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Gwanaksan Mountain, the grandeur of a huge rock peak

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It's said that if a mountain's name includes the Korean word for 'ak', it is regarded as a challenging mountain.


Gwanaksan Mountain, which we'll introduce today, is also a mountain made of rocks and is a mountain with a high level of difficulty.


However, it's undoubtedly a mountain that offers stunning scenery and the pleasure of hiking.


It takes approximately 4 hours to return to the starting point along this route!




Let's begin😎



Seoul Hiking Tourism Center Gwanaksan Branch is conveniently located inside Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim Line, making it easily accessible. Following the Bukhansan and Bugaksan branches, this 3rd Seoul Hiking Tourism Center is set to temporarily open in November 2024 and is currently operational. Like the other centers, visitors can rent hiking gear, including hiking boots, jackets, clothing, backpacks, trekking poles, crampons, and gloves, by making an online reservation. Upon returning the rental items, they'll be thoroughly washed and disinfected at the center. In addition to locker rooms for storing your luggage, the facility also features spacious powder rooms and dressing room. Amenities such as hair ties, cotton swabs, and deodorant are provided, allowing you to feel refreshed and ready for your next activity, even after a hike!



Address: B1, 23 Sillim-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (Inside the Gwanaksan Station)

Work: 9AM – 6PM (Wed, Closed)




After you have rented the necessary equipment or checked your luggage at the Seoul Hiking Tourism Center, you'll begin your hike in earnest from Gwanaksan Nature Park! Gwanaksan Nature Park is an urban nature park situated on Gwanaksan Mountain and is a popular destination not only for hikers but also for many residents of Seoul. This park, which embodies the leisure and tranquility of nature, offers a variety of attractions, including Gwanaksan Ecological Park and Lake Park. With accessible forest paths and red clay trails, it's a place that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds without any difficulty. There're numerous programs available, such as forest experience activities like healing walks and meditation, as well as forest ecology programs where you can observe the diverse flora and fauna of the Gwanaksan forest. Therefore, even if you're not hiking, you can have a wonderful experience connected to nature whenever you visit!



Address: San27-1 Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul




The path to Yeonjudae is not particularly challenging. From Gwanaksan Park, proceed towards Campsite 4 and follow the signs indicating Yeonjudae. However, from Kkalttaggogae, where the ascent along the valley begins, the trail becomes quite strenuous, necessitating breaks for hikers to catch their breath—hence the name. This steep section requires caution both when ascending and descending, as it involves climbing numerous stone steps and wooden deck stairs. There're rest areas along the way, where you can often find hikers taking a break or hydrating. Although this section is demanding, it's essential to traverse it in order to enjoy the stunning views of Gwanaksan. Therefore, please take your time, rest as needed, and climb safely!



Address: Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul




After ascending Kkalttaggogae, you'll encounter signs for Yeonjuam and Yeonjudae at a fork in the road. At this point, it's advisable to proceed towards Yeonjudae to bypass the challenging rock ridge section. Yeonjudae is located atop Yeonjubong, the highest peak of Gwanaksan Mountain. The view of a small red hermitage perched on several large and small cliffs at Yeonjubong Peak is truly breathtaking, and this scenery has become a symbol of Gwanaksan Mountain. Be sure to capture a photograph at the vantage point that offers the best view of Yeonjudae! Yeonjudae was originally called Uisangdae, and the name Yeonjudae means a place to miss the king. It would be even more meaningful if you knew that people who missed Goryeo, the country before Joseon was established, when the capital was moved during the Joseon Dynasty, would come here and miss the old dynasty and its loyal subjects!



Address: 64 Jahadong-gil, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do




The Gwanaksan summit stone is so popular that on weekends, you may find yourself waiting 20 to 30 minutes in line to take a picture with it. Here, you can also observe the Gwanaksan Meteorological Radar Observatory adjacent to the jagged rock formations. The round soccer ball-shaped sphere is intended to protect the weather radar, which is Korea's first weather observation radar. From the Gwanaksan summit, you can appreciate the grandeur of the expansive landscapes of Seoul and Gwacheon spread out beneath you. Because it’s a large and flat, it's common to see hikers resting or enjoying the food they have brought with them. You can also access the Yeonjudae directly from the Gwanaksan summit to pay your respects. Just as you would from the outside, you can see the red lanterns adorned with the wishes of many people, as well as monks and believers bowing in reverence.



Address: Jungang-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do




Yeonjuam is a temple situated on Yeonjubong, the highest peak of Gwanaksan. Perched on a precarious cliff, Yeonjuam is renowned as the convergence point for all hiking trails on Gwanaksan. To the south, hikers can reach Janggunbawi Rock; to the north, Madangbawi Rock; to the left, Samseongsan Mountain; and to the right, Jahadongcheon Stream. From Yeonjuam, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Seoul, and the scenery is truly breathtaking. This location is also recognized as a temple stay destination, offering four programs: day-trip, relaxation, experiential, and tea ceremony experience. Guests can savor temple cuisine, engage in the meditative practice of stringing prayer beads to alleviate mental burdens, and share tea with the monks. While Yeonjuam Temple Stay guests have the option to use the cable car, participating in the temple stay by hiking up Gwanaksan Mountain is also an enjoyable experience!



Address: 63 Jahadong-gil, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do


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