Bibong Ridge Course
Bulgwang Station → Jokduribong Peak → Hyangnobong Peak → Bibong Peak → Samobawi Rock → Seunggasa Temple → Gugi Trailhead Information Center
Distance
Approx. 8km
Duration
3-4 hours
Max Elevation
560m
Cumulative Ascent
Approx. 500m
Difficulty
Parking
Bulgwang Station (Subway)
Elevation Profile
Difficulty by Section
Course Features
Public Transportation Access
Start directly from Bulgwang Station Exit 9. Easily accessible from anywhere in Seoul without a car.
Monument to King Jinheung's Tour
Before Bibong Peak's summit, explore the replica of King Jinheung's Monument (National Treasure). Enjoy history and hiking together.
Rocky Ridge Hotspot
The short rock ridge section between Jokduribong Peak and Bibong Peak allows even beginners to experience the thrill of rock climbing.
Descent to Seunggasa Temple
Descend via the valley path past Seunggasa Temple, founded during the Silla Dynasty. A gentle finish to Gugitamangjiwon Center.
Departure Bulgwang Station Exit 9
▼TransportationBulgwang Station, Subway Line 6
AmenitiesConvenience Store, Restroom
Exit 9, walk straight for about 500m to the Daeho Apartment entrance (access road). Follow the signpost towards Bibong.
①Bulgwang Station → Jokduribong Peak (370m)
▼GradientGentle → Steep
Road SurfaceDirt path + Rock ridge
At the Dulle-gil trail fork, choose the left path towards Jokduribong Peak. Use handholds on the short rocky ridge section just before the summit. Excellent views.
②Jokduribong Peak → Hyangnobong Peak (535m)
▼FeaturesRocky Ridge Connection
ViewPanoramic view of Northwestern Seoul
The core section of Bibong Ridge. A narrow rocky ridge continues, offering panoramic views of Eunpyeong-gu. Gloves are convenient.
③Hyangnobong Peak → Bibong Peak ★ (560m)
▼Key AttractionsReplica of King Jinheung's Monument
View360-degree view of Northern Seoul
Bibong Peak is the highest point of the course (560m). A replica of King Jinheung's Monument is at the summit. Excellent views in all directions. A good resting spot.
Narrow rocky ridge section just before Bibong Peak. Be careful of the cliff on the right. Exercise extra caution in wet weather.
④Bibong Peak → Samobawi Rock (500m)
▼FeaturesGiant Rock Formations, Scenic Viewpoint
GradientGentle Descent
A giant hat-shaped rock. Stone carvings related to Bukhansanseong Fortress remain. A good spot to rest on a flat rock.
⑤Samobawi Rock → Seunggasa Temple → Gugi Trailhead Information Center
▼Seunggasa TempleAncient Silla Temple
Descent RouteGentle descent along the valley
Gently descend while listening to the sound of the Sanggasa Valley stream. From Gugitamangjiwon Center, take bus (7022·7211) to Gupabal Station.
Arrival Gugi Visitor Center (150m)
▼ Hike completed! Take bus 7022 or 7211 → Gupabal Station (Subway Line 3) or take a taxi. Restrooms and convenience stores are available.
Essential Gear
Hiking boots (rocky sections), 1L+ water, hiking poles (optional), gloves, hat, sunscreen
Food & Drinks
Water refill available at Seunggasa Temple's mineral spring. Recommended to prepare snacks at a convenience store near Bulgwang Station before departure. No snack bar at the summit.
Transportation
Departure:Bulgwang Station, Subway Line 6, Exit 9
Arrival:Gugi Visitor Center (Gugi Visitor Center) → Bus No. 7022·7211 → Gupabal Station (Line 3)
Arrival:Gugi Visitor Center (Gugi Visitor Center) → Bus No. 7022·7211 → Gupabal Station (Line 3)
Safety Precautions
Be careful of slippery rock sections just before Bibong Peak. Do not approach the cliff on the right. Rocks are twice as slippery on rainy days.
Recommended Season
Spring (azaleas, rhododendrons) / Autumn (foliage) are best. Early morning departure recommended in summer. Crampons essential in winter.
App & Information
Utilize Smart National Park (official app), Korea Forest Service hiking maps, and Korea Meteorological Administration weather app. Visitor Information Center 02-909-0497
Public Transportation Guide
Baegundae Peak Course
Bukhansanseong National Park Service Center → Daeseomun Gate → Borisa Temple → Wimum Gate → Baegundae Peak → Harujae Pass → Baegundae National Park Service Center
Distance
Approx. 9.4km
Duration
4-5 hours
Max Elevation
836.5m
Cumulative Ascent
Approx. 750m
Difficulty
Parking
Bukhansanseong Parking Lot
Elevation Profile
Difficulty by Section
Course Features
Bukhansanseong Cultural Heritage
Experience Joseon Dynasty fortress culture by walking along the main gates and walls of Bukhansanseong Fortress, including Daeseomun Gate and Jungseongmun Gate.
