Bukhansan National Park is a majestic sight, dominating the northern skyline of Seoul. It boasts numerous peaks over 700 meters, including the highest, Baegundae Peak (836.5m), along with Insubong (811m), Mangyeongdae (800m), and many others. With 97 official hiking trails and 9 nature observation paths, it’s highly accessible by public transport from anywhere in the city, making it a favorite spot for both locals and international visitors seeking spectacular natural scenery.
Today, let's lace up our boots and explore one of the park’s most rewarding trails: the ascent to Biseung Peak (Bibong)!
📍 Location and Hiking Course Details
Location: Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hiking Course: Parking Lot → Jingwansa Temple → Biseung Peak (Round Trip)
Total Distance: Approximately 5km (Round Trip)
Estimated Time: Around 3 hours (excluding breaks)
Key Feature: The Jingwansa Valley route offers a refreshing climb. Just when the effort starts to feel heavy, a sudden, breathtaking view appears to reward your hard work. And trust me, the sight of Biseung Peak at the end is absolutely worth the climb! This makes it a highly recommended trail for beginner hikers (deunglini).
🅿️ Parking: Eunpyeong Hanok Village Public Lot
For those driving, the Eunpyeong Hanok Village Cultural Public Parking Lot is your best bet, with space for about 150 cars. While it's usually relaxed on weekdays, it can get very busy on weekends, so an early start is recommended!
We visited on a weekday morning and found plenty of open spots. The parking fee is quite reasonable at ₩100 per 5 minutes, with a low daily maximum of ₩13,000. We paid about ₩7,000 for our time, easily settled at the unmanned pre-payment machine near the exit.
Address: 184 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul
Name: Eunpyeong Hanok Village Han Culture Public Parking Lot
Restroom Facilities Before the Hike
A quick tip: the hiking trail itself doesn't have restrooms. Be sure to use the public restroom located right in front of the parking lot before you start! Perhaps because it's part of the traditional Hanok village, the interior was surprisingly clean and comfortable—almost like a hotel!
🛕 Gateway to the Mountain: Jingwansa Temple Entrance
As you approach, you'll be greeted by the stunning Jingwansa Iljumun Gate, which was beautifully framed by the vibrant autumn leaves during our visit. You might spot a small parking area inside the gate, but note that this is typically reserved for temple members.
Introducing Jingwansa Temple
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A Glimpse of Autumn Beauty
This was my first time visiting Jingwansa, and I was genuinely impressed. The autumn foliage here rivals some of Korea's most famous temple-viewing spots!
🌲 Hitting the Trail: The Ascent Begins
The trailhead is easy to find—just follow the wall of the main temple hall (Daeungjeon). From here, the real adventure begins!
Stairway to Heaven (or Biseung Peak)
Soon after entering the Jingwansa Valley route, you'll encounter a seemingly endless stretch of stairs. South Korea's national parks are known for installing many stairs for safety, so be prepared for a solid workout!
Climbing these stairs to the very top is a fantastic leg workout! Just put one foot in front of the other, lose yourself in the movement, and eventually, the pain gives way to the first glimpses of a refreshing, expansive view.
A Fun, Challenging Section!
Get ready for a fun challenge! The path opens up to a sloping rock ridge. Fortunately, sturdy wooden fences are installed for safety. If you take your time and watch your footing, it's not overly dangerous.
Pro Tip: Hiking shoes with good traction are essential for the Jingwansa Valley course! With rock ridges, large boulders, and a thick layer of fallen autumn leaves, the path can be a little slippery.
🧭 The Crossroads: Biseung Peak vs. Hyangrobong
About 40 minutes into the climb from the valley entrance, you’ll reach a signpost for Biseung Peak (Bibong) and Hyangrobong Peak.
Between the novelty of the path and the leaves covering the ground, I actually had a moment where I wondered, "Am I even on the right track?" My map app wasn't giving a clear direction either.
Just then, a fellow hiker came down from a narrow gap between the rocks! I quickly asked if this was the way to Biseung Peak, and thankfully, they confirmed it was.
Yes, you have to climb up this path that barely looks like a path!
The Final Push: Steep Stairs and Rock Scrambles
We're almost there! The terrain hints that we're about to reach the ridge line, rewarding us with a cool, open view. The sign reads: Biseung Peak 0.15km. We’ll meet Biseung soon!
👑 The Grand Finale: Biseung Peak and Rhino Rock
Biseung Peak is a place of duality—many people climb it, but many others are too intimidated to reach the very top. This is because the incline is quite steep! However, if you take your time and step carefully, you can do it.
Rhino Rock (Kopulso Bawi)
As you carefully crawl your way up Biseung Peak, you’ll encounter the famous Rhino Rock (Kopulso Bawi). Some brave souls actually sit on top of this rock for a photo! I, however, chickened out and decided to pass on that particular photo op. (Safety first!)
📝 Hiking Tips for Biseung Peak
Traction Hiking Shoes are a Must: Due to the slippery sections with rock and fallen leaves, reliable footwear is non-negotiable for safety.
Great for Summer Hikes: If you visit in the summer, the valley path offers the delightful sound of cool, flowing water, making for a refreshing climb.
Highly Recommended for Beginners (Deunglini): The trail is relatively short and fun, offering varied terrain that keeps things interesting. Be aware that parts of the path are rugged, but it's a great intro to more challenging hikes and can be easily combined with other peaks like Hyangrobong.