Hiking. In Korea it’s a big deal. So big that folks actually have complete head to toe hiking gear ready to be thrown on at any moment that anyone even thinks about a hike. You can just visualize a mountain, hill, or steep incline and your Korean friends will be jumping into their hiking clothes faster than Wonder Woman spinning into costume.
KICK ASS KOREA reason 15
I’ve only done one hike in Korea. It was for a school bonding trip to Achasan. Needless to say I didn’t plan on doing it again. It’s not that I’m against the outdoors. I love the outdoors, especially the beach or the woods with a cabin and a bear skin rug and a roaring fire and some burly man waiting for me on that aforementioned rug. Yeah, outside is awesome when it’s like that. However, throw a mountain in my way and I’m more inclined to search for a way through it than over it.
So you might find it surprising then that I recently found myself hiking once again. A trip to Buam Dong with my friend Sergio turned into an unexpected hike of Seoul’s Wall Fortress on Bugaksan Mountain.
Unlike other mountain hikes around Seoul this one has one distinct feature: guards. That’s because the route takes you perilously close to the Blue House, the home of Korea’s presiding President. There’s a section of the hike that you actually need ID to get through.
Once in the danger zone you’re restricted to certain areas to take photos. If you do happen to click away nilly willy a security officer will pop out of nowhere with an admonishing tone and fierce look. So, only take pictures at designated spots. It’s understandable, because you could be some North Korean spy.
Also be sure to bring along some bottled water because there’s no nearby 7-11. If it gets too much just take frequent breaks and enjoy the view. I did the hike this past summer and since I abhor winter I wouldn’t recommend going until late spring. Still, if you’re one of those winter enthusiasts then you’ll probably fair well. Do it!
Directions:
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3.
Transfer to Bus 1020 to Jahamun Gate (자하문).
Hours:
April-October: 09:00-15:00
November-March: 10:00-15:00
