Gwanaksan Mountain: A Majestic Peak Embracing Seoul
The Grandeur of Bizarre Rocks and Rocky Ridges
Gwanaksan Mountain: A Place Where You Can Reach the Sky, Even in the Heart of the City
With Seoul at Your Feet, the Wind Makes You Part of the Mountain
Gwanaksan Observatory - The Summit is Visible, but the Path is Long
Gwanaksan Mountain (632.2m) is a renowned mountain in the city, embracing Seoul, Anyang, and Gwacheon. With its many bizarre rocks and cliffs, it is majestic, and from the Yeonju Peak at the summit, you can enjoy a refreshing view of the Han River, the city, and even Cheonggyesan and Umyeonsan Mountains. It is the most familiar mountain to Seoul citizens, yet it always feels new.
Reason for Selection as One of the 100 Famous Mountains
Gwanaksan Mountain is highly valued for its natural scenery due to its rugged terrain and beautiful cliffs. It also has deep historical significance, as it was a site for defense during the Joseon Dynasty and a place where Confucian and Buddhist cultures coexisted. Numerous hermitages and temples, such as Yeonjudae, Yeonjuam, Gwaneumsa, Gwanaksa, and Samsungam, are scattered throughout the mountain, making it rich in religious and cultural heritage.
Gwanaksan Observatory - The Summit is Right in Front of You
Hiking Notes
Hiking Course: Sadang Station → Gwaneumsa Temple → Gwanaksan Summit (Yeonju Peak) → Yeonjuam Hermitage → Gwacheon Confucian School → Gwaneumsa Temple (Taxi Ride)
This course is a typical traverse connecting Gwanak-gu and Gwacheon in the south of Seoul, where you can experience the typical charm of Gwanaksan Mountain, with bizarre rocks and forest paths alternating.
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes
Hiking Difficulty: Intermediate > There are rocky and steep sections, so it may be difficult for beginners, but it is good to try a short course.
Gwanaksan Observatory - Scenery of Seoul
Gwanaksan Mountain Hiking Log
Gwanaksan Mountain has a beautiful scenery, so I had it in mind since I was in middle school, and I was deeply moved to visit it more than 50 years later.
On a morning when the autumn sun was shining warmly, the road to Gwaneumsa Temple, leaving behind the busy scenery of the city, turned into a forest path and calmed my mind. From the entrance of the mountain, a dense forest cast shade, and the sound of leaves fluttering in the wind seemed to bless the beginning of the hike.
Gwanaksan Mountain Ridge and Autumn Foliage
As the uphill climb began in earnest after passing Gwaneumsa Temple, sweat dripped down my forehead, but the refreshing autumn wind soon washed away the fatigue. Rocks were exposed in various parts of the mountain path, allowing me to feel the rough yet solid energy of Gwanaksan Mountain, and the pine trees on the trail stood like guides.
The harmony and cuteness of bizarre rocks, rocks, trees, flowers, and pine trees! It was the mountain path with the atmosphere that my wife and I liked the most.
Gwanaksan Observatory - Gangnam Scenery
Finally, when I climbed to Yeonju Peak, a panoramic view of Seoul unfolded before my eyes. I could see Bukhansan Mountain, Namsan Mountain, and the Han River at a glance, and I was impressed by the wondrous scenery where the city and nature met. Standing on the rock and feeling the wind for a while, the sweat and hardship of the past were all replaced with reward.
Gwanaksan Summit Stone
The path to Yeonjuam Hermitage after passing Yeonju Peak was much softer. When I stopped by the hermitage for a while, the busyness in my mind disappeared and tranquility came. The path down to Gwacheon Confucian School was a relaxing descent with the sound of the valley water, and the peace I felt at the end of the hike gave me the strength to return to my daily life.
Gwanaksan Yeonju Peak
This Gwanaksan Mountain hike was a day filled with powerful rocky ridges, tranquil temples, and the scenery of Seoul. I was grateful for the fact that there was such a mountain near the city, and I was sure that today's hike would fill my heart for a long time even after returning to my daily life.
I took a taxi from Gwacheon to Gwaneumsa Temple to finish the day.
Hiking Charm Points
Panoramic view of Seoul and Han River from Yeonju Peak
The grandeur of bizarre rocks and rocky ridges
Historic temples and hermitages such as Yeonjuam and Gwaneumsa
The serene scenery of Gwacheon Confucian School after descending the mountain
Hiking Episode
At the summit, I met a kind and friendly woman in her 40s from near my house in Changwon, who said that I looked like I was in my early 70s. At this time, I was in my late 60s, and it was the first time that I was seen as older than my actual age. At this time, the words of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong flashed through my mind... The cool breeze blew away the fatigue of hiking.
Although it is a mountain in the city, the scenery from Yeonju Peak was like being in another world.
Hiking Tips
Hiking shoes are essential as the rocky sections are slippery
It is best to depart early in the morning as there are many people on weekends.
The Sadang Station starting course consumes a lot of energy, so prepare plenty of water and snacks.
Seasonal Attractions
Spring: Azaleas and rhododendrons bloom profusely
Summer: Lush greenery and cool forest trails
Autumn: The best view of autumn foliage in downtown Seoul
Winter: The snow-covered rocky landscape is spectacular
Nearby Attractions
Seoul National University Campus: Located at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain, it is good to visit after hiking
Gwacheon Confucian School: A historical educational institution from the Joseon Dynasty
Nearby Restaurants
Sadang Station Area: Traditional sundae soup, gopchang (grilled intestines), and Korean restaurants are abundant
Gwacheon Station Area: Numerous ox head soup and kalguksu (noodle soup) restaurants
Places to Visit After Hiking
Seoul National University Museum of Natural History
Gwacheon National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Seoul National University Entrance/Sadang Station Cafe Street
Closing Thoughts
Gwanaksan Mountain is a representative mountain of Seoul and a mountain that offers new charms every time you visit.
The wind and bizarre rock scenery of Yeonju Peak have a formidable grandeur. This hike was short but intense, and it was a special time that gave me healing in the city.
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