Bukhansan

Bukhansan

This scenic one-day hike in Bukhansan National Park begins at the Bukhansanseong Information Center, just north of Seoul. The trail starts gently, passing a series of historic temples and mountain shrines nestled in the forest — including small Buddhist sites and stone monuments — giving the early part of the hike a peaceful and cultural feel. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged, eventually reaching Moonsubong Peak (문수봉, 728 m) — a striking granite summit with sweeping views over Seoul, the surrounding ridgelines, and deep forest valleys. The route continues along a rocky ridge, with a mix of exposed sections and quiet woodland paths, before descending toward the Dulle-gil Tampang Annae Center (둘레길탐방안내센터) on the eastern side of the park. This point-to-point hike is approximately 9 to 10 kilometers long and takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on pace. It offers a great mix of nature, culture, and panoramic views, with fewer crowds than the popular Baegundae route. The trail is well-marked and easily reached by public transport from central Seoul. If you're looking for a peaceful, challenging, and culturally rich day hike near Seoul, this route over Moonsubong is one of the best options in Bukhansan National Park.

Hike Details

fitness_center Difficulty
Moderate
route Type
Point to Point
schedule Duration
1 days
straighten Total Distance
9.5 km (5.9 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain
trending_up 679 m (2228 ft)

Location

Continent
Asia
Country
South Korea
Region
Bukhansan
Best Season
June, July, August

Photo Gallery

Highlights

  • star Temples and mountain shrines near trailhead
  • star Moonsubong Peak (728 m) summit views
  • star Granite ridgelines and rock formations
  • star Forest hiking trails near Seoul
  • star Peaceful alternative to Baegundae route.

Requirements

  • check_circle Moderate fitness level
  • check_circle Comfortable with steep climbs and stone steps
  • check_circle Proper hiking shoes
  • check_circle Water and snacks for 5–6 hours
  • check_circle Weather-appropriate clothing
  • check_circle Basic trail awareness.

Route Map

Day by Day

Day 1: Bukhansanseong Information Center to Dulle-gil Tampang Annae Center via Moonsubong Peak

Begin at the Bukhansanseong Information Center, located just north of Seoul. The trail starts gently through forest, passing several historic Buddhist temples and mountain shrines. As you continue, the climb becomes steeper and rockier, leading to the granite summit of Moonsubong Peak (728 m), which offers sweeping views over Seoul and the surrounding ridgelines. The trail then follows a rocky ridge with exposed sections and quiet woodland paths before descending to the Dulle-gil Tampang Annae Center on the eastern side of Bukhansan National Park. This peaceful and culturally rich route is well-marked, moderately challenging, and easily accessible by public transport from the city.

straighten Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 728 m (2388 ft)
schedule Duration: 5–6 hours

Sleeping Options

The Capsule Myeongdong

hotel Type: Capsule Hotel
phone Phone: +82 70-8956-1986
place Address: 23 Toegye-ro 45-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
link Visit Website

How to Get There

To reach the Bukhansanseong Information Center, the starting point for your Bukhansan day hike, take Bus 701 from Seoul Station. The ride takes just over an hour and brings you to the Heungguksa Temple (흥국사) bus stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Bukhansanseong Information Center, where your hike begins. This route offers a convenient and scenic way to access Bukhansan National Park without a car.
map Open in Google Maps

Download GPX Track

Download the GPX track for this hike to use with your GPS device or hiking app.