Weekend, Places to Go New Trail Opens Behind Cheongwadae on Bukak Mountain…Autumn Walk Tracing Historical Footprints

A new walking trail is opening on Bukak Mountain, which surrounds downtown Seoul. The last unopened section, which has been restricted since the January 21 Incident in 1968, opens to citizens on the 17th. From the view overlooking Cheongwadae and Gyeongbokgung Palace to the pine tree that preserves the history of that time, visitors can experience both Seoul's nature and history on a short mountain path.

The National Heritage Service announced it will open the 1.32km southwestern ridge trail of the Historic Site "Seoul Baegak Mountain Area" starting at 9 a.m. on the 17th. This section, located in the Cheongun-dong direction of Jongno-gu, Seoul, starts from Dolphin Rest Area and continues through Mansedonbang mineral spring to the January 21 Incident Pine Tree.

Seoul's scenery encountered on forest trails

The highlights of the new trail are the views of Seoul from the mountain slopes. Four new observation rest areas have been prepared on the trail. Visitors can appreciate major Seoul landmarks including Inwangsan and Namsan mountains, as well as Cheongwadae and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

This opening also connects major trails on Bukak Mountain. In 2020, Bukak Mountain's northern Hanyang Fortress trail of 2.2km was first opened, and in 2022, an additional 3.0km of the southeastern ridge forest area was opened. This southwestern ridge opening is the final phase of the three-stage trail opening project.

History remaining at the mineral spring and pine tree

The mountain path offers not only nature but also historical traces. At Mansedonbang mineral spring, there is a rock with inscriptions expressing wishes for the emperor's longevity and well-being. Through the characters remaining on the rocks in the mountain, visitors can examine the wishes and traces of ancient people.

The January 21 Incident Pine Tree bears bullet marks from the exchange of fire during the North Korean armed commandos' attempted attack on Cheongwadae in 1968. This is a location that demonstrates Bukak Mountain is both a mountain embracing Seoul's natural scenery and a space preserving a scene from modern history.

The Bukak Mountain area is home to historical and cultural heritage including the Hanyang Fortress, Candlestick Rock and Horse Rock, the source of Cheonggyecheon, and the Beopheungsa Temple site. Walking the trail while examining surrounding heritage helps understand Seoul's geography and historical background.

Open 24 hours from the 17th…check your course before visiting

The newly opened section is available for use starting at 9 a.m. on the 17th, and the Presidential Security Service plans to allow 24-hour access as with existing trails. Security and guard systems including safety patrols and closed-circuit television (CCTV) operations will be maintained.

However, the newly opened 1.32km is not the entire hiking course but a section connecting with existing trails. The actual hiking distance may vary depending on the starting point and chosen course, so it is advisable to check the trail information before visiting.

If you visit Bukak Mountain this weekend, rather than hurrying to appreciate only the scenery, take notice of the traces left on the path. It can be a walk where you view Seoul's familiar appearance with fresh eyes and retrace the history of a space that was once out of reach.