A Day Hike on Cheonggyesan Mountain: Preparing for Hallasan
462-2 Wonji-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
청계산
Hallasan is on the horizon! To prepare for the big climb and break in a new pair of hiking boots, I headed to Cheonggyesan Mountain(청계산) on the morning of August 31st. Known for its challenging "hellish stairs" and rewarding city views, Cheonggyesan is a favorite training ground for Seoul hikers. Starting the day at 4 AM might seem extreme, but reaching the summit to see the city wake up makes every step worth it.
In this guide, I share my solo journey from Indeokwon Station to the 582-meter Maebong Peak. I’ll cover essential transportation transfers, where to find 3 AM gimbap, and critical lessons learned about hydration and descent routes. Whether you're breaking in new gear or just looking for a solid weekend workout, this Cheonggyesan itinerary offers the perfect "practice hike" experience.
The Early Bird Route: From Indeokwon to Wonteogol
Getting to the trailhead early is key for a peaceful hike. Leaving Indeokwon at 4:30 AM, I caught the 5:00 AM Bus 441 to the Yangjae AT Center. From there, it's a quick transfer to Bus 4432, which drops you right at the 'Cheonggyesan/Wonteo Gol' stop. After passing through the underpass, you'll find a gimbap shop that opens at 3 AM—perfect for grabbing a tuna gimbap roll to fuel your summit victory.
Conquering the "Stairway to Maebong"
The Wonteogol trail is well-marked but physically demanding due to the relentless stairs. As a solo hiker, I found the signage very reassuring; just follow the arrows for Maebong Peak. Along the way, don't miss Dolmun Rock, where tradition says you can receive mountain energy by walking around it. Once you pass Maebawi Rock, you're almost at the top!
Summit Rewards and Lessons Learned
Reaching Maebong Peak (582m) just after a rainy day offered incredible visibility—even the distant Lotte Tower was crystal clear. There’s nothing quite like hot ramen and gimbap at the summit, even if you're on a diet! However, a word of advice: always descend back towards Wonteogol. I attempted a descent toward Gwacheon via Oknyeo Peak, and the trail conditions were significantly more difficult and isolated.
3 Pro Tips for Summer Hiking
- Freeze Your Drinks: Bring at least two bottles, one completely frozen. I ran out on the way down and was saved only by a summit cooler selling sports drinks (which I paid for via bank transfer!).
- Quality Gear: Breaking in my Salomon wide-fit boots was the right call. A half-size larger than usual prevents "toe bang" during the steep descent.
- Energy Staples: Keep an energy bar or sausage in your pocket for when the "hellish hills" start to drain your reserves.
Cheonggyesan Practice Hike Gallery
Completing this practice hike has given me a lot of confidence for Hallasan! Have you ever underestimated a "practice" mountain, or do you have a favorite summit snack that keeps you going? If you're planning a trip to Cheonggyesan soon, would you prefer the early morning sunrise climb or a late afternoon hike to see the city lights? Let me know if you'd like me to help you find the best gimbap shops near other Seoul mountain entrances!
Would you like me to help you plan your next training hike for Bukhansan Mountain, specifically looking at the Baegundae peak route?
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