Bukhansan National Park (Dobong) 북한산국립공원(도봉 지구)

Mt. Bukhansan is situated in the northern part of Seoul. Designated as a national park in 1983, the mountain is 78.45km wide and has 6 districts and extends out into Gyeonggi-do Province. The name Bukhansan means "big mountain in the north," and it is also called Mt. Samgaksan. Mt. Bukhansan has such smooth curves that the large granite rocks sometimes look as if they would slide down the mountain. The sharp peaks provide contrast to the dozens of valleys and rivers flowing below. The mountain has many different kinds of peaks but its main peak is Baegunbong. The granite peaks blend well with trees, and there are about 1,300 kinds of animals and plants living on the mountain. Among the granite peaks, the best known is Insubong Peak's Giam rocks. The world famous granite rock peak Insubong is over 200m above sea level, and there are about 100 mountain paths leading to the rock. When you stand on Baegundae and look down, sometimes you can see as far as Seoul City and the Hangang River.

Bukhansan has a rich history as well. Silla's King Jinheung Sunsubi Monument on Bibong Peak, the Bukhansanseong Fortress built along the mountain's ridges, Sangunsa Temple built by the monk Won-Hyo, and numerous other temples occupy the mountain areas. Especially, Bukhansanseong Fortress is a must-see tour site if you are visiting the mountain. The fortress was built with a wall spanning about 8,500m, built specifically to stop foreign invasion. It is one of the representative mountain fortresses of the Joseon Era. In the fall, the view you can get from the fortress of the mountain is spectacular. Temples are also representative of rich culture that flourished on Bukhansan. The Seungasa Temple on the east Bibong Peak, with Maaeseokgayeoraejwasang (seated rock-carved Buddhas) carved into a 5m granite rock, and the Munsusa Temple located halfway up the Musubong Peak, with purified mountain water dropping from the ceiling of Munsugol Cave, are indicative of both Bukhansan's history and culture.

With its granite peaks and Bukhansanseong Fortress, Bukhansan is perfect for hiking in all seasons. In the spring, all kinds of flowers bloom, and in the summer, lush forests carpet the numerous valleys. The hiking path along the valley is perhaps the best summer mountain climbing course. And the fall is the perfect time to visit the temples and pavilions in their autumn colors. In the winter, the snow-covered mountain scenery is very beautiful. The park averages 5 million visitors and has received the Honor of being in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the national park with the highest number of visitors per square foot.

Hiking at night is prohibited (from sunset to 2hrs before sunrise).

Seasonal Forest Fire Caution Period TBD by park directors based on fire weather advisories, precipitation levels, and other local conditions.

▲ Bukhansanseong Fortress Course (3.4km, 2hrs 45min):
Bukhansanseong Hiking Support Center (북한산성탐방지원센터) → Daeseomun (대서문) → Deungungak (등운각) → Baegundae (백운대)

▲ Baegundae Course (1.9km, 1hr 30min):
Baegundae Hiking Support Center (백운대탐방지원센터) → Harujae (하루재) → Baegun Shelter (백운대피소) → Baegundae (백운대)

▲ Sinseondae Course (3.3km, 1hr 40min):
Dobong Hiking Support Center (도봉탐방지원센터) → Seowonteo (서원터) → Dobong Shelter (도봉대피소) → Seokguram (석굴암) → Sinseondae (신선대)

▲ Mangwolsa Temple, Podae and Hoeryong Course (5.8km, 2hrs 20min):
Wondobong Hiking Support Center (원도봉탐방지원센터) → Deokjesaem (덕제샘) → Mangwolsa Temple (망월사) → Podae Ridge (포대능선) → Hoeryong 4-way Intersection (회룡사거리) → Hoeryong Hiking Support Center (회룡탐방지원센터)

▲ Uiam Course (2.5km, 1hr 10min):
Dobong Hiking Support Center (도봉탐방지원센터) → Bomun Ridge (보문능선) → Cheonjinsa Temple (천진사) → Uiam (우이암)

▲ Obong Course (6.5km, 3hrs 30min):
Songchubunso (송추분소) → Songchu Waterfall (송추폭포) → Obong 3-way Intersection (오봉삼거리) → Obong Peak (오봉) → Yeoseongbong Peak (여성봉) → Obong Hiking Support Center (오봉탐방지원센터)

▲ Sapaesan Mt. Course (5.5km, 3hrs): 
Songchubunso (송추분소) → Hoeryong 4-way Intersection (회룡사거리) → Sapaesan Mt. (사패산) → Wongaksa Temple (원각사) → Entrance of Sapaesan Mt. (사패산입구)

▲ Daenammun Course (5.8km, 3hrs): 
Bukhansanseong Hiking Support Center (북한산성탐방지원센터) → Daeseomun (대서문) → Jungseongmun (중성문) → Daenammun (대남문)

▲ Samobawi Rock Course (4.3km, 3hrs):  
Gugi Hiking Support Center (구기탐방지원센터) → Daenammun (대남문) → Cheongsudongammun (청수동암문) → Samobawi Rock (사모바위)

Free

Camping sites, Shelter, etc.

Available sites are Wondobong Peak Parking Lot 2, Wondobong Peak Parking Lot 3, Lower Songchu 2-gyo Parking Lot.

Fee: [S] 2,000 won / [M] 4,000 - 5,000 won / [L] 6,000 - 7,500 won
Free: Regular shuttle buses (Not including monthly parking leasers)