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Hiking Mt.Gwanaksan
Starting from Sadang metro Station, this rewarding hike ascends through forested trails to Yeonjudae Hermitage, the iconic mountaintop temple perched on a dramatic granite peak. Along the way, hikers enjoy rocky ridges, scenic viewpoints, and sweeping panoramas of Seoul. The tour finishes with a descent to Sadang Station, making it a perfect one-way hike that showcases the best of Gwanaksan.
Hiking Information
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Elevation: 632 m (2,073 ft)
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Duration: 4–5 hours
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Distance: 8–9 km
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Elevation Gain: 600–700 m
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Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
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Highlights: Yeonjudae Hermitage, granite ridges, panoramic Seoul views, and diverse forest trails.
Uphill: Sadang Station → Yeonjudae Ridge
Starting from Sadang Station, the trail climbs steadily through a forest before reaching a series of granite ridges. This section is the most physically demanding part of the hike, with continuous ascents, stone staircases, and several rocky paths. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually opens to spectacular viewpoints overlooking southern Seoul. The ridge walk is one of the highlights of the route, offering dramatic rock formations, fresh mountain air, and panoramic city views that become increasingly impressive with every step.
Summit: Yeonjudae & Yeonjuam
The summit area is the reward for the challenging climb. Yeonjudae (629 m) sits atop a granite peak and provides one of the finest panoramic views in Seoul. On clear days, you can see the Han River, downtown Seoul, Bukhansan National Park, and the surrounding mountains stretching to the horizon. Just below the summit lies Yeonjuam Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple dramatically built among the cliffs. The contrast between the rugged granite peaks and the tranquil temple creates one of Gwanaksan's most memorable scenes, making it an ideal place to rest before beginning the descent.
Downhill: Yeonjuam → Seoul National University Main Gate
The descent toward Seoul National University is gentler than the ascent from Sadang. The trail passes through shaded forests, small valleys, and well-maintained paths with occasional stone steps. Although there are still some steep sections near the upper mountain, the route becomes progressively easier as it approaches the university. This quieter side of Gwanaksan offers a relaxing finish, with beautiful woodland scenery, birdsong, and a refreshing atmosphere before arriving at the main gate of Seoul National University.
Pricing information
Tour price
Number of Guest / Price per Person
- 2Persons / USD252
- 3Persons / USD178
- 4Persons / USD145
- 5Persons / USD122
- 6Persons / USD110
- 7Persons / Inquiry
Inclusions
Exclusions
- Personal expense
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Note
- Please wear hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Please take a backpack, plenty of water and some food
- If you ask, we will lend you a backpack, hiking poles and crampons.
- Your guide will have a First-aid kit and hiking map with him
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking hiking guide
- Bottled water (1 bottle per person)
- Hiking snack
- Basic first-aid kit
- Hiking poles (available upon request)