Hike Bukhansan Peak -Seoul's Highestest Mountain
By Gillian Boyd Published 25 March 2026
We hiked the Bukhansan Peak, Seoul’s highest mountain – a challenging but rewarding hike in only 5 hours with 360 degree views of Seoul.
As part of our 2 week itinerary in South Korea, and after a few days exploring the buzzing city of Seoul, we were ready for some nature and since the weather was improving, we headed out of the city to the nearby Bukhansan National Park to hike its highest and most iconic summit. At 836.5m high, Baegundae Peak is the highest peak of Bukhansan Mountain and regarded as the guardian mountain of Seoul, though it is often referred to as Bukhansan Peak.
Hold tight! Panoramic views of Seoul from Bukhansan Peak
Getting There
It was a day trip from Seoul. For us it took 1.5 hours to get to Bukansan National Park, plus 5 hours for the hike then 1.5 hours back to Seoul.
From our hostel in Myeongdong district in central Seoul, we took Metro Orange Line 3 in the direction of Daehwa and got off at Gupabal station exit 1 which took about an hour. Just outside we waited about 5 minutes for the 704 bus and exited at Bukhansangseong Fortress Entrance Station. We walked through the town for about 10 minutes following the signs to Baegundae and picked up a map from the Information Centre at the entrance. I liked being out in the suburbs and seeing another side to Seoul. It is possible to approach Bukhansan Peak from the other direction. But I didn’t do that hike so I am unable to comment.
Our 5-day Climate Card meant we had unlimited travel on metro and bus. Otherwise, you could pay using a Tmoney pre-charge card – for more info see Helpful Information on South Korea. The next bus stop is announced in Korean and English so it is easy to get off at the correct stop. Also, it’s likely some of your fellow passengers are going to the same place as it has many hiking trails, so you could follow them.
Food
As you walk through the town to the entrance you will pass various outdoor gear shops and cafes. We brought snacks that we ate at the summit and had a meal at one of the cafes next to the Information Centre when we came down. See more on Korean Food.
Toilets
There are public toilets beside the Information Centre and a novelty for me, foam toilets about half way up the trail. As with all toilets we used in Korea, they were very clean.
Clothing
We hiked in September in 26C. It was dry and cloudy with intermittent sunshine. It felt very humid in the early stages of the hike and became misty at the top. The international tourists wore trainers, shorts, sports top, baseball cap and carried small rucksacks or drawstring bags like us. The Korean hikers wore full hiking kit of full-length hiking trousers, hiking boots, wide brimmed hat, snood, gloves, poles, long sleeved top and rucksack.
They said it was difficult, and it was!
Temple on Bukhansan hiking trail
Bukhansan Peak Hike
We climbed the 3.4km course from the information centre to Bukhansan Peak, the highest peak in Bukansanseong National Park. It took us 2 hours 40 mins (including photo stops) to go up the Easy Valley route followed by the Baegundae Peak Advanced Route. The sign said it was difficult and it felt hard in the humid hazy heat. We took 2 hours 20mins to come down. We spoke to some other (younger) tourists and they hiked up in 2 hours – perhaps some more training needed for me! My calves got beautifully stretched the following day walking the steep third infiltration tunnel on our DMZ Tour.
River on Bukhansan hiking trail
Admiring the view, but really taking a breather!
The Start
The trail starts gently winding through a forest of native Korean pine trees but develops into a steep hike when you lose the river. Near the beginning we passed a temple. The trail is well maintained, with regular sign posts and was not too busy. We came across others but to our delight we still managed to hike mostly on our own enjoying the sounds of nature.
Near the top is a section with wooden steps which brings you to Wimun Gate. This is where the 2 approaches to Bukhansan Mountain meet. Take a second to drink in the view then turn left to begin the final ascent. I’m no mountaineer but felt safe scrambling up on chains and poles over the steep granite boulders to the summit. It is hard but short and I was glad I had been working on my upper body strength. My calves got a stretch too.
Dogs at summit of Bukhansan Peak
Woohoo! Bukhansan Peak with inscription and Korean flag
The Peak
The views at the top were worth it especially when the sun came out. We lingered at the top, loving the wide, open views until we began to get chilly when some mist came in. To our surprise, three stray dogs from the same family begged for food at the peak. The ranger chased them away. It was common in South America to find stray dogs on the mountains but we didn’t see any other strays during our whole trip in Korea.
Final Thoughts
Bukhansan Peak was a great hike with stunning 360 degree views of Seoul and the surrounding countryside. It is rare to see a capital city from such a viewpoint. At 4-5 hours hiking it was the optimum length for me. It was definitely challenging but felt very rewarding and was one of the highlights of my trip to Korea.
Never miss an Adventure!