A Mountain in Seoul Where You Might Even Meet a Mountain Goat: Yongsan Rise for the New Year
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
As the Year of the Red Horse begins, Seoul Tourism Foundation highlights three inner-city routes to energize the new year—one is Yongmasan in northeastern Seoul. Yongmasan (Yongma Mountain) is a popular sunrise-hiking spot whose name and legends link it to horses. Despite its central location, much of its natural habitat remains, and hikers sometimes encounter mountain goats. The trail is accessible by public transit (subway lines 7 and 5) and offers relatively gentle, well-maintained paths suitable for beginners. From the summit you can see the Han River and Seoul’s skyline, including Lotte World Tower. Connected ridgelines allow 2–2.5 hour loop options via Achasan, Mangu, and other trails. New facilities—Yongmasan Skywalk (a 160 m elevated wooden deck) and Yongma Waterfall Park’s winter sledding area—add family-friendly experiences: the skywalk has safety features and lighting for early mornings or evenings, and the sledding/play zones at the renovated former quarry are free for children under 18. Overall, Yongmasan is an easy, rewarding day trip for sunrise seekers and families.