Ascent to Seoul's highest peak
Baegundae Peak (836.5m) is the highest point in Seoul. The view from the summit, encompassing downtown Seoul + the entire Gyeonggi-do province, is overwhelming.
Rope section
The section from Wimun Gate to just before Baegundae Peak summit has steel ropes and stairs. It's short but steep, and requires patience due to queuing.
Mountain Fortress Valley Scenery
A well-maintained trail along the valley, cool even in summer. A particularly beautiful forest path in spring and autumn.
Departure Bukhansanseong National Park Visitor Center (230m)
▼ParkingBukhansanseong Public Parking Lot (Paid)
BusBus No. 704 → Get off at Sanseong Entrance
Recommended to arrive before 7 AM on weekends — parking lot fills up quickly. If using the bus, take bus 704 from Gupabal Station (Line 3).
①Visitor Center → Daeseomun Gate (250m)
▼Road SurfacePaved Road → Natural Trail
FeaturesPass through Bukhansanseong Daeseomun Gate
Daeseomun Gate is the west gate of Bukhansanseong Fortress (built in 1711). Explore the fortress walls built during King Sukjong's reign of Joseon. The initial section is a gentle paved road.
②Daeseomun Gate → Borisa Temple (480m)
▼SlopeGentle along the valley → gradually steepens
RestroomRestroom in front of Borisa Temple
A forest path where you walk listening to the sound of the valley stream. Water can be refilled at the spring just before Borisa Temple. Also passes through Jungseongmun Gate.
③Borisa Temple → Wimun (780m)
▼SlopeSteep stone stairs and rocky path
RequiredSection with Maximum Physical Exertion
This section is the most challenging part of the course. It involves a rapid ascent of over 300m in elevation. Sufficient rest and hydration are essential.
The Borisa Temple~Wimun section consists of steep stone stairs and rocky paths. Active use of hiking poles is recommended. Wear knee pads when descending.
④Wimun Gate → Baegundae Peak ★ (836.5m)
▼FeaturesSections with steel ropes and stairs
View360-degree panoramic view of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province
This section from Uimun to the summit is equipped with steel ropes and stairs. There may be queues on weekends. Proceed slowly and safely.
Beware of slippery rocks near the summit. Exercise caution in strong winds. Guides are stationed at good photo spots near the summit marker.
⑤Baegundae Peak → Harujae Pass → Baegundae Trailhead Information Center
▼Descent RouteHarujae Pass ~ Ui-dong Valley Trail
BusBaegundae Exploration Center→Ui-dong
Baegundae Peak → Descend Harujae Pass, then follow the valley path to Baegundae Trailhead Information Center. Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Line is accessible.
Arrival Baegundae Visitor Center (330m)
▼ Finish! Baegundae Visitor Center → Uidong Bus or 20-minute walk → Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui-Sinseol Light Rail).
Essential Gear
Hiking boots (ankle support type), hiking poles (essential), knee pads, 1.5L+ water, trail food, gloves, hat
Departure Time
Recommended to start between 7-8 AM on weekends. The parking lot is full by 9 AM. If starting after 2 PM, calculating descent time is essential.
Transportation
Departure:Bus No. 704 → Sanseong Entrance (Gupabal Station, Subway Line 3)
Arrival:Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui-Sinseol Line)
Arrival:Bukhansan Ui Station (Ui-Sinseol Line)
Safety Precautions
Be careful of slippery rocks on the cliff face from Uimun to the summit. Knee injuries are frequent during descent. Always use trekking poles. Descend before sunset.
Check Weather
Summit temperatures are 5-7 degrees Celsius lower than the plains. Winds are strong. Cancellation is recommended if rain is forecast. Risk of lightning in summer.
App & Reservations
National Park visit reservation not required (general course). Smart National Park app. Visitor Information Center 02-909-0497
Public Transportation
Mangyeongdae Ridge Traverse
Ui-dong → Doseonsa Temple → Harujae Pass → Baegundae Peak (836.5m) → Wimun Gate → Mangyeongdae Peak (799.5m) → Nojeokbong Peak → Yongammun Gate → Daenammun Gate → Gugigye-gok Valley
Distance
Approx. 12km
Duration
6-8 hours
Max Elevation
836.5m
Cumulative Ascent
Approx. 1,100m
Difficulty
Type
A→B Traverse
Elevation Profile
Difficulty by Section
Course Features
Samgakbong Peak Main Ridge
A traverse of the core ridge of Samgaksan, summiting both major peaks: Baegundae (836.5m) + Mangyeongdae (799.5m).
