Seoul: Bugaksan (북악산) hike!

Last Sunday, we took advantage of the one sunny day in-between the consecutive days of rain to go hiking in Seoul! If you think that Seoul is all concrete, then you are much much mistaken! It is actually enveloped by mountains (I kid you not). While it admittedly does not have the highest of peaks, it does have what I affectionately term 'mini mountains' within city limits, which means that they are super accessible by public transport and cheap to make a day trip of since you do not have to take a long distance bus out of the city nor do you have to spend on accommodation near the mountain. 

And this was the mountain I chose after some research:

Bugaksan (북악산)

It is located behind Gyungbukgung (경복궁) and is only 342m high! It is also home to a very scenic pathway, also known as the 'MOST ROMANTIC DRIVING ROUTE', as well as a very impressive pavilion. If you don't plan to self drive in Korea, you can also hire a taxi take you up on that scenic drive while you take in the view with your partner in the backseat:)

But on that Sunday morning, it was the five of us ladies on a 7km round trip hike (To the pavilion and back)! Public buses unfortunately do not drive you up Bugaksan- the closest would be on the foot of the mountain, and then you can take a hike up!

There are quite a few routes up Bugaksan, depending on where you want to end up, and for us, we simply followed the sign that says Bugak Palgakjeong (the name of the pavilion). We were also lucky because there was a huge group of people participating in a GPS competition that Sunday, and they were all on a mission to find Palgakjeong (I eavesdropped) so we tagged along

This is the sign you will want to look out for!

The view along the way: that mountain you see in the distance is Bukhansan, which I also climbed during Chuseok!

Us five ^.^

The hike was relatively easy, with no steep slope or stairs. Half the route was a dirt path, but well trodden, and the other half was on a wooden boardwalk. We all wore normal running shoes and that served is just fine!

The air was fresh, the sky a vibrant blue, and we were all really happy to be taking a break from the city (though technically we were still in the city). We also got some amazing shots of the autumn foliage, which was half the reason why we chose that Sunday- it was now or never since the rain this week was going to cause all the trees to shed most their leaves!

At the start: already seeing hints of red! 

Crossing the road to enter the forest trail.

Going up the steps- AUTUMN STARING US IN OUR FACE!

We were all really excited because it was the first time some of us are experiencing autumn (thank you Southeast Asia for denying us that chance to grow up with a change of seasons), and it was some of your first time going hiking (this is an activity I picked up after coming to Korea because mountains here are so accessible and very much climbable for a relatively (un)fit novice like me!

THEN BAM! 

So pretty it hurts to look...

Now it isn't that hard to understand why autumn is my favourite season right?

BIG SMILE ON MY FACE!

We stopped for pictures along the way, but soon it was evident that the foliage was EVERYWHERE so we kept our cameras and simply enjoyed the view that came with the hike! It took us about 1.5 hours (average pace, stopping for water + pictures) to get to Palgakjeong, and when we did, we whipped out our cameras. AGAIN.

The pavilion had a little garden surrounding it!

Not the best shot since the sun was overhead (it was almost 10:50am!)

A close-up :)

And of course- one picture of us with the pavilion!

We walked around the garden, used the washroom, and spent thirty minutes on top of that observatory deck:) It goes around the pavilion, and you get to see all the various mountains enveloping Seoul! There are also huge binoculars that you can use to get a close up for a mere 500won~

Some of my interesting observations:

A convenience store trying to blend in!

A little ancient pavilion as part of the garden! Wonder why the ahjusshis were eating next to it instead of in it...

For if you feel the urge to write home:)

We had a great time just talking about our experience thus far in Seoul and in graduate school. It was really fun to hear because we all came from different countries and had different backgrounds prior to choosing to do a graduate degree in IR.

A clear indication of the country we are in!

Can you spy the Namsan tower in the distance, along with the rest of Seoul?

One last snap before heading down!

I would most definitely recommend this hike at Bugaksan to those who just want some fresh air and something different to do on a weekend! Serious climbers will probably find this trail quite unrewarding and undemanding in terms of physical exertion. Definitely a good climb for families with children in elementary school or with teenagers!

Also, on our way down...

Isn't she the cutest!!!!!!? We met a pug and her owner gave us the permission to simply play with her. Turns out she is super well trained! Gives her paw to you when you hold out your hand near her feet ^.^