snowy hike Bukhansan National Park's Baegundae Peak
Seoul is nestled among 37 accessible mountains. Seoul’s highest peak, Baegundae, is located in Bukhansan National Park which holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest number of visitors per square foot. I couldn’t find anyone in the hostel to hike Bukhansan National Park's Baegundae Peak, so I found a meetup group and did this 10 km (6.2 miles) 800 meters (2600 ft) elevation gain hike.
Bukhansan National Park has a handful of peaks, with Baegundae being its highest and most well known. The hike to the top appears to be easy at the beginning, but gets tough and steep closer to the peak. The landscape changes subtly throughout the hike, and each section offers its own flavor.
I took my chance to hike in forecasted light rain with my Brook running shoes which lost most of its grabs over a combination of concrete and dirt paths, obstacles such as large and small stones, plenty of rocky steps, and various types of stairs. As we got closer to the peak, it started snowing and my cotton gloves were soaking wet. However, I still had to march up since it would be more scary to hike the same way down. We gave up and turned around about 0.2 km from the peak as the snow became heavy and very slippery, especially at the steep trail.
I was fine using ropes (already anchored in place) to pull myself up certain pitches, but it got really scary to go down using the same way with my back facing downwards over steep and slipper rocks (quite a few “why did I do this to myself” or you may say “I will never forget this” moments). I made it down with one loaned hiking pole from one fellow hiker and one loaned micro spike from another fellow hiker.
I was told that the views from Baegundae's summit is breathtaking (and at times a little scary). Fortunately, the snow storm passed via, and the sun was out on our way walking along the Seoul City Wall. I got some amazing views of the bounty of awesome mountain peaks in Bukhansan National Park, as well as sprawling metropolis. The National Park is well maintained and many sceneries really look like Chinese paintings.
I spotted a Lotte Mall next to Gupabal station, and went in its supermarket for free food sampling before heading back to the hostel.
Bukhansan National Park has a handful of peaks, with Baegundae being its highest and most well known. The hike to the top appears to be easy at the beginning, but gets tough and steep closer to the peak. The landscape changes subtly throughout the hike, and each section offers its own flavor.
I took my chance to hike in forecasted light rain with my Brook running shoes which lost most of its grabs over a combination of concrete and dirt paths, obstacles such as large and small stones, plenty of rocky steps, and various types of stairs. As we got closer to the peak, it started snowing and my cotton gloves were soaking wet. However, I still had to march up since it would be more scary to hike the same way down. We gave up and turned around about 0.2 km from the peak as the snow became heavy and very slippery, especially at the steep trail.
I was fine using ropes (already anchored in place) to pull myself up certain pitches, but it got really scary to go down using the same way with my back facing downwards over steep and slipper rocks (quite a few “why did I do this to myself” or you may say “I will never forget this” moments). I made it down with one loaned hiking pole from one fellow hiker and one loaned micro spike from another fellow hiker.
I was told that the views from Baegundae's summit is breathtaking (and at times a little scary). Fortunately, the snow storm passed via, and the sun was out on our way walking along the Seoul City Wall. I got some amazing views of the bounty of awesome mountain peaks in Bukhansan National Park, as well as sprawling metropolis. The National Park is well maintained and many sceneries really look like Chinese paintings.
Comments
Post a Comment