What if I told you Hyeongjebong 1 offers more than just a pretty view? It offers a rewarding experience. It is located within Bukhansan National Park. This park sees about 5 million visitors each year. That’s a lot of foot traffic. It even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is known as the national park with the highest number of visitors per square foot.
Many Koreans enjoy hiking. About 70% of Korea is covered in mountains. Bukhansan is easily accessible from Seoul. The park can be quite crowded most weekends. Some trails feel as busy as Gangnam’s streets on a Friday night.
One popular trail leads to Hyangnobong Peak. A sign promises a short 2 kilometer hike to the 535 meter peak. But don’t be fooled. It’s a challenging climb. Some hikers compare it to scaling the Inca Trail or Kota Kinabalu.
The path starts easy enough, along a dirt trail surrounded by trees. Soon, you’ll face steep granite and stone faces. It feels more like climbing than trekking. But don’t worry. The view of Seoul’s urban landscape is worth it.
The final ascent involves scrambling up granite rock faces. Sometimes you need to use your hands. Some people even crawl like Spiderman. But once you reach the top of Hyeongjebong 1, the panorama is amazing. It’s a rewarding experience after a tough climb.