Essence of Rocky Ridge Traverse
The Baegundae~Mangyeongdae section features a rugged rock ridge. Experience breathtaking views and the thrill of scrambling.
Bukhansanseong South Gate
Pass through multiple gates of Bukhansanseong Fortress, including Yongammun Gate, Daenammun Gate, and Bogungmun Gate. The entire structure of the fortress can be understood.
Best View
From Nojeokbong Peak to Daenammun Gate, enjoy a full panoramic view of the three peaks: Baegundae, Insubong, and Mangyeongdae. This is Bukhansan National Park's best viewpoint.
Departure Uidong / Bukhansan Ui Station (160m)
▼TransportationBukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Light Rail Transit
On Foot20 minutes from the station towards Doseonsa Temple
This is a traverse course, so the starting and ending points are different. Public transportation is highly recommended. Departure between 6-7 AM is essential.
①Ui-dong → Doseonsa Temple (300m)
▼Paved road ~ natural trail. Restroom and spring water refill at Doseonsa Temple. Section for preparing for the main hike.
②Doseonsa Temple → Harujae Pass (540m)
▼🪨 A steep section with continuous stone steps. Take a short break at Harujae before challenging the summit.
Wearing knee pads is recommended for stair sections. Minimize backpack weight.
③Harujae Pass → Baegunbongammun Gate (Wimun) → Baegundae Peak ★ (836.5m)
▼Insubong Peak ViewBest at Harujae Pass
Summit Steel RopeWimun Gate~Summit Steep Slope
360-degree panorama of Seoul + Gyeonggi-do from Baegundae Peak. After ample photos + rest, depart towards Mangyeongdae.
The initial descent from the summit towards Mangyeongdae is a very steep rocky ridge. There are sections where you may need to descend backward. Stay focused!
④Baegundae Peak → Wimum Gate → Mangyeongdae ★ (799.5m)
▼FeaturesSamgakbong Peak's second highest peak
DifficultyMost Difficult Section of the Course
The highlight of this course. A rugged rocky ridge connecting Baegundae to Mangyeongdae via Uimun. Many sections require holding onto rocks to move.
There are unauthorized sections around Mangyeongdae. Always follow signposts and official trails. No deviations allowed.
⑤Mangyeongdae → Nojeokbong Peak (715m) → Yongammun Gate
▼The best viewpoint for a panoramic view of the three peaks, Baegundae and Insubong, from Nojeokbong Peak. After passing Yongammun Gate (fortress gate), continue along the ridge.
⑥Yongammun Gate → Daenammun Gate (650m) → Gugigye-gok Valley Descent
▼Daenammun GateBukhansanseong South Gate, Good View
DescentGugi Valley~Gugi Visitor Center (Gugi Visitor Center)
After Daenammun Gate, descend towards Gugidong. It's a gentle path along the valley. Continue using knee poles.
Arrival Gugi Visitor Center (150m)
▼ Completed the Bukhansan National Park traverse! Take bus 7022 or 7211 → Gupabal Station (Line 3). Recommended to have a celebratory meal at a nearby restaurant.
Essential Gear
Hiking boots (ankle-reinforced), 2 hiking poles, knee pads, gloves (for rocky terrain), 2L+ water, trail snacks, emergency food, headlamp
Departure Time
Must depart between 6-7 AM. 12km/6-8 hour course. 5:30 AM recommended in summer. Must plan to descend before sunset.
Transportation (A→B Traverse)
Departure:Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui-Sinseol Light Rail Transit
Arrival:Gugi Visitor Center (Gugi Visitor Center) → Bus No. 7022·7211 → Gupabal Station
Arrival:Gugi Visitor Center (Gugi Visitor Center) → Bus No. 7022·7211 → Gupabal Station
Emergency Contact
Bukhansan National Park 02-909-0497
Bukhansan National Park Mountain Rescue Team 02-996-1103
119 Mountain Rescue
Bukhansan National Park Mountain Rescue Team 02-996-1103
119 Mountain Rescue
Weather/Season
Spring and autumn are best. Crampons + gaiters essential in winter. Due to lightning risk in summer, it is recommended to reach the summit before 12 PM. Cancel if rain is forecast.
Fitness Standard
Recommended for hikers with 4+ monthly hiking experience. Cumulative elevation gain 1,100m, 12km. Significant knee impact during descent, so pre-train lower body strength.
Public Transportation (A→B Traverse)