“Everest of the soul,” someone might whisper about Cheonggyesan. Cheonggyesan is a mountain that extends over Seoul. More precisely, it’s in the district of Seocho. It also stretches into the cities of Gwacheon, Uiwang and Seongnam. These cities are in Gyeonggi Province. Cheonggyesan stands at an elevation of 620 meters. That’s about 2,034 feet.
Cheonggyesan is conveniently located on Seoul’s outskirts. Near Cheonggyesan, you will find Seoul Land, a popular theme park. Gwacheon Seoul Grand Park is also nearby. So is LetsRun Park Seoul. For those with scientific curiosity, the Gwacheon National Science Museum is close. Hiking enthusiasts will find trails in Seocho and Gangnam.
The trails lead to Cheonggye Valley and Ganarigol. You can also access them from Yangjae Freight Terminal and Senjyeong-dong. Another trail starts in Mangyeo-dong in Gwacheon. Many people enjoy walking from Cheonggyecheon and Uiwang-dong to Imsubong Mangyeongdae.
On Cheonggyesan’s southwest side, you’ll discover Cheonggyesa Temple. This temple was built during the Silla Dynasty. Seoul Memorial Park lies at the mountain’s eastern foot. The Gyeongbu Expressway runs southeast.
Now, let me tell you a couple of stories from Cheonggyesan’s past. On a rainy day, July 27, 1987, disaster struck. A landslide hit the Seoul Grand Park’s Carnivore Enclosure. A jaguar escaped amid the chaos. The search began at noon. The jaguar was found 37 hours later. It was killed 245 meters above sea level.
In December 2010, another animal escaped. Kkoma, a male Malayan sun bear, found his way out of his quarantine area. The zoo planned to capture Kkoma alive. For nine days, Kkoma roamed free. He even ate snacks and drank Makgeolli at food stalls on the mountain. Finally, on December 15, Kkoma was caught in a trap. He was safely returned to the zoo.
Tragically, in August 2018, a dismembered body was found on a hiking trail near the Seoul Grand Park parking lot.
If you want to visit Cheonggyesan, there are several ways to get here. From Yangjae Station, take bus number 4432. From Indeogwon Station Exit 2, take bus number 10 or 10-1. Get off at the Cheonggyesan Parking Lot Stop. From Moran Station Exit 3, take the Neighborhood bus number 11-1.
As you leave Cheonggyesan, remember its beauty. Remember its history and its resilience. May your own journey be filled with discovery and peace.