Fall is awesome for hiking. And given Seoul’s topography, there’s never any shortage of options. Gwanaksan is one mountain I’ve been meaning to hike for some time.
Despite being referred to as a “small” mountain, the 4.1km hike from the subway station to the 631m summit (Yeonjudae) is not exactly what I’d call an easy climb. Much of the trail is rocky without any real discernible path. There are wooden steps in a few parts, but overall it’s a pretty steep and demanding.
Regardless, if you’re up for a little exercise, the views from the summit are fantastic. It took me just over an hour (around 70mins) to make it to the very top.
Literally meaning “hat-shaped peak” (the Chinese character “Gwan” means “hat”), Gwanaksan is one of the five representative peaks of Gyeonggi-do. There are numerous paths leading up the mountain but the most popular starting point is from Gwancheon Park, just in behind Gwacheon Government Complex.
At the foot of Gwanaksan, just beyond the Gwancheon Park entrance is Gwacheon Hyanggyo, a Confucian temple. This educational institution was established by the government during the Joseon Dynasty.
The distance from Gwacheon Hyanggyo to Yeonjudae is 3.2km.
Just beyond that are several makgeolli and bindaetteok vendors, the quintessential to wolf down after your climb.
From there the path starts and stretches all the way up along the stream, past numerous resting stations, small stacks of wishing stones beside rushing brooks, and Jangseung, traditional Korean totem poles. Some larger stones here and there are marked with Buddhist scriptures.
Founded in 677, Gwanaksan’s largest temple, Yeonjuam is located at the summit, a rather unusual location. 400m from there is Yeonjudae. Arguably the most incredible attraction on Gwanaksan is the beautiful little Buddhist shrine that clings dangerously to the cliff.
Getting there: Gwanaksan is very easy to get to. Take subway Line 4 to Gwancheon Station and get out Exit 7. Walk straight for 550m and turn left. The park entrance will be just up on your right. There’s a convenience just before the entrance if you need to stock up on supplies.
To view the rest of Gregory’s photos, check out the original post here.
