Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

So I've been meaning to tackle this beasty for a while, and getting fed up sitting on my ass not doing so. What are the best routes (both easy and hard ones) for going up Gwanak? Could use some useful directions.

[cwaddell]

Gwanaksan is a nice wee hike. To get there, get the subway to Seoul Nat. Uni, then come out exit 3 and jump on a bus. It's just about 5 minutes from there.

Follow the other hikers round to the main gate. The main trail runs up to the left to the main peak, with the big communications golf ball on top. It's well sign posted once you get going, just head towards Yeonju-am (or Yeonju-dae, I forget.)

Up top, there is a fairly nice temple (down the other side slightly), and a short ridge walk to the little hermitage (Yeonju-am) perched on the edge of a cliff. Both are worth a look.

However, like the main Baegundae trail in Bukhansan, this is a really monotonous trail. It's basically just steps leading up a valley, with no views or things of note until the very top.

In my opinion, the smaller peak to the right (Samseongsan) is much more interesting. It's more demanding, varied, and exciting, takes longer, and leads on to many other trails. This surprised me, as it is a feeble 450m at it's highest, but feels like more due to the frequent 'up and down' nature of the ridge. There are a few fairly dangerous peaks to clamber over, but you can choose to walk around them. Anyway, the route I take begins at the same main gate, then breaks off to the right later on down the same road you would take for the main trail. There is a sign for a temple (I forget it's name, but it's brand new), then a ridiculously steep hill. At the top, turn left at the fire shovels and you'll find a wee narrow trail. From here you can walk up to the ridge, then to Sammak temple (about 2 hours from the main gate), and onto many other peaks.

Hope that helps

[RACETRAITOR]

Samseongsan is a cool climb too, but if you take a full day and start from somewhere high up you can see both.

[newinseoul]

Good information. I've been wanting to go hiking at Gwanaksan also. How long does it take to get up to the peak from the main trail?

How high or long does it take to climb the Samseongsan trail?

Another good mountain to climb near Nambu bus terminal is Umyeonsan. It is next to Seoul Arts center.

[cwaddell]

[MissSeoul]