- Location: Ui-dong Kanbukku, Seoul, South Korea
- Height above sea level: 836 m
- Admission fee: adult ticket - $ 1.4
- Working hours: daily, all year round
In the north of Seoul is the Pukhan Mountain, which is also a natural park and an adornment of the capital of South Korea . During the reign of the Joseon Dynasty, the mountain range was the border of the city. Now this place is visited daily by a huge number of tourists, which is worthy of becoming a record for the Guinness Book.
Features of Mount Puckhansan
It is noteworthy that the mountain has three peaks that are not peaked, like most mountain peaks. Their height is 836 m (Bagunde), 810 m (Insubong) and 799 m (Mangyongdae) respectively. The Pukhan Mountain is a recreation center for locals and a favorite place for pilgrimage of climbers of all levels of preparation. The array is popular also because it is located right in the city, and there is no need to make a long trip to get here. From the top there is a beautiful view of Seoul, and from the city itself in good weather, you can see picturesque rounded peaks.
Pukkhansan Mountains, formed about 170 million years ago, were declared a national park in 1983. Their total length is 78.45 km, and they are divided into 6 districts. The name Pukhan-san literally translates as "big mountains in the north of Khan" (Khan is a river not far away). Despite the fact that the mountains are called Pukhansan, in the original they were called Samkaksan (three horned mountains), but were renamed. However, the government plans to change this name again.
What attracts the Puckhansan National Park?
Any natural reserve is unique. It concerns the Pukkhansan mountains, but it is many times more interesting than most natural parks. Here there are historical monuments, unique plants, there is an opportunity to go in for sports and just have a good rest in the fresh air. The Korean National Park Service has developed 14 routes for tourism, and all of them are interesting in their own way.
Before entering the park, a person enters his data into a special magazine. This is necessary for security - no matter how beautiful the mountains, they can be insidious and dangerous. Here's what interesting you can see in Pukhansana:
- Ornithofauna. Due to the temperate climate, the Pukkhansan mountain range has become home to more than 1,300 species of birds, including endemic species.
- Stairs and pyramids. A lot of steps lead up the mountain. Here they are needed for those who are unable to overcome the natural complex route. Along the way, here and there, there are pyramids of stones - small and large. All of them are created by the hands of a man: here there is a belief that one who folds a pyramid of stones can expect happiness.
- The mountain fortress of Pukhansan , which is 8.5 m high, is very interesting. It extends for 9.5 km. Powerful, three-meter thick walls give an idea of how the Koreans once knew how to defend their ancient city.
- The forests on Pukhan Mountain are especially beautiful. Here you can walk at any time of the year and get aesthetic pleasure, but the mountain looks best in autumn, when deciduous forests paint it in the most unusual and bright colors.
- Temples . As at the foot of the mountain, so on the top there are several temple complexes and pavilions. Some of them are active, while others are open-air museums.
How to get to Pukkhansan National Park?
From anywhere in Seoul you can get to the foot of the mountain by metro . The final stop is Dobongsan Station. At the exit of tourists expect shops selling all necessary equipment for rock climbing, as well as grocery stores and cafeterias, where you can stock up for a day or a snack. Before entering, rescuers lecture on safe behavior in the national park.