Korean Job Discussion Forums

[marcelery]

Does anyone know of hiking trails in the Bundang area?

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[Arthur Dent]

Hi Marcelery,

There are trails along both ridges which contain the Tancheon. I have met people who have hiked both sides. Some have even camped up there, but this not legal. I can only give you directions to one access point.

Take the subway to Ori station and come out exit 3.
Take bus number 19 which will circle back over the bridge over the Tancheon. It will come to mujigae maeul (rainbow village) intersection and take a right before circling back to the main road and heading up the hill. Before it takes the left towards the hospital (about three stops) get off and walk up the hill on the main road. At the top there is a parking lot with a few shops and restaurants. There is a large sign with a map. This is the start of the trail.

Another option that I am familiar with is the fortress mountain Namhansanseong. Take the Bundang line towards Seoul and transfer to the 8 line at Moran Station. Get off at Sanseong station (NOT Namhansanseong) and find the exit which leads to the road for the fortress.
It should be signed and easy to find.

Follow the road up the hill until you see a path on the left side. You may have to keep a sharp eye out for it but it follows alongside the road at a short distance. While most people prefer the hike along the fortress edge itself, I found it to be a little crowded. The addition of the speakers with music was also a drawback, but there are some nice views from the top - on a good day.

There is also a temple which comes into sight once you get to the park entrance and cross the road (you will have to) and start to walk down the set of stairs. I did not visit it.

The fortress figures in a book written recently (in Korean, not sure if there is an English translation) which I read about a couple of years ago in the Korea Herald. You should be able to find out more by searching the web.

It is also possible to hike over the ridge from Bundang over to Yongin. I have not done this but with some help from Korean friends you should be able to get info on the trail.

Remember to wear shades to protect yourself from the glare of other hikers clothes.....