Bugaksan (북악산, 342 m) is the highest of the four inner mountains that surround old Seoul: Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan and Inwangsan. It is also the highest peak on the southern spur of Bukhansan. The old Seoul city wall that links these ridges was built with Bugaksan as its starting point.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
About Bugaksan
In the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, a palace of the southern capital, Namgyeong, was built here, and the mountain was called Myeonak. In the Joseon period, a shrine to the mountain spirit of Baegak stood here, so it was also called Baegaksan. The name Bugaksan comes from its position as the northern mountain around the capital, Hanyang.
When Joseon was founded, the monk Muhak praised it as a famous mountain blessed with royal energy, and the royal palace and capital were established below it. Gyeongbokgung Palace was built at its foot in 1394, and in modern Korea the presidential office, Gyeongmudae, was also located here.
The mountain was once known for dense pine forests, and Joseon scholars gathered in its valleys to cool their feet in the water. After logging, the pines disappeared, and today oak trees are common.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
Things to See and Do
- Seoul city wall: The old fortress wall is preserved along the ridges.
- Changuimun Gate: Also called Jahamun, it is one of the four small gates of old Seoul and stands at the western foot of the mountain, between Bugaksan and Inwangsan.
- Bugak Skyway: A road from Changuimun to Arirang Pass in Jeongneung, connecting Changuimun and the Palgakjeong pavilion, with views of forest and city.
- Trails: The mountain also connects to the Cheong Wa Dae area and Samcheong Park.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
Before You Go
- On October 17, 2026, the last closed section (1.32 km on the southwest side, toward Cheongun-dong) was opened, and the whole mountain is now open to hikers. There are five observation points.
- The mountain is open 24 hours a day, all year, but may be closed in bad weather.
- The entrance is at the Changuimun information center.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
Basic Information
| Name | Bugaksan (북악산) |
| Address | Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 청운동 |
| Height | 342 m |
| Hours | Open 24 hours (may close in bad weather) |
| Closed | None |
| Contact | Jongno-gu Office, Urban Green Division, +82-2-2148-2835 |
How to Get There
- Subway + bus: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3. Take bus 1020, 7022 or 7212 and get off at the Jahamun Pass / Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum stop. The Changuimun information center is a 1-2 minute walk away.
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization (KOGL Type 1)
This post was prepared using Korean public data (Korea Tourism Organization), but some details may differ from the current situation. Please use it only as a reference for your trip to Korea, and if you need more information, search for the title of this post on Google or another search engine.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI), KOGL Type 1
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