It was early morning, just before dawn. We were anything but alone on the trails leading up Achasan. There were older folk, getting in their morning exercises – alone or in big, boisterous groups. There were young people too: couples in secluded spots waiting for sunrise and a few fellow runners. It was a perfect little slice of urban life meets the mountains on Seoul Trail section 2.
We were among those hoping to catch the sunrise from the summit. That was why we decided to run this route in reverse and out of order. We’d spent the previous night on Seoul Trail section 3, and now it was time for a new trail and a new time of day. Section 2 promised some of the best views along the entire Seoul Trail, and Achasan at daybreak sounded like a perfect way to start our day.
Despite my constant distraction by all of the scenic spots, we made good time up the hill. On a helipad where the trail splintered, we spotted a higher rise to our left. This had to be Yongmabong, the highest point on the Seoul Trail – and we had to visit!
A short detour from Seoul Trail section 2 took us to the 348 meter high point. The peak was marked by a stone stele and several other man-made structures. Like below, it was bustling. Hikers sipped coffee, runners dashed in to tag the top, and people were working out on various exercise machines. As for us, we got to celebrate a new summit!
We’d been especially stoked about this section of the Seoul Trail, knowing that one of our trail running friends regularly uses it for his training. And it definitely did not disappoint! The terrain was tough in places, but runnable – and the scenery was beautiful all morning. It was easy to see why Achasan makes an awesome place to run.
In fact, as we ran north from Yongmabong, we encountered more and more runners! Soon, we understood why. After a little stop in the forest for one rather remote stamp, our dirt path turned into a wide, paved road. Dozens of joggers, hikers and dog-walkers were out here: pushing hard up the smooth, steady incline, or rolling easily down it.
This part of the route passes through a hillside cemetery. So despite all of the people sharing the road, it was tranquil. It was all quiet foot traffic: no cars allowed.
It was a little difficult to leave this hilly stretch behind and return to city streets. Especially when the next section took us through a construction zone. The end of section 2 wasn’t the prettiest part of the trail, but we were making progress!
We reached a little stream, which we followed through the city until the final stamp. At this red booth, we also found the last stamp for section 1! But this wasn’t the end of our run: with time on the clock and the desire to complete every inch of our new project, we continued our northbound run. We still needed to complete Seoul Trail section 1!
Happily, this last little stretch of Seoul Trail was back in the forest. We skirted a world heritage site as we approached Bulamsan again. There were a lot less people wandering in the foothills of this mountain. I ran quietly through the forest, enjoying the ‘forest bathing’ promised in Seoul Trail section 1.
Around a month after our first visit, we found ourselves back on Royal Azalea Hill with that familiar red booth and terrific views of Suraksan. A couple of subway rides, showers and snacks later – and we were headed home. It’s so nice to explore new places – and so nice to go home, too.
Know and Go! Seoul Trail Section 2
Start Seoul Trail section 2 at Hwarangdae station (brown line 6 – exit 4) in the north or Gwangnaru station (purple line 5 – exit 2) in the south. We did this route in reverse to nab a sunrise on Achasan, but it could also be nice to save this scenic spot til the end!
This section of the Seoul Trail is a quick but scenic 12.6 kilometers. Perfect for a shorter run or hike!
There are three stamps in section 2: (from north to south) Hwarangdae station, Yongmasan Ggalddak Gogae (mountain pass) and the base of Achasan.
Head back to the main Seoul Trail page for more!