The Romance of a Rocky Mountain Found in the Embrace of Seoul: A Hiking Record of Buramsan(Mountain), Nowon

Buramsan(Mountain), a Mighty Rocky Mountain Watching Over Seoul

When you get off at Sanggye Station on Subway Line 4 and look up, you can see Buramsan(Mountain) rising prominently in the middle of the city. At 508 meters above sea level, it is said to be the lowest of the five mountains surrounding Seoul, but once you get close, its magnificence is second to none among famous mountains. Just like its name, which implies it resembles a Buddha wearing a songnak (a monk's hat), the moment you enter the mountain, your mind feels calm and settled.

At the beginning of the mountain trail, a cool mountain breeze mixed with the scent of soil brushes against your cheeks. Since Buramsan(Mountain) is made of sandstone, the forest is not very dense. But that makes it even better. Every time you walk along the ridge, the unobstructed scenery of Seoul fills your vision like a panorama. When the giant rocks near the summit shine white under the sunlight, you immediately understand why this place constantly draws people in.

Comfort Offered by Magnificent Rocky Ridges

When climbing steep rocky sections, the sound of ragged breathing lingers in my ears, but once I reach the summit, all that effort melts away like snow. The landscape spread out below is so peaceful that even the noise of the city sounds distant. In the season when spring deepens, royal azaleas bloom profusely along the mountainside. Like a garden carefully tended by someone, the sight of red and pink flower buds filling the spaces between the rocks is an unforgettable spectacle.

Hiking is always a time to face oneself. The sound of leaves swaying in the wind, the friction of hiking boots stepping on rough rocks, and the refreshing air inhaled at the summit. Buramsan(Mountain) is a grateful place where you can enjoy such complete relaxation near Seoul. Since you can easily get there by public transport and return with deep inspiration, it is also a great place to set off for on a weekend afternoon.

Hiking Tips for Buramsan(Mountain) from a Visitor

The course starting from Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu(District), Seoul, is the most popular for Buramsan(Mountain). The transportation is excellent, making it very easy to access using Subway Line 4. The best time for a hike is definitely the morning. The scenery in the morning, with sunlight reflecting off the rocks, is the most beautiful. There are quite a few steep rocky sections, so I recommend wearing hiking boots with good grip and climbing at a leisurely pace.

After the hike, try finishing your day by sharing a cup of warm tea at a small cafe or restaurant in the nearby Sanggye-dong area. The ridge also connects to the nearby Suraksan(Mountain), so if your physical strength permits, planning a longer course is a good idea. A time to set aside complex thoughts in the embrace of nature and focus solely on walking. How about taking a light trip to Buramsan(Mountain) this weekend?