Baegundae which literally means the platform covered by white cloud, is the highest peak (2744 ft) in Bukhansan National Park, situated in Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea.
Bukhansan National Park has several trails suited to every level of experience, from gentle slopes to steep rugged tracks and the ever-changing scenery in each season will make every visit unique.
I climbed Baegundae peak during last two weeks of autumn and hence colorful dry autumn leaves had fallen on the ground from most of the trees as heaps.
I started my trail from Bukhanseong Park Information Center and chose the trails running through Bukhanseong fortress (북한산성)
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Transportation:- If you are coming from Seoul, the best way is to take the subway line 3 and get down at Gupabal station. From Gupabal station, take exit 1 and from there you can take bus no 704 or 8772 which will take you to the Bukhanseong park entrance area (Ipgok-samgori).
Address:-서울특별시 은평구 진관동 289-8
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Samgaksan mountain over the shops near Ipgok-Samgori area.
Baegundae is the highest peak (2744 ft) of this mountain
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Since all the trails are interconnected, the total distance of your trekking depends on how you choose the trails. In case of me, I walked not less than 20 kms within half a day.
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| About Bukhanseong fortress |
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| Hikers with hiking sticks and colorful apparel on their way. |
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Bukhansan is very rich with streamlets with crystal clear water.
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Baegundae peak from a view point
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| Dozens of Buddhist temples were also built within the fortress for the use of Buddhist monk army. It is said that Buddhist monks had given their immense contribution to build and safeguard the fortress as monk soldiers. |
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This is Nojoksa temple (still operating).
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View of Baegundae peak from a watch house in fortress wall
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| A squirrel carrying moss on rocks (may be preparing for winter) |
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Bukhanseong fortress was first built in 132 AD and was rebuilt in 1711 AD (37th year of king Sukjong's reign). It was established after the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592 to 1598 and the second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1636 in order to prevent such foreign invasions in future.
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Over the Southern gate building of fortress wall
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An entrance gate of the fortress
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| In case of any emergency, you can call 119 and get help. You only have to tell your location number mentioned in the posts erected along the the trail. |
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Due to mist, Seoul city view was not very clear from Baegundae.
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| A record of historical facts of the March First Movement, also called Samil Independence Movement, series of demonstrations for Korean national independence from Japan that began on March 1, 1919 has being engraved on Baegundae peak. |
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On Baegundae peak
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It was very cold and windy on top of Baegundae. No words to say about this cup of coffe had from a Korean met during the hike.
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Hiking Baegundae peak is a must-to-do if you love hiking in South Korea.
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