Bukhansan. That particular Sunday was my off day, and for some reason, I woke up early, much earlier than usual. I’m not sure what made me wake up so early, but as soon as I got out of bed, I ended up putting on the new hiking boots and rolling around on the bed, debating if I should go anywhere.
For nearly an hour, I kept changing my mind, wondering if it was a good day for hiking. The weather in Korea can be unpredictable – scorching hot summers followed by freezing winters – and it was hard to tell what the day might bring. I kept trying the shoes on and off, unpacking and packing my bag, and dealing with a lot of indecision. Finally, I opened my maps and stumbled across Munsubong, a peak in Bukhansan. I thought, “It’s been a while since I’ve hiked. Why not?” Without overthinking, I decided to go for it.
That’s when I messaged my friend Chanchal, asking if he wanted to join me on the hike. To my surprise, he called me almost immediately, and we quickly made plans to head out. And just like that, my new hiking shoes were put to the test!
Getting Ready for the Hike
I wasn’t exactly prepared for a long hike that day, having woken up without breakfast, and it was already getting hot outside. After some back and forth, I managed to gather everything I needed, including food and water from Emart. Chanchal and I met at Gupabal Station, a popular starting point for hikers heading to Bukhansan. If you’re planning on hiking here, I highly recommend starting from Gupabal Station, as it’s well connected to the different trailheads.
We caught the 7842 bus, which took us straight to the Bukhansan National Park entrance, and from there, the real adventure began. The trail to Munsubong starts from Daeseongmun (대성문), and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves surrounded by nature. The trail was mostly forested, with lots of greenery and occasional glimpses of the rocky terrain typical of Bukhansan.
The Trail to Munsubong
The trail from Daeseongmun to Daenammun was around 40 minutes of hiking, mostly through dense forest. I was already feeling a little weak from skipping breakfast, and the heat wasn’t helping either. I kept stopping to rest, but after a while, I started feeling better.
From Daenammun, we took a left turn to head toward Munsubong. The trail was straightforward, but we had to be careful as parts of the path were rocky. We passed a few streams, but unfortunately, it had been dry for a while, so there wasn’t much water to refresh ourselves with.
After about two hours of hiking, we finally reached Munsubong! The view from the peak was breathtaking. Munsubong sits at an elevation of 727 meters, and the surrounding landscape was a beautiful sight to behold. It was amazing to see the expansive view of Bukhansan from the top.
A Refreshing Break and a Surprise Meeting
I was starving by the time we reached the peak, but unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to cook anything at the top due to fire restrictions. I had brought along a portable stove and some food, hoping to cook a hot meal, but that wasn’t going to happen. Instead, we had to make do with some instant ramen and hot water that we had brought along.
At the peak, I met a foreign traveler who was also taking in the view. I took a few pictures of him and then, with a big smile, asked if he could return the favor by taking some photos of me. After a few moments of fun with our phones, we connected on Facebook and exchanged photos, laughing at how quickly we bonded over our shared love of the outdoors.
Hiking Down and Discovering New Trails
After enjoying the view and chatting with new friends, it was time to head down. We took the Bibong trail down, which was a bit narrow and steep in some parts. After a quick rest at the Bibong peak, we started looking for a way down. By this point, we were both getting pretty thirsty, and fortunately, we found a small stream where we could drink and cool off a bit. It wasn’t much, but it was a welcome relief in the heat.
As we made our way down the mountain, we came across other hikers, many of whom were also sharing their water and snacks with us. One of the things I love most about hiking in Korea is how friendly and generous fellow hikers are. It feels like you’re all part of a big family, sharing the same love for nature.
By the time we reached the bottom of the mountain near Jingeoansa Temple (진관사), we were both exhausted but happy. We had hiked for hours, explored new trails, met new people, and had a great time. Even though it was a tough hike, the sense of accomplishment and the beautiful views made it all worth it.
How to Get There
Getting to Munsubong Peak at Bukhansan is easy from Seoul, thanks to the excellent public transportation system. Here’s how you can get there:
- From Gupabal Station (Line 3):
- Take Exit 1 and catch bus 704 or 7842. The bus will drop you at the Bukhansanseong stop.
- From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the trailhead at Daeseongmun, which is a popular starting point for hikers.
- From Gireum Station (Line 4):
- Take buses 110B or 143, which will take you to the Bukhansan entrance.
- If you want to start the hike from a different trailhead, you can reach the main entrance near the Bukhansanseong Fortress by bus as well.
Nearby Places to Visit
Bukhansan National Park is not only a great destination for hiking but also surrounded by many interesting places that make for perfect day trips. After completing your hike, or if you want to explore more of the area, check out these nearby attractions:
- Bukhansanseong Fortress (북한산성)
- This fortress is located near the Bukhansan entrance and provides both historical significance and panoramic views. It was originally built to defend against invaders during the Joseon Dynasty. The hiking paths around the fortress are scenic and rich in history, making it a great place to explore after your hike.
- Jingeoansa Temple (진관사)
- Located at the base of the mountain, this Buddhist temple is a peaceful retreat and a great place to relax after your hike. The temple features traditional Korean architecture and offers a tranquil atmosphere. Many visitors stop here to meditate and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
- Gupabal
- The Gupabal area is a charming neighborhood that offers a variety of restaurants and cafes perfect for refueling after a day of hiking. Whether you want to enjoy traditional Korean dishes or try some lighter snacks, Gupabal has plenty of options for every taste.
- The Korean Stone Art Museum (한국석조미술관)
- For something a bit different, visit this museum located in the northern part of Seoul, not far from Bukhansan. It showcases Korean stone art and ancient sculptures, providing a unique cultural experience. If you’re a fan of art and history, this museum is a hidden gem worth visiting.
What You Should Know Before Hiking Bukhansan
- The Weather:
- Make sure to check the weather forecast before your hike. While Bukhansan is beautiful year-round, the trails can become dangerous in bad weather, especially during the winter months when icy conditions are common. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking.
- Hiking Difficulty:
- The trails on Bukhansan vary in difficulty. If you’re a beginner, stick to easier routes like the one from Gupabal Station to Daeseongmun. For more advanced hikers, the trails to Baegundae or Munsubong offer a more challenging experience with rewarding views.
- Trail Etiquette:
- Korean hiking culture emphasizes respect for fellow hikers. Be courteous on the trails, and always yield to those heading uphill. Most hikers will greet each other with a friendly “annyeonghaseyo” (hello) as a sign of goodwill.
- What to Bring:
- Water and Snacks: Even if you’re just planning to hike for a few hours, always carry plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up.
- Proper Footwear: Make sure to wear good hiking shoes that will support your feet on rocky terrain.
- First Aid Kit: A small kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers is always a good idea.
- Sunscreen and Hat: The sun can be strong, so be sure to protect your skin, especially in summer.
- Camera or Phone: The views are breathtaking, and you’ll definitely want to capture them.
- Peak Hours and Crowds:
- On weekends, Bukhansan can get crowded, especially at popular trailheads like Gupabal and Daeseongmun. If you prefer a quieter experience, try to hike early in the morning or on weekdays when the trails are less busy.
- Safety:
- While Bukhansan is a relatively safe mountain, always let someone know your hiking plans. Carry a fully charged phone in case you need help or want to take photos of the scenery.
- Public Restrooms:
- There are restrooms at the trailheads, but facilities on the trails themselves are limited. It’s a good idea to use the restrooms at the start of the hike and bring extra tissue paper, just in case.
- Avoiding Trash:
- Respect nature by packing out all trash, even if it’s not yours. Korea has a strong culture of keeping nature clean, and hikers often bring their trash back down the mountain with them.
