The most common way of hiking Bukhansan is to start at the Bukhansan Baekundae entrance, directly summit the tallest peak in the park and exit the park on the opposite side. It’s a hike that can take anywhere from 4-7 hours depending on your fitness level.
But on this autumn day, I was completely free so I had the time and the desire for an all day challenge. I decided to hike Baekundae and then walk along the ridge until I reached Bibong, the second most famous peak.
The trails going up the the peak are a mix of random rock pathways and then transition to predominantly padded staircases and boardwalks.
It’s slightly technically with a couple places where you need to hold on to metal ropes.
Although it’s not super intense of a climb up, it’s very important to wear hiking shoes. Although it’s possible to hike it in trainers, there are moments that my hiking partner felt unsafe while I was able to go much quicker without the same worry
My hiking partner and I summited after 2 hours, though we stopped often to take photos.
The last 900 meter to the summit often is the busiest part of the hike and people literally line up. This makes progress slow. On the way down you have time to capture a number of amazing photos. Along this part of the trail are the best points for a dramatic ‘I hiked Bukhansan photo’.
In order to reach both summits there is about 3 km of redundant hiking if you take my path, for you need to go back down Baekundae peak and then back travel to the turn off point for the ridge. The turn off to the ridge is referenced by the sign pointing to Daedongmun Gate.
For the most part, the rest of the hike follows a old wall. Which makes getting lost pretty difficult and plenty opportunities for some interesting and unique trail photos
The ridge isn’t particularly demanding and offers many interesting views. It also might inspire you for future trips for there are many turn off trails that appear to have effort worth views on them.
Upon reaching Bibong I was was surprised to discover there was a bit of off trail climbing to actually get to the summit. By off trail I mean there is no installed safety metal rope and involves your whole body to get through certain sections.
I’m a bit scared of heights so with my big camera bag on my back I was incredibly nervous coming back down. I’m glad I went, but I was extremely happy that I didn’t go on a weekend with dozen of people there pressuring me to go quicker.
Would recommend a weekday when doing Bibong unless you are a rock climber ~ in which case it will be an incredibly easy climb for you.
From there it was a straight downward trek along a rocky path. There are a couple ways to get down depending on which subway station/bus you want to take home.
I would recommend doing the whole trail if you have time.
Baekundae is the most physically demanding but also the most beautiful part of the trail. I opted to start with that section, to make sure I wasn’t tired when I need my strengthen. The ridge has frequent views that make the add on worth it.
If you are looking for great photos of the Bibong view I would opt for its own trip. I say that because it’s very likely that the lighting won’t be great by the time you reach the peak. Additionally, the sun sets behind the summit rock, making capturing a quality photo a bit difficult.
Happy trekking everyone 🙂
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