Bukhansan Hike!
Josh
7 days ago
If you are looking for a fun hike with beautiful views, this is it. I’ve hiked quite a few mountains in Korea since I moved here about a month ago, and this is by far one of the coolest ones I’ve done so far. Not only do you get to go pretty high, but there are also so many scenic spots along the way that make the hike feel like there is always something new to see. There were several places where I stopped just to take in the view and take some pictures.
The hike itself was definitely a little challenging in some parts, especially because of the rocks. Some sections are pretty steep and the rocks can be slippery, so I would definitely recommend wearing actual hiking shoes or something with good grip. I saw a couple of people slip and fall on the way down, so that is something to be careful about. Going up was not too bad for me, but coming back down was definitely where I felt like I needed to pay more attention to where I was stepping.
Also, be prepared for the weather at the top. As of October 3rd, it was very windy and surprisingly cold once I got up there. As you can see from my pictures, I definitely was not dressed for that kind of weather! I was expecting it to be pretty comfortable since it was still relatively warm at the bottom, but the temperature and wind at the top were a completely different story. If you are going soon, I would definitely bring an extra layer, even if it feels warm when you start.
One of the other cool things about this hike is that you can get some free hiking gear and a cute little keychain as part of the program. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the hiking gear because the program opens at 9:00 AM and I arrived before then, but I still thought it was a really cool addition to the experience. I was able to get the little keychain, which was a nice souvenir from the hike.
Overall, even with the cold, wind, and some difficult rocky sections, I had a great time. The views, the different scenery throughout the hike, and the overall experience made it completely worth it. If you enjoy hiking and want something that feels a little more adventurous than just walking around a park, I would definitely check this place out. Just make sure you wear shoes with good grip and bring a jacket!
