Gwanaksan (632m) is a mountain on the southern border of Seoul, and the northern border of Gyeonggido. There’s the usual granite outcrops, pleasant forest, a temple near the start (Gwaneumsa) and one almost on top (Yeonjudae), and of course city views for miles. It’s not as spectacular as Bukhansan to the north, but the finish along a rocky river bed was very pleasant, and added good variety. One of the Yeonjudae Temple buildings is perched on the very edge of the mountain and makes for an impressive photo – scroll down for that. The route depicted here takes you over the mountain, starting on the more challenging of three main routes to the top, and then down to skirt the edge of Seoul National University. Track notes at the end.
Gwanaksan 관악산 Traverse: The Scenery
Here’s a video of the views:
Track Notes
Start at Sadang Station and walk south on the main road until a right turn (west) from an elevated section of road up Seungbang-gil to the start of the trail. Follow the signs to Gwaneumsa. I’m not sure which of the main trails at the start is the main one onto the ridge, so I’ve left dotted lines there, but it’s not so hard when you are there. Have a look at the temple, which is a short walk down some steps. Return to the trail and continue up the ridge.
On my way up I took a more direct route for one short section that required some scrambling. There are ropes to assist if need be. The more official route goes around to the right (NW maybe?) of this section. They join back up at a flag pole flying the national flag. From there it’s obvious until the summit.
Continue over the summit and descend on steps to the main buildings of Yeonjudae for a quick look around. Back track from there and turn west to take the track down to Seoul University. It enters a valley and you follow a nice stream until you emerge onto a road next to the uni. Continue until the park entrance, marked by a large gate. Gwanaksan Station (light rail I think) is just past the entrance.
Hi Edward,
Many thanks for sharing your experience and photos of your climb of Gwanaksan Mountain.
My wife’s family lives in Sadang suburb, which is at one of the points of entry to this climb. I have climbed it once previously in 2019, and I am planning to repeat in Nov of this year, when next back in Seoul.
Regards
Neville Henry
Hi Neville. Nice to know somebody has read one of my Korean posts. 🙂 That’s very handy having this mountain on their doorstep. My wife’s mum lives next to a small hill that is good for exercise but not for views. I suppose it will make sense for you to go back down the same way although it was quite nice at the Seoul National University end.
I love Korea.