Bukhansan National Park

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A national park inside the capital's own boundary — forty minutes on the subway and you are at the foot of the granite trail.

Very few capitals contain a real national park, and Bukhansan is why Seoulites are so devoted to hiking. From the subway station it is a few hundred metres to the park gate, then the trail steepens through pine forest and white granite slabs. Baegundae summit is 836 metres, and the last stretch means hauling yourself up bare rock on fixed cables — the reward is Seoul filling the entire southern horizon. Along the ridge the Joseon-era Bukhansanseong wall still runs. At weekends the trail is as busy as a street, everyone in bright hiking jackets with a flask of kimbap in the pack.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Bukhansan National Park?

April–June and September–November

How long do you need at Bukhansan National Park?

Half to a full day

What are the opening hours of Bukhansan National Park?

Entry 04:00–17:00 (to 16:00 Dec–Feb); the Baegundae route can close once its daily cap is reached

Did you know

The highest peak is Baegundae at 836m.
It has the highest number of visitors per square kilometre of any national park in the world.
Bukhansanseong fortress on the mountain was rebuilt in 1711 as a royal refuge.
There are many routes up; the Bukhansanseong and Dobongsan trails are the most used.

Travel tips

Wear hiking shoes with real grip — the granite is far more slippery than it looks.
Avoid autumn weekends if you dislike crowds; early Tuesday is the calmest.
In winter the trail ices over; crampons are sold at the park gate.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=87742

Updated: 2026-08-04