Gwanaksan is one of Seoul’s classic, characteristic mountains. As the highest and rockiest peak in the southern half of the city, there’s nowhere quite like it – and it’s an unmissable climb in the capital.
The morning after another speedy Seoul Trail run, we were back at it. Yesterday: sprints on Seoul Trail section 4. Today: a relaxed run in the forests of Gwanaksan on Seoul Trail section 5!
The last time we visited Gwanaksan was exactly one year earlier, when we were on our 120 mountains mission. Then, we’d grabbed a friend and headed straight for the rocky top.
This time, we set off on the lower slopes of the mountain to complete section 5 of the Seoul Trail. We were excited to see another side of this favorite mountain!
The air quality wasn’t ideal, but that did not stop us from having a wonderful run. We took it easy, after a higher-octane outing the previous day and ran along slowly, savoring the scenery.
I think it’s so funny how you often come to love a place only once you move on. When we lived near Seoul, we dreamed of moving out into the wilds of Korea. Now living in those wilds, we dreamed of the mix of mountains and modern comforts offered by the city. We found ourselves returning to it every chance we got!
All things in their proper time, I suppose. Had we have discovered the Seoul Trail in our early years in Seoul, we might not have appreciated a mission on it the way we now could.
We started in the cool blue twilight of early morning. By the time the sun was pinking the city, we were already on Gwanaksan’s rocky slopes – and this granted us spectacular views.
Aside from a few splendid viewpoints, Seoul Trail section 5 was largely in the forest. Sometimes we peeped up to the rocky mountain above, sometimes down to the city below, but our attention was largely on the forest and the trail itself. There were a few exercise stations and a few more exciting structures to see. We also got to listen the sounds of the forest waking up.
One of my favorite scenes was at Gwaneumsa Temple. Several older Koreans had arrived early. Some strolled around the grounds, while others sat on benches below colorful paper lanterns. I couldn’t help pausing here myself – and counting my many blessings.
But we didn’t linger: it was too chilly for that! Deep in the forest, we couldn’t feel the warm rays of the sun as we had on the previous day’s Seoul Trail run.
And instead of mud, we encountered snow! Only a few small sections of it, but it was clear that winter was lingering on the north side of the mountain.
We emerged from the forest near Seoksu station, this outing being a short one. It was time to collect our stamp and say goodbye to Seoul again. Our run date was followed by a nice little brunch date, and then the bus ride home.
Know and Go! Seoul Trail Section 5
We ran Seoul Trail section 5 in the correct direction, beginning at Sadang station (green line 2 and light blue line 4 – exit 4). We ended at Seoksu station (dark blue line 1 – exit 1). However, there’s no rule about going clockwise – do it however you want! And why not add on a climb up Gwanaksan’s peak if you have time?
Seoul Trail section 5 is one of the shorter courses at 12.7 kilometers. It’s medium-difficulty: the trail is mostly on the mountain slopes, so it’s rolling but there are no major climbs.
There are three stamps in section 5: (from east to west) Sadang station, Seoul National University campus and Seoksu station.
Carry on with more Seoul Trail adventures here! Or climb to the top of Gwanaksan here!