Gwanaksan

This was a hike from Sadang station to Gwanaksan returning by way of Seoul National University. It took about 3.5 hours at a moderate to fast pace. I was hiking alone, so I did not stop much except to get a quick picture and or way-point. Plan on 4 hours counting getting back to the subway by bus. Although it is not a long hike, I rated it moderate because it gains a lot of elevation and involves scrambling over rocks. This is NOT a hike for beginners. Also there is NO water for the entire hike so make sure you have enough with you. At the end there is a store inside the Engineering building right where the trail comes out on the Seoul National University campus.

Start off at Sadang Station, Lines 2 or 4, going out exit 4. Walk up the street about 50 m then turn right going up the hill. This road will take you to the trail head. Initially you will follow the signs for Gwaneumsa (Temple) following the road. From Sadang Station to Gwaneumsa is 0.8 miles. You will find the trail head just before the temple on the right. Don't let the "Seoul Trail" sign fool you. As you go around the temple the "Seoul Trail" will turn off to the right after about 100 m. You want to continue up the hill rather than continue to follow the "Seoul Trail" signs. The trail will start to get steep and you will soon be scrambling up steep rocks. See the pictures. Along the way there are a number of nice view points as well as pill boxes (fox holes) that are maintained by the military in case North Korea invades. You will also pass a couple of viewing platforms/ rest areas and a couple helicopter landing pads. Just before the summit the is another steep section of rocks with ropes and chains to assist you. At the summit you will find a military base (off limits) and a meteorological station (open certain hours, forgot to record the opening times). The meteorological station is worth a visit even if you don't speak Korean. There is also a summit rock with the elevation marked which makes a nice picture. The way down follows a ridge with nice views of the city to one side and a mountain forest to the other. It is also steep in places with ropes to assist you. Eventually, you will come out on the campus of Seoul National University. From there you can take one of several buses (5511, 5513, 5516) to the Seoul National University Subway Station (Line 2